BSNL Maha 949 Plan Offers Unlimited Calls & 157GB Data

[Amitav Sengupta]

The Indian state-owned telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has revised its 949 plan to offer 157GB of data. Terming it as BSNL Maha 949 plan, the state-run operator revised the plan to offer better benefits.

As per the new revised plan, BSNL will offer 157 GB of data, unlimited voice calling, 100 SMS per day for a period of 157 days. Though the BSNL Maha 949 plan has a validity of 365 days the above listed benefits are valid for the first 157 days.

For the remaining period of its validity (158 – 365 days), there is no benefit in the combo pack. All the voice calls will be charged 60 paisa per minute. The SMS charges are 25 paisa and 35 paisa for local and STD respectively. The saddest part of the Maha 949 pack is the absence of data benefit from 158th day.

157 GB Data for 157 Days:

Though the validity is 365 days, the benefits will stay for the first 157 days. Purely, this is a marketing gimmick from the state-run telecom company. It is never expected!

If we go deep in to the details of the BSNL Maha 949 plan, then you will find other interesting things that limit your selection. First, the 157 GB data has a 1GB daily limit. Thereafter, the data speed will be throttled to 40kbps unlimited usage.

Though there is no restriction on voice calling, the roaming is free except in Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles. The voice calls to Delhi and Mumbai telecom circles are charged 60 paisa per minute.

Also Read: BSNL Free Outgoing Roaming Calls with ₹399 and ₹799 Postpaid Plans

As usual, the BSNL Maha 949 Plan is not valid in Assam, North East, and J&K. Ironically; the Public Sector Company has a limited plan for its subscribers in Kerala. When the PAN-India users can make unlimited voice calls, the benefit is restricted to 200 minutes per day in Kerala Telecom Circle.

This is ridiculous! When the entire telecom industry is offering 4G benefits to its customers, the BSNL is restricted to 3G offerings. In a nutshell, the BSNL Maha 949 Plan has nothing to attract when it is compared to its private counterparts.

BBG Combo ULD 1199 Family Plan:

Leaving the Maha 949 Plan aside, BSNL has launched Family Broadband Plan. Under this plan, you get 3 free mobile connections with unlimited free calling and unlimited data on all the 3 SIMs.

In short, you can make unlimited voice calls on any network across India (excluding Delhi and Mumbai telecom circles). The users can enjoy 1GB data per day on all the3 SIMs. Post 1GB usage, the speed will be limited to 40 kbps.

Apart from the combo benefits, the BBG Combo ULD 1199 Family Plan offers free online TV, 1-month free access to online education for any one subject, and free personalized ringback tone.

What’s Your Thought?

Though there are many such plans offered by other telecom operators, BSNL Family Plan seems to be popular due to its rural advantage. The one offered by Bharti Artel - Airtel Family Plan is also attractive. However, all these plans do not have any competitive advantage delivered by the individual plans. Rest, the subscriber has to make the decision.

Also Read: BSNL ₹499 Postpaid Plan - Unlimited Calls, 45GB Data & Daily 100 SMS