State-run telco, BSNL, has now suspended its international Wi-Fi roaming service available for prepaid users on the Android platform. For the unaware, this International Wi-Fi service from BSNL allows users to enjoy unlimited data over parter Wi-Fi hotspots across the world. BSNL allows its users to connect to these Wi-Fi hotspots through My BSNL app, available for both Android and iOS users. However, the company has now suspended this service with immediate effect in Chennai and Tamil Nadu telecom circles. Also, the International Wi-Fi pack of Rs 501 has been discontinued in the said circle as well. To recall, BSNL used to offer unlimited data through Wi-Fi hotspots for the users who recharge the Rs 501 plan and the validity of this plan is 30 days. But it has now been suspended and the company did not reveal any reasons behind the suspension of this popular service.
BSNL International Wi-Fi Service: What is It?
As noted, the International Wi-Fi service from BSNL allows a user to connect partner Wi-Fi hotspots located across the globe. BSNL customers with an active Wi-Fi pack can connect to the hotspots via My BSNL app. BSNL said that the International Wi-Fi service has been discontinued only for Android users, so maybe iOS users can still avail it, but we're not sure about this at the moment.
As for the activation of the pack, a customer will have to activate the Wi-Fi pack before leaving India, so that the My BSNL app can seamlessly connect to available Wi-Fi Hotspot in other countries. And yes, this Wi-Fi service from BSNL is not available inside the flights, which is an expected thing. As for the speeds, it depends on the location; In some places, the connected Wi-Fi hotspot offers excellent speeds due to less congestion, but at some places, the speeds may disappoint you.
In addition, the International Wi-Fi roaming service has been discontinued by BSNL only in Chennai and Tamil Nadu telecom circles and the Rs 501 pack is still available for recharge in other circles where BSNL has its operations.
How to Check for a Nearby Wi-Fi Hotspot?
Having said that, BSNL has partnered with several third-party Wi-Fi Hotspot service providers in various countries to provide this service to the customers. After the entire setup process, My BSNL app will automatically connect to the available Wi-Fi Hotspot (if any), otherwise, you can manually check for the available hotspots in the select region. Users can head over to Wifilookup website to check for the nearest hotspot and the hotspot coverage area is between 75ft-100ft.
Talking about the service itself, it's a pretty useful one to the customers who travel a lot to other countries. Unlike India, a lot of other countries feature public Wi-Fi hotspots and this service from BSNL allows its prepaid customers to enjoy unlimited data by paying just Rs 501 and the validity is 30 days. And the connection will be done through the My BSNL app which is another thing worth noting.
Nevertheless, it's disappointing to see BSNL discontinuing the service in Chennai and Tamil Nadu service, but in other circles, the plan is still available for recharge. Do make a note that this is an International Wi-Fi Roaming service and not the standard telecom roaming service. BSNL International Roaming Wi-Fi service is available only for prepaid customers and not postpaid users.
