Since July, private telecom providers like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have increased recharge plan rates by about 25%, leading many users to explore government-owned BSNL’s more affordable offerings. BSNL’s Rs 298 recharge plan stands out as a budget-friendly option, providing users with daily data and calling benefits at nearly half the price of similar plans from private competitors. Here’s a closer look at what this plan offers and how it compares to the alternatives.

Key Highlights of BSNL’s Rs 298 Recharge Plan

Validity: 52 days
Data: 1GB high-speed data per day
Calling: Unlimited voice calling (local and STD)
SMS: 100 SMS per day
Additional Benefits: Free Eros Now entertainment subscription

Though its validity does not extend to a full two months, the Rs 298 plan serves as a cost-effective option, making it ideal for those looking to avoid the high prices of private plans while still enjoying substantial benefits.

Benefits and Suitability of the Rs 298 Plan

This plan caters to users seeking reliable, long-term calling and data services without the hefty price tag. With 52 days of validity, users can take advantage of unlimited voice calls and daily 1GB data, along with 100 SMS per day. The added benefit of an Eros Now subscription further enhances the plan, offering entertainment content at no extra cost.

Ideal for: Users looking for affordable, long-term data and calling services with added entertainment options.

BSNL Rs 797 Plan: A Long-Term Option with Extended Validity

In addition to the Rs 298 plan, BSNL offers the Rs 797 recharge plan, designed for users seeking an extended validity period and generous calling and data benefits. This plan offers:

Validity: 300 days
Voice Calling: Unlimited voice calls for the first 60 days
Data: 2GB data per day for the initial 60 days
SMS: 100 free SMS per day during the initial period

For users focused on extended validity and data, the Rs 797 plan is a competitive option, especially for those looking to minimize frequent recharges.

Comparison with Private Competitors

In comparison to BSNL’s affordable plans, private telecom providers offer pricier daily data packages. Here’s a quick comparison of BSNL’s plans with similar offerings from Reliance Jio and Airtel.

Summary Table

Feature	BSNL Rs 298 Plan	BSNL Rs 797 Plan	Reliance Jio (Comparable)	Airtel (Comparable)
Data Per Day	1GB	2GB (for 60 days)	1GB	1GB
Validity	52 Days	300 Days	56 Days	56 Days
Voice Calling	Unlimited (52 days)	Unlimited (first 60 days)	Unlimited	Unlimited
SMS Per Day	100	100 (first 60 days)	100	100
Additional Benefit	Eros Now Subscription	None	Jio Apps Access	Airtel Xstream Subscription
Cost	Rs 298	Rs 797	Higher	Higher