BSNL Rs 298 plan: Unlimited data, voice calls on any network for 56 days at Rs 298

in a move to encourage new users to join the network, the state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited(BSNL) has rolled out a new Rs 298 plan. The move also takes a direct shot at Airtel's Rs 399 and Jio's Rs 349 plan.

Under the FRC Rs 298 plan, BSNL is offering unlimited voice calls both STD and local across any network in India along with unlimited data for 56 days. The company has not mentioned any FUP limit for the voice calls but there is an FUP of data access. Users can access 1GB data daily, post which the internet would work but at a reduced speed of 80kbps. The validity for the plan is just for 56 days.

This is a promotional plan launched by BSNL which means that the plan is applicable only on first recharge. Please note that this plan can be subscribed in next 180 days which means from August 7 till November 4 of this year.

The plan competes against Jio's Rs 349 and Airtel's Rs 399 plan. Here's what the other two telcos are offering:

Airtel Rs 399 plan

Airtel is running a Rs 399 plan, with the same motive of getting new subscribers on the network. The plan offers 1GB data and unlimited voice calls with an FUP limit of 300 minutes a day and 1200 minutes a week. The plan is valid for 84 days.

Jio Rs 349 plan

Reliance Jio, which is the key reason behind all the ongoing price war in the telecom sector, recently revamped all its existing plans to offer more data and longer validity.

Jio's Rs 349 now comes with 56 days validity instead of 28 days before. The recharge gets you 10GB + 10GB 4G data for 28 days each. In case you have used the 10GB data within the 28 days then the internet would continue to work but at a reduced speed of 128kbps.

Why Jio and Airtel plans are better than the BSNL

Even though the BSNL's Rs 298 plan may sound cheaper than the other two plans, there is a major issue of the network. BSNL has a poor internet connectivity compared to the Jio and Airtel. Even though the Jio is also facing penetration issues in several areas but the company has significantly worked and improved over it. Airtel is also quite dependable for network availability but the same cannot be said for the BSNL.