Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), the state-run telecom service provider, has revised both rural and urban basic tariff plans for landline service across India. The fixed monthly charges for most rural and urban plans has been increased with corresponding increase in free calls. The new tariff will come in effect from 01-05-2016 on PAN India basis.
The fixed monthly cost for basic landline plan for rural area now comes at a cost of Rs 160 to Rs 220 per month based on exchange capacity. While for urban area the monthly cost is around Rs 200 to Rs 240. Monthly charges for Sulabh plan which provides just incoming facility has been increased to Rs 110 and Rs 150. BSNL has further increased installation charges for rural from existing Rs.550 to Rs 600.
| Revised Rural/Urban General Landline Tariff Plans | ||||||||
| Rural General landline Plan | Urban General landline plan | One India | Sulabh Plan | |||||
| Particulars | Exchange capacity < 1000 | Exchange capacity >1000 & <30000 | Exchange capacity > 30,000 lines | Exchange capacity <30,000 lines | Exchange capacity > 30,000 lines | For all Exg. capacity system in rural/urban | Exchange capacity <30,000 lines | Exchange capacity >30,000 lines |
| Existing FMC( in Rs.) | 140 | 160 | 195 | 180 | 220 | 220 | 110 | 140 |
| Existing Free calls | 75 on BSNL N/W only | 75 on BSNL N/W only | 100 on BSNL N/W only | 90 on BSNL N/W only | 110 on BSNL N/W only | 110 on BSNL N/W only | Nil | Nil |
| Revised FMC (in Rs.) | 160 | 180 | 220 | 200 | 240 | 240 | 120 | 150 |
| Revised free calls | 95 on BSNL N/W only | 95 on BSNL N/W only | 125 on BSNL N/W only | 110 on BSNL N/W only | 130 on BSNL N/W only | 130 on BSNL N/W only | Nil | Nil |
| Call charges in Rs. /MCU. | No Change in call charges | O/G Calls, only on specific request of the customer. Rs.1.20 /MCU (Local+ STD) | ||||||
| Existing installation charge | Rs.550 | Rs.600 | ||||||
| Revised Installation charge | Rs.600 | Rs.600 | ||||||
To complement the increase in tariff, BSNL has increased free calls for the plans exactly by the amount hiked. However, the free calls are only available for calls made to BSNL network. BSNL continues to offer unlimited free calls to any mobile and landline phone within India during night hours of 9 PM to 7 AM.
The hike in tariff comes at time when landline connections are on steep decline in the country. However, BSNL is of the opinion that landline service is causing huge loss for the telecom provider. With the latest revision, cost of owning a landline connection in the country has increased to new levels which can contribute to further fall in landline subscriber base.
Note: Do cross check with BSNL before opting the plan.
