BSNL makes data cheaper by 100%

Joins incumbents to fight Jio effect, grow consumption

After the top three private telecom operators made data tariffs cheaper by 67 per cent, it’s the turn of state-run BSNL to reduce rates by up to 100 per cent.

The move by the operators is to protect their turf against the imminent entry of Reliance Jio Infocomm and also increase data consumption.

BSNL, which has been staging a turnaround with additions of customers in the last few months, is taking a slew of customer-centric initiatives to become more competitive.

BSNL has doubled data usages of its popular data special tariff voucher (STV) to 10 GB. Earlier it provided 5 GB data for the same price of Rs 549, with validity for one month (30 days).

It is equivalent to 100 per cent increase in data benefits to subscribers.

In addition, the company has also announced the launch of unlimited 3G data STV without any speed restrictions for all prepaid mobile customers for Rs 1,099 with validity of one month (30 days), which is a first of its kind in the telecom sector.

Another new data STV of Rs 156 has also been launched. It provides 2 GB data for 10 days. These offers will be available across the country effective from 25 August.

“The BSNL offer is unique and its sole purpose is to enable every section of the society with high-speed internet at affordable prices. Last year, BSNL had also facilitated the customer by offering 80 per cent cheaper voice tariff,” said RK Mittal director, BSNL.

Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio Infocomm has announced it would launch commercial fourth-generation technology (4G) services soon. Analysts have said data rates are expected to fall 15-20 per cent with the entry of Jio

Jio has said it already has under its preview offer about 1.5 million test-users, with average monthly consumption of each in excess of 26 GB; voice usage is 355 minutes.