BSNL to launch new Unlimited Bharat Fiber Broadband plans to counter Jio Fiber

For anyone who has been following the Indian Telecom market, it is a well-known fact that after the dust has settled on the wireless connectivity segment which saw the space consolidate from an 11+ player market to a 4 player market, the battlefield is set for a new war, this time on the wired broadband segment front. Even this time around, the war has been started with Jio revamping its Jio Fiber plans to offer sweeter deals, and Airtel Xstream Fiber following suit and now we see state-owned BSNL entering into the arena to ringfence its wired broadband subscriber market share dominance.

The PSU operator will be launching 4 new unlimited Bharat fibre plans in all its operational circles with an exception of Andaman & Nicobar. These plans will be available from 1st October on a promotional basis for a period of 90 days, after which BSNL may convert them into regular plans based on the customer uptake. An internal circular has been sent to all BSNL circle heads informing about these plans, a copy of the same has been accessed by OnlyTech. The plan details are given in the table below.

The security deposit applicable for the above plans is equal to one month fixed monthly rental of that plan. Currently, there is no option for semi-annual or annual advance rental payment for these plans as they are promotional in nature. The Rs 1499 plan has a provision of Static IP address on request on a chargeable basis at Rs 2000 per year. There is no additional fixed monthly rental for voice calls which are free 24-hours a day to any landline or mobile, local or STD. ISD calls are chargeable as per existing ISD call tariffs.

The Rs 999 and 1499 plans provide a complimentary subscription to Disney+ Hotstar Premium (Unlike Jio which gives Disney+ Hotstar VIP). The OTT subscription will be terminated if the subscriber decides downgrade from the ‘Fibre Premium’ or ‘Fibre Ultra’ plans though they can continue to enjoy the subscription on ‘Super Star 300’ and ‘Super Star 500’ Bharat Fiber plans.

BSNL has directed the circle heads to only provide these plans in cities where there is a threat of competition from private operators who are providing cheaper plans with high bandwidth. The list of such cities has been made available to them. Customers wishing to subscribe to these plans can visit the nearest BSNL CSC or call on Toll-Free number 18003451500.