BSNL to discontinue its Rs 329 broadband plan in a few states

As on 30th April, 2023, BSNL holds 25.26 million broadband subscribers of which Wired Broadband Subscribers were 3.63 million, and Wireless Broadband Subscribers for BSNL were 21.63 million

The broadband services provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) are expected to shortly undergo a significant transformation. The telecom is currently one of India's largest fibre internet service providers (ISPs). Its Rs 329 entry-level plan will soon be dropped in a number of states. The programme provides consumers around the country with extremely affordable access to internet connectivity in an effort to close the digital gap. But by the end of the month, BSNL will withdraw the package from a number of states. It is anticipated to happen on July 30, 2023 specifically.

The Rs 329 plan from BSNL comes with 1000GB of data and 20 Mbps of speed. The consumer's speed reduces to 4 Mbps after using 1000GB of FUP (fair use policy) data. Users also receive a free landline connection with limitless calling in addition to this. Keep in mind that the consumer will need to purchase the device for the landline connection separately. Typically, customers in the state's urban areas cannot get the plan. It is designed to provide low-income residents of rural or small-town areas with access to internet connectivity.

The move's motivation is not known. However, it has been noted that BSNL frequently acted in this manner even in the past. The state-run telco promises to discontinue a specific package on a specific date, but doesn't follow through. It can be an attempt by the business to pressure customers into purchasing the plan with a new connection before the time limit expires. Nevertheless, the proposal won't be dropped from all telecom circles. It will be eliminated from a number of circles including Bihar and Jharkhand, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, among others.

BSNL lost 729,096 wireless users, bringing its subscriber count to 102,851,438 as of April 30, 2023, according to the monthly Telecom Subscription Data published by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). Every month from January 2023, BSNL/MTNL has lost subscribers. BSNL lost 1,491,445 subscribers in January. 1,025,604 subscribers were lost in February, and 519,008 more were lost in March. For the month of April, BSNL lost 729,096 wireless subscribers.

As on 30th April, 2023, BSNL holds 25.26 million broadband subscribers of which Wired Broadband Subscribers were 3.63 million, and Wireless Broadband Subscribers for BSNL were 21.63 million, according to TRAI data for the month of April.