In an industry-first move, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will provide six paise for every five minutes of voice calls consumed by the users. While Reliance Jio started charging six paise per minute for outgoing calls to other networks, this move from BSNL will attract a lot of users of the Mukesh Ambani-owned telco who're looking to join the network. According to the information available, BSNL will credit six paise as cashback for its wireline, broadband and FTTH customers consuming five minutes of voice calling. This is surely a great move from the government-owned PSU and it comes at a time when it matters the most. The government has recently announced a revival package for both BSNL and MTNL, and the former is making sure to stay ahead of the private telcos.
BSNL Subscribers to Get Paid for Voice Calls Going Forward
The Indian telecom sector is witnessing some major changes now after being in the crisis for closely three years. Ever since Reliance Jio announced its LTE-only services to the customers, incumbent telcos struggled to the fullest. But Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are now looking to counterattack Reliance Jio as the telco is in the backfoot due to the introduction of six paise per minute outgoing call charges.
Incumbent telcos have trolled Reliance Jio enough on social media, but BSNL is doing more than that. BSNL customers will now get paid in return for making voice calls. In a press statement, BSNL confirmed that it would credit six paise in the customer's account for every five minutes of voice calls consumed. All the BSNL wireline, broadband and FTTH customers are eligible to receive cashback from the company.
"In an era of digital experiences, where customers are seeking quality services for voice and data, we want our customers to engage more with our upgraded Next Generation Network, experience the quality of voice call which happens on wireline, and also get incentivised for same," said Shri Vivek Banzal, Director of CFA, BSNL.
BSNL Also Launches Online Portal for Taking New Bharat Fibre Connections
Alongside announcing the new cashback initiative, BSNL also stated that it now has an online portal where customers can book Bharat Fibre connection. Furthermore, customers can also reach out to the company's toll-free number- 18003451500, to place an online request for landline, broadband or Bharat Fibre connection. We have noticed several readers of TelecomTalk looking for Bharat Fibre connection and failed to get in touch with the company regarding the same. Well, all the users can now visit the company's regional website to place an online request for Bharat Fibre or any other connection.
Reliance Jio on the Back Foot Yet Again
For more than two years, Reliance Jio dominated the Indian telecom market with its aggressive offerings. However, Jio's aggressive approach seems to have ended as the telco has become the leading telecom operator in terms of subscriber base, beating Vodafone Idea in the process. With this cashback scheme from BSNL, Reliance Jio is in the back foot yet again.
A lot of Reliance Jio prepaid customers are already migrating to other networks owing to the introduction of outgoing voice call charges. And this new offer from BSNL will attract them and indeed make them join them the state-run telco as its future is now bright with the revival package on its way. BSNL is also said to receive 4G airwaves from the government by the end of 2019, which allows the telco to compete private telcos more aggressively.
