New Delhi (Patrika English News): Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has introduced a new affordable monthly prepaid plan priced at ₹199, offering 2GB of daily internet data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day with a validity of 28 days.
According to BSNL’s website, once the daily 2GB data limit is exhausted, users can continue browsing at a reduced speed of 40 kbps.
Comparison With Private Telecom Operators
Currently, no private telecom company — Reliance Jio, Airtel, or Vodafone Idea (Vi) — offers a 2GB daily data plan below ₹200. However, while BSNL provides 4G data, private operators are offering 5G data in their plans.
Reliance Jio: ₹349 plan with 2GB daily 5G data, 28-day validity, unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, and free JioTV subscription.
Airtel: ₹349 plan with 2GB daily 5G data, unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, plus Apple Music (6 months) and access to over 20 OTT apps including Sony LIV.
Vodafone Idea (Vi): ₹408 plan with 2GB daily data, unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, Sony LIV subscription, and reduced browsing speed of 64 kbps after data limit.
Declining Subscriber Base
Despite introducing competitive plans, BSNL continues to face a shrinking customer base. According to TRAI’s July 2025 report, BSNL lost 1.01 lakh subscribers, while MTNL also recorded a decline. The combined market share of public sector telecom firms has now dropped to below 8%.
In contrast, Reliance Jio added 4.83 lakh new users in July, while Airtel added 4.64 lakh subscribers. Vodafone Idea (Vi), however, saw a decline of 3.59 lakh customers during the same period.
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