BSNL is not only a telecom service provider, but it's also a broadband operator providing maximum speeds of up to 100 Mbps. BSNL does not have the firepower to take on the likes of JioFiber because of the lack of 1 Gbps high-speed plans. MTNL recently launched 1 Gbps plans in Delhi city, but there are no signs of BSNL bringing the same to its subscribers. BSNL is now offering a 600GB broadband plan priced at Rs 849 that takes on JioFiber' Silver plan which also costs the same. While BSNL beats JioFiber in the FUP limit segment, the latter hits right back with 100 Mbps speeds as the former is offering only 50 Mbps speeds. Despite being part of BSNL's Bharat Fibre plans, the 600GB plan does not have any daily data limit which will come as a relief. Which broadband plan has the upper hand? Let's find out.
BSNL 600GB Broadband Plan vs JioFiber Silver Plan
The price of both the plans is similar at Rs 849, but the benefits are not the same. BSNL is offering 50 Mbps speeds with a monthly FUP limit of 600GB, post which the speeds will come down to 2 Mbps. On the other hand, JioFiber' Silver plan offers 100 Mbps speeds up to 200GB. For the first six months, new customers will get additional 200GB data taking the overall data benefit to 400GB. JioFiber has the upper hand in the speeds department, but BSNL is providing 50% more FUP for the same monthly rental.
Besides the data benefit, both the plans ship with unlimited voice calling through fixed-line voice calling service. JioFiber has JioFixedVoice service that allows users even to make voice calls through six smartphones. BSNL users can set up BSNL Wings to make voice calls through smartphones.
As for the entertainment segment, BSNL customers choosing the 600GB broadband plan will get free Amazon Prime subscription worth Rs 999 for one year. Right now, JioFiber users are able to enjoy just JioCinema and JioSaavn apps at no extra cost. Reliance Jio also says that the JioFiber Silver broadband plan will offer three months of OTT app subscriptions, but the details are unknown at the moment.
Moving onto the installation and security deposit, JioFiber is collecting a total of Rs 2,500 from new customers (Rs 1,500 will be refunded and Rs 1,000 will be installation charges). As part of this, JioFiber will also provide a 2.4 GHz router to the customers, which will be taken back at the time of closing the account. BSNL will charge a security deposit of Rs 849 and Rs 250 will be for installation charges. BSNL is also providing a SmartHome Wi-Fi ONT device to the customers in some circles.
Lastly, we have the annual plan offers. BSNL customers choosing the 600GB plan for one year will be eligible to receive 20% cashback on the overall amount. JioFiber also has an annual offer on the Silver plan. The company will provide one year of free subscription to OTT apps (details of which are not known at the moment); Additionally, customers will get an option to choose from three more offers- Thump 2- 12W Bluetooth Speaker worth Rs 1,299 or two months of extra service or double data benefit every month for one year. Do make a note that the annual plan users of JioFiber will get to choose from any of the three offers mentioned above, so the choice is on the user. JioFiber is not running any cashback offer like BSNL, which may disappoint some users.
Which Operator Has the Best Broadband Plan at Rs 849?
Well, JioFiber wins the race in terms of speed, but BSNL is providing other benefits like free Amazon Prime subscription at no extra cost and cashback on the annual subscription. Also, the installation charges are on the lower side with BSNL, unlike the case with JioFiber. If you still want faster speeds, we would suggest you choose the JioFiber Silver plan for one year and select the double data offer which will bump the FUP limit by another 4800GB. If you're going for a monthly plan, then get the BSNL 600GB FUP plan itself.
