BSNL, the state-run telecom company, has launched its first ever 4G VoLTE feature phone in association with Micromax. Taking cues from Reliance Jio Phone, BSNL has come up with Deshka 4Gfone and the handset will be available for sale at all retail outlets starting October 20th.
Priced at ₹2200, the new Micromax Bharat 1 phone will offer unlimited voice calls and data on BSNL network. Through this bundled tariff plan, BSNL aims to grow its user base as the handset comes with no strings attached, unlike Jio Phone.
Micromax Bharat 1 Phone Specifications:
If you are looking at the specifications of Micromax Bharat 1 Phone, it is simply an indigenously developed4G VoLTE feature phone. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 SoC chipset, the handset comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA display. Supported by 512MB RAM, it has 4GB internal storage and can be expanded further through a microcard slot.
On the camera front, the Micromax Bharat 1 4G VoLTE feature phone is equipped with a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA shooter in front for selfies. This is a dual-SIM handset and is backed by 2000mAh battery.
options include dual-SIM, 4G, VoLTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi hotspot.
Though a standard feature phone, the BSNL partnered handset provides access to 100 live TV channels and tons of movies and music as well. Moreover, it claims that there is a support of 22 local languages.
BSNL – Micromax Partnership:
Addressing the launch of Deshka 4Gfone, Mr. Manoj Sinha, Minister of Communication, Govt of India, said that the Bharat-1 feature phone will be pre-loaded with BHIM UPI payments app and BSNL wallet app.
Mr. Anupam Srivastava, CMD, BSNL added, “Connecting the last mile – to the Internet and relevant information – is an important strategy for both BSNL and Micromax. We are confident that Bharat-1 will help millions of users experience data and call experience like never before”.
Micromax Bharat 1 Phone Vs Reliance JioPhone:
If one compares Reliance Jio Phone with BSNL Micromax Bharat 1, there are a number of pros and cons. However, BSNL’s aggressive tariff plan of just ₹97 could be a game changer. Reliance Jio’s minimum recharge is of ₹153. In contrast, BSNL is offering unlimited voice calls, data, and free roaming for just ₹97.
Also Read: Jio4G VoLTE Feature Phone Unveiled for an Effective Price of ₹0
Till now, there is no detailed report on BSNL’s offering on unlimited data. As the state-owned telecom network operator is committed to launching 4G services in the next year, till then it might offer 3Gservices. Leaving it aside, unlimited calls at ₹97 is a welcome gesture.
Moreover, there will be no locking to a particular network as proposed by Reliance Jio. As a user, you have complete freedom as there is no SIM card or network lock, which implies that you can use Airtel or Reliance Jio or any SIM of your choice. This is definitely a big advantage over Jio Phone. Moreover, you don’t need to refund the handset.
In spite of many advantages, Bharat-1 is expected to face stiff competition from Reliance Jio Phone and Airtel Karbonn A40 Indian smartphone. If the reports are to be believed Reliance will resume the pre-booking of JioPhone soon. On top of this, Bharti Airtel will aggressively promote Mera Pehla 4G smartphone claiming it an affordable 4G smartphone.
Also Read: Airtel Mera Pehla 4G Smartphone, Karbonn A40 Indian at ₹1399
What’s Your Opinion?
Indeed BSNL working with a homegrown player is a welcome decision. Micromax Bharat-1 is a decent feature phone and BSNL bundled tariff of ₹97 is a great deal. Considering the vast reach and PAN-India coverage, BSNL should take this forward every nook and corner of the country. Hope it creates a new wave by connecting the last mile on the internet.
