The state-run telecom operator BSNL is on fire currently and has been unveiling new tariff plans now and then to match the newcomer Reliance Jio’s offerings. After Jio's entry, the entire Indian telecom scene has changed due to its aggressive tariff plans.
A year ago, we used to pay around Rs. 250 for a GB of data for 28 days. We're getting the same 1GB of data at a similar price now as well, but only it's 1GB data per day for 28 days. All thanks to the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio.
BSNL recently introduced a slew of new offers to compete with the Reliance Jio's Dhan Dhana Dhan offer, and other incumbent operators also followed the same. Incumbent telecom operator Idea also came up with new tariff plans in recent times, which are extremely competitive and are in-line with other top telecom operator’s plans.
So, let's compare the current best-prepaid plans of BSNL and Idea and announce a winner at the end. Without any doubt, BSNL's best plan right now is the STV 395, whereas Idea recently rolled out a new plan at Rs. 497.
With the BSNL's STV 395, users will get 2GB of internet daily along with 3000 on-net minutes and 1800 off-net minutes for 71 days. On the flip side, Idea's Rs. 497 plan provides 1GB data per day for 70 days along with unlimited voice calling that too without any limitations, unlike BSNL.
While Idea's offerings seem to be outsmarted by BSNL, the third largest telco of the country is still ahead of the state-run telecom operator because it offers 4G data, whereas BSNL users will only get 3G data as the telco is yet to roll out 4G services.
Furthermore, the limitation of voice calls in the BSNL will be a deal-breaker for many. However, the voice calling era is slowly vanishing in the country as users are looking to communicate in various other ways thereby consuming more data. Also, the recently released revenue reports of Idea and Airtel stated that the average data per user is rapidly growing in the country.
Minus the additional 1 GB of data, Idea's plan is on par with the BSNL's STV 395 and in fact, even better than the latter in terms of voice calls and 4G services.
Which plan do you prefer? BSNL or Idea? Let us know in the comments space below.
