BSNL Takes On Jio with ₹1699 and ₹2099 Annual Plans

[Vikas Jadhav]

The state-run telecom company BSNL has come up with new annual recharge plans to counter Reliance Jio 1699 yearly plan. To mark the festive season, telecom companies are rolling out unique plans in style.

Recently, the new entrant Reliance Jio launched extra-long annual plan valid for 365 days. To counter the attack, BSNL came up with a similar plan in line with Jio 1699 yearly plan.

Though the state-owned telecom operator claims that the plan is launched to attract new customers during Diwali season, it is a clear attempt to challenge the supremacy of Reliance Jio in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

BSNL ₹1699 Annual Plan:

As per the BSNL’s 1699 Plan, the user gets daily 2GB data, unlimited (local, STD and national roaming) voice calling and daily 100 SMS. The free outgoing in national roaming includes Mumbai and Delhi Telecom circles. Here, the subscriber will get a total of 730 GB of data with a validity of 365 days. One can even enjoy a free Personalized Ring Back Tone (PRBT).

Post the allotted FUP 2GB/day data, one can still access the data at 80 Kbps. The ₹1699 recharge brings the per GB data cost to ₹2.32 which is very less when compared to Reliance Jio’s offering. The BSNL annual plan is open to all on a PAN-India basis.

Along with ₹1699 Plan, the BSNL has launched another annual plan priced at ₹2099. Here, the subscriber gets daily 4GB data along with unlimited voice calls (local, STD, and national roaming) and 100 SMS per day.

As mentioned earlier, the national roaming is free including Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles. Post the FUP limit, the data speed will come down to 80 Kbps.

Reliance Jio 1699 Yearly Plan:

Jio surprised everyone by launching 1699 Yearly Plan with unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day and data benefits. As per FUP, the Jio 4G data is capped at 1.5GB per day. Post the FUP limit, the speed decreases to 64kbps.

Under this yearly pack, Jio subscriber will get a total of 547.5GB of data in 365 days validity period. As per the new offer, the users buying ₹1699 plan will get 100% cash back in the form of coupons that can be redeemable only at Reliance Digital Stores.

Though the coupons are valid until December 31, 2018, they can be redeemable only when the user makes a purchase worth above ₹5000. Undoubtedly, this promotional cashback will not attract the masses.

BSNL Vs Reliance Jio Annual Plan - What’s Your Take?

Annual Plan	BSNL 1699 Yearly Plan	BSNL 2099 Yearly Plan	Reliance Jio 1699 Yearly Plan
Voice Calls ((Local + STD + National Roaming))	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
SMS	100 SMS/Day	100 SMS/Day	100 SMS/Day
Data (4G/3G/2G)	2 GB per day	4 GB per day	1.5 GB per day
Total Data	730 GB	1460 GB	547.5 GB
Post FUP	80 kbps	80 kbps	64 kbps
Cost Per GB	₹2.32 per GB	₹1.43 per GB	₹3.10 per GB
Validity Period	365 days	365 days	365 days
Price	₹1,699	₹2,099	₹1,699

Comparatively, BSNL annual plan looks stronger on the paper. However, it has some limitations too. Unfortunately, the state-run telecom operator BSNL doesn’t have the 4G network completely.

The BSNL subscribers just rely upon 3G and 2G network coverage. Though it has a slower speed than its competitors, BSNL provides better coverage and last-mile reach in rural areas.

If you happen to observe the latest telecom trends from the last couple of years, BSNL is rocking it up to take on any new initiative. The private entities Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Cellular are taking time to innovate. If this trend continues, BSNL will put pressure on the Govt to secure the required 4G waves as soon as possible.

Also Read: BSNL Bumper Offer Adds Extra 2.2GB Data on 10 Prepaid Plans