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Although BSNL still runs on its 3G network, that doesn’t stop the state-run telco from introducing new plans to counter private players. Reliance Jio’s latest Dhan Dhana Dhan offer has yet again stirred the telecom operators. Airtel and Idea Cellular have already launched new offers to counter Jio, and now, BSNL has also joined the bandwagon with three new plans called – Triple Ace, Dil Khol Ke Bol and Nehle per Dehla offer for its prepaid users. In addition to this, BSNL also revamped the benefits of STV339 plan.
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| ‘Triple Ace’ BSNL plan priced at Rs 333 offers 270GB 3G data for 90 days |
To begin with, the Triple Ace plan is priced at Rs 333 and offers unlimited 3G data with a daily cap of 3GB. This plan has a validity of 90 days. In total, you get 270GB 3G data for 90 days from the day of recharge. The next plan is called ‘Dil Khol Ke Bol’ and is priced at Rs 349. It offers unlimited local and STD calls, and unlimited 3G data with a daily cap of 2GB. However, the validity of this plan, and details about free calls as to whether they are applicable across all networks or only on BSNL network are not known yet.
The third and most expensive plan amongst the three is called Nehle pe Dahla and is priced at Rs 395. Through this plan, BSNL is offering unlimited data with a daily cap on usage of 2GB. Under this plan, users also get 3,000 free minutes of calls to BSNL network and 1,800 minutes of free calls to other networks. This plan has a validity of 71 days, which equals to nearly 10 weeks. The mobile data speed on all the three aforementioned plans will be reduced to 80kbps post the 2GB or 3GB usage limit is exhausted.
BSNL has also revamped its existing STV339 plan by increasing the daily data usage limit from 2GB to 3GB. In this plan too, the speed will be reduced to 80kbps once the 3GB usage limit is exhausted. BSNL’s efforts are undoubtedly an attempt to keep up with Reliance Jio’s Dhan Dhana Dhan offer which was launched earlier this month.
Reliance Jio users who have recharged their number with Rs 99 for Prime membership will be eligible for Dhan Dhana Dhan offer. Under this offer, users can recharge for Rs 309 to get 1GB 4G data daily and Rs 509 plan which offers 2GB 4G data daily. After the daily usage limit is exhausted, the speed will be reduced to 128kbps. These plans come with a validity of 84 days from the day of recharge. Other than free 4G data, users also get unlimited local and STD calls, unlimited SMS and free incoming calls when roaming across India.
Following Jio’s announcement of its aggressive Dhan Dhana Dhan offer, there have been reports about Idea Cellular and Airtel introducing new counter plans. Airtel has reportedly launched a new prepaid plan priced at Rs 399 offering 1GB 4G data daily and unlimited calls as well. This plan is said to come with a validity of 70 days, which means 70GB of free 4G data for Rs 399. Airtel was also reportedly launched other prepaid plan offering 2GB data daily, but details are unknown yet.
Soon, Idea Cellular also reportedly launched two new plans priced at Rs 297 and Rs 447. Idea’s plan for Rs 297 offers free unlimited local and STD calls to Idea network and 1GB of 4G data per day. This plan is valid for 70 days and will limit voice calls to 300 minutes per day and 1,200 minutes per week. The pricier, Rs 447 plan is said to offer unlimited local and STD calls to any network and 1GB of 4G data per day for 70 days. The voice calls will be however limited to 3,000 minutes for the entire validity of 70 days and post this, users will be charged 30 paise per minute.
