BSNL Revises Its Rs. 197 Prepaid Plan: A Detailed Look
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecommunications provider, has recently updated its popular Rs. 197 prepaid plan. These revisions involve a reduction in validity and a change in the benefits offered. This article delves into the specifics of these changes, comparing the old and new offerings and exploring the potential impact on BSNL subscribers.
Overview of the Changes
Previously, the Rs. 197 plan offered a total validity of 70 days, with the core benefits (unlimited voice calling, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of data per day) valid for the first 15 days. Now, the plan’s overall validity has been reduced to 54 days, and the unlimited voice calling and daily SMS quota have been removed. This represents a significant alteration to the plan’s value proposition.
Detailed Comparison: Old vs. New Rs. 197 Plan
To better understand the changes, let’s compare the key features of the old and new plans:
| Feature | Old Plan | New Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Validity | 70 days | 54 days |
| Core Benefits Validity | 15 days | N/A (Included in Total Validity) |
| Voice Calling | Unlimited (for 15 days) | 300 minutes (total) |
| Data | 2GB/day (for 15 days) | 4GB (total) |
| SMS | 100/day (for 15 days) | 100 (total) |
| Zing Music Access | 15 days | Not Available |
Impact on Subscribers
The reduction in validity and benefits will likely affect subscribers who primarily used the Rs. 197 plan to keep their SIM cards active. The decreased validity means they will need to recharge more frequently. The removal of unlimited voice calling and daily SMS quota may also discourage users who rely on these features for communication.
Alternative Options for Low-Usage Subscribers
BSNL subscribers who primarily need a plan to maintain SIM activation may now need to explore alternative options. These could include:
- Other BSNL prepaid plans with longer validity but fewer data and calling benefits.
- Plans from other telecom operators that offer more suitable validity and benefits for low-usage subscribers.
BSNL’s Financial Performance and Infrastructure Investments
Despite the changes to the Rs. 197 plan, BSNL has shown positive financial results recently. In Q4 FY 2024-25, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs. 280 crore, a significant improvement compared to the loss of Rs. 849 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.
Investments in Infrastructure and 4G Rollout
BSNL has also been investing heavily in upgrading its infrastructure. In Q4 2024-25, the company invested Rs. 15,324 crore in building network towers and equipment and Rs. 10,698 crore in acquiring spectrum. These investments are primarily focused on rolling out 4G services and expanding its fiber network.
Future Outlook
BSNL’s focus on infrastructure development and 4G rollout suggests a commitment to improving its services and competitiveness in the Indian telecom market. While the changes to the Rs. 197 plan may disappoint some subscribers, the company’s overall financial performance and investment plans indicate a positive trajectory for the future.
