BSNL vs Jio: Comparing Plans, Infra, Speed & Customer Care
The two prominent telecom giants in India have consistently battled for supremacy: BSNL and Jio. This rivalry has shaped the Indian telecom sector in recent years, impacting millions of consumers across the country. The comparison of BSNL vs Jio tells us about BSNL's affordability and Jio's wide range of services. Examine their prepaid and postpaid plans, speed, histories, services, market positions, and the impact they have had on the Indian telecom landscape. Find detailed information in the following sections.
Why Is The BSNL Vs Jio Comparison Significant?
The comparison between Jio vs BSNL is significant for several compelling reasons:
Impact on Consumers
The battle between these telecom providers directly impacts the everyday lives of millions of Indian consumers who rely on their services for communication, entertainment, and connectivity.
Market Dynamics
This comparison serves as a microcosm of the broader trends and challenges within the Indian telecom sector, shedding light on market dynamics, competition, and technological advancements.
Historical vs. Innovative
BSNL represents the historical legacy of Indian telecommunications, whereas Jio symbolizes innovation and disruption. Examining these two contrasting approaches provides insights into the industry's evolution.
Throughout this journey, we will get into various facets of BSNL and Jio, providing a comprehensive understanding of their operations, impact, and future prospects.
In March 2023, BSNL had a 9.27% market share with 103.68 million mobile subscribers, while Reliance Jio led with over 36% market share and 400 million wireless subscribers in India.
BSNL Vs Jio: Mobile Plans
The pricing strategies adopted by telecom companies play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining customers in India's fiercely competitive market. BSNL and Jio have approached this aspect of their business in distinct ways, reflecting their individual goals and market positions. Compare mobile plans offered by BSNL vs Jio in the following sections.
BSNL Vs Jio: Prepaid Plans
Prepaid plans often include an incredible pricing structure for consumers who wish to experiment with the services of the specific service provider or if they want to avail of the services for a short period of time. These are also well-suited for those who don't want any hidden charges or so with postpaid plans.
BSNL Prepaid Plans
BSNL prepaid plans are designed to be affordable and highly compensating for all consumers. Moreover, these are structured for users who wish to try BSNL's services first before committing to this mobile network operator long-term. Check out the top BSNL prepaid plans here.
BSNL Prepaid Plans Cost | Validity | Benefits |
---|---|---|
₹107 | 35 days | Voice: 200 minutes Data: 3GB Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone |
₹153 | 26 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 1GB/day Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone |
₹197 | 70 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day for the first 18 days Data: 2GB/day for the first 18 days |
₹229 | 1 month | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: Challenges Arena Gaming Service |
₹397 | 150 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day for the first 30 days Data: 2GB/day for the first 30 days |
₹666 | 105 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Astrotell, Gameon services |
₹699 | 130 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 0.5GB/day Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone |
₹997 | 160 Days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Lokdhun |
₹1198 | 365 days | Voice: 300 minutes SMS: 30 SMS/month Data: 3GB/month |
₹1499 | 336 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 24GB |
₹1999 | 365 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 600GB Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Eros NOW, Lokdhun |
₹2399 | 395 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Eros NOW, Lokdhun |
₹2999 | 365 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 3GB/day |
Jio Prepaid Plans
Jio’s prepaid plans range between ₹149 and ₹4498. These are designed to provide different data limits under varying validities. The best part about Jio's prepaid plans is that they have a plethora of options that allow each consumer to find something for themself. Check out the most popular Jio prepaid plans in the table below.
Jio Prepaid Plans Cost | Validity | Benefits |
---|---|---|
₹269 | 28 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 1.5GB/day Add-ons: JioSaavn Pro, JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
₹299 | 28 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
₹398 | 28 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: SonyLIV, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, Sun NXT, Hoichoi, JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
₹866 | 84 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Swiggy |
₹1099 | 84 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Netflix Mobile |
₹749 | 90 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
₹1198 | 84 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Prime Video Mobile, Disney+Hotstar, Sony LIV, ZEE5, Sun NXT, Hoichoi |
₹3227 | 365 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2GB/day Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Amazon Prime Video Mobile |
₹2999 | 365 days | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 2.5GB/day Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
BSNL Vs Jio: Postpaid Plans
Postpaid plans are usually best for consumers who wish to commit to their mobile operators for the long run. Similarly, considering the users' needs and preferences becomes a priority for mobile network operators. Find the best postpaid plans offered by BSNL and Jio in the following sections for an accurate mobile plans comparison of BSNL Vs Jio plans.
BSNL Postpaid Plans
BSNL postpaid plans are a testament to this operator's commitment to affordability. Users can avail of different plans at cheap prices and still fulfil their requirements and expectations from any mobile network. Check out the top BSNL postpaid plans in the table below.
BSNL Postpaid Plan Cost | Validity | Benefits |
---|---|---|
₹199 | 1 month | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 25GB Add-ons: Eros NOW |
₹399 | 1 month | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 70GB Add-ons: Eros NOW |
₹525 | 1 month | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 85GB Add-ons: Eros NOW, 1 family SIM |
₹798 | 1 month | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 50GB Add-ons: Eros NOW, 2 family SIM |
₹999 | 1 month | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 75GB Add-ons: Eros NOW, 3 family SIM |
Note that the benefits of family SIM are liable to vary from that of the registered parent BSNL SIM card.
