BSNL Tweaks Rs. 197 Prepaid Plan: Reduced Validity, But New Perks Await Users
In a strategic move aimed at realigning its prepaid offerings, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has updated its popular Rs. 197 prepaid recharge plan, cutting down its validity but adding new benefits to retain customer interest in a highly competitive telecom market.
The changes come as part of BSNL’s ongoing revamp to streamline its mobile services and compete more effectively against private giants like Jio, Airtel, and Vi. While the revised plan may seem like a downgrade in one area, it makes up for it in others — especially for light-to-moderate mobile users.
What’s Changed in the Rs. 197 Plan?
- Old Validity: 70 Days
- New Validity: 50 Days
That’s right — BSNL has officially reduced the overall plan validity by 20 days, making it more in line with the typical industry offerings under the Rs. 200 price point.
New Benefits Added
While the validity has been trimmed, BSNL has enhanced the data and service perks for users who recharge with Rs. 197. Here’s what you now get:
Unlimited Voice Calling
Enjoy unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls across India, including calls to MTNL network in Delhi and Mumbai.
2GB Daily Data for 15 Days
Get 2GB high-speed data per day for the first 15 days. Post that, the speed drops to 40 Kbps — enough for basic browsing and messaging.
100 SMS Per Day
Valid for the first 15 days of the plan, helping users stay connected without relying on OTT platforms.
Free Access to BSNL Tunes & Zing
Subscribers can also enjoy free caller tunes and access to BSNL’s Zing app, which offers a mix of music, entertainment, and short videos.
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
In a market dominated by Airtel’s Rs. 199 and Jio’s Rs. 209 plans, BSNL’s Rs. 197 recharge still holds its own, especially in rural and semi-urban regions where BSNL remains a stronghold.
| Plan | Data Benefit | Validity | Free SMS | OTT/Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSNL ₹197 | 2GB/day for 15 days | 50 days | 100/day | BSNL Tunes, Zing App |
| Airtel ₹199 | 1.5GB/day | 28 days | 100/day | HelloTunes, Wynk |
| Jio ₹209 | 1GB/day | 28 days | 100/day | JioTV, JioCinema |
What BSNL Says
A BSNL spokesperson explained,
“We are refining our prepaid portfolio to offer better value in terms of data consumption and entertainment, while also adjusting for cost factors. The Rs. 197 plan now targets users looking for short-term high usage with long-term connectivity.”
Who Should Recharge With This Plan?
The updated Rs. 197 plan is ideal for:
- Students and young professionals needing short-term high data
- Users looking for a long-term incoming validity
- People who use Wi-Fi at home but need mobile data for occasional use
- Budget-conscious customers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns
How to Recharge?
You can recharge the plan via:
- BSNL’s Self-Care Portal
- BSNL mobile app (MyBSNL)
- Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and other recharge platforms
- Retailers and BSNL Customer Service Centers
Final Verdict
While the cut in validity may not please all, BSNL’s Rs. 197 plan still packs value, especially for customers who prioritize short-term data bursts and unlimited calling. With free app access and entertainment perks thrown in, the plan looks to bridge the affordability gap without compromising on essentials.
In an ever-changing telecom battlefield, BSNL’s latest tweak proves it’s still in the game — and listening to its budget users.
Will you be recharging with BSNL’s Rs. 197 plan? Let the dialing begin.