Jio Postpaid Plans
The most popular Jio postpaid plans are JioPlus plans. These are a step up from the regular postpaid plans, offering enhanced features and benefits. JioPlus plans also offer priority customer service, giving customers access to a dedicated helpline and faster issue resolution. Check out the best ones in the table below to compare Jio vs BSNL plans.
JioPlus Plans Cost | Validity | Benefits |
---|---|---|
₹299 | Billing cycle | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 30GB Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
₹399 | Billing cycle | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 75GB Add-ons: 3 family SIMs Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
₹599 | Billing cycle | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: Unlimited Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud |
₹699 | Billing cycle | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 100GB Add-ons: 3 family SIMs Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Netflix Basic, Amazon Prime Video |
₹1499 | Billing cycle | Voice: Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data: 300GB Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Netflix Mobile, Amazon Prime |
Which Mobile Plans Should You Choose?
When selecting a mobile plan, there are several things that must be taken into account, for instance, affordability, services, speed, compensation and customer care. Although we compare each of these aspects further in the article, let's look at the better option when it comes to just mobile plans. If you're looking for cheaper plans, BSNL is your primary choice. However, Jio provides incredible compensation with several add-ons. Thus, if money isn't a big issue, Jio should be your first choice.
BSNL Vs Jio: Comparing Infra & Speed
Any service provider's network infrastructure and speed are closely linked. The more its infrastructure is developed, the higher the number of resources will be available to improve the speed. Thus, let's compare both aspects one-by-one. Which comes at the top with its services?
BSNL Vs Jio: Which Is Better In Network Infrastructure?
The backbone of any telecommunications company is its network infrastructure, which determines the reach, reliability, and quality of services offered to customers. In the case of Jio BSNL, their network infrastructures have evolved differently, reflecting their historical legacies and competitive strategies. Currently, Jio has a slightly more developed network infrastructure, which also enables it to provide better services and faster speed.
Aspect | BSNL's Network Infrastructure | Jio's Network Infrastructure |
---|---|---|
Presence | Pan-India presence, including rural and remote areas | Nationwide 5G network with focus on urban and rural expansion |
Technology Mix | Mix of legacy technologies (2G, 3G) alongside 4G | Exclusively 4G and 5G network with VoLTE technology |
Legacy Infrastructure | Maintains a substantial landline and broadband network | Primarily focuses on mobile data services |
Government Connectivity | Provides connectivity to government and public sector entities | No specific focus on government connectivity |
Challenges and Upgrades | Faces challenges in network modernization and 4G expansion | Rapidly deploys infrastructure to ensure 4G and Jio True5G connectivity |
Spectrum Holdings | Holds spectrum for 2G, 3G, and 4G services | Acquired significant spectrum for robust 4G services |
Focus on Data Services | Offers data and voice services, catering to diverse users | Prioritizes data services and offers data-centric plans |
BSNL Vs Jio 4G: Speed Comparison
Unlike Jio, BSNL does not have a robust 4G connectivity yet. They recently announced the pan-India roll-out of their 4G network, offering free 4G upgrades. In the recent past, BSNL has led the pack in the 3G network with an average download speed of 2.5 Mbps beating private telecom giants like Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone. Reliance Jio, on the other hand, leads massively in the 4G space. It recorded a download speed of 15.4 Mbps in February 2021.
BSNL Vs Jio: Business Solutions
BSNL's business solutions include the following special services:
- Enterprise broadband (Wi-Fi services)
- IDC services (hosting and IT services)
- Managed Services
- WebCare service
- Data services (Leased circuit, Cloudway with Microsoft, VPN services)
- Global satellite phone service
- Fleet tracking
- Web colocation
On the contrary, Jio Business provides corporate digital solutions to fifty million micro, small and medium businesses (MSMBs) that form the bedrock of the Indian economy. Some of their top services include:
- JioAttendance
- Connectivity: Cloud Connect, Internet leased line, JioFi, Jio True 5G, MPLS VPN, SD-WAN
- Internet of Things
- Jio Business Solutions: High Speed Internet, parallel ringing, IP Centrex, JioMeet
- Security: DDoS Mitigation, Threat and Vulnerability Management, NetSensor, CyberSOC
- Voice and Collaboration: SIP Trunk, Toll-free services
Although both service providers offer wonderful business solutions, you might want to choose one with respect to your utility. Overall, Jio, being the operator with more advanced services, might be able to offer you more customised services.
BSNL vs Jio: Customer Service
BSNL gives basic customer care services by providing toll-free numbers to its users for different telecom circles, along with an email ID. You can reach out at 1500 if you're already a BSNL customer, and 800-345-1500 if you use other networks.
Jio, on the other hand, along with toll-free numbers and email IDs, also has 24/7 chat box services for customers who prefer chatting over calling. You can call 1800-889-9999 if you're calling from a non-Jio number and 199 if you're already a Jio user.
Overall, Jio's customer service is considered more proactive than BSNL's. Users can rely on Jio’s customer service for prompt response in chat boxes and toll-free numbers.
Conclusion BSNL Vs Jio: Which Is The Ultimate Better Choice?
Once we've compared all the individual aspects, it becomes easier to come to an informed decision while choosing the better operator. When we look at everything as a larger picture, it is clear that Jio comes out as the better service provider. It has incredible customer care support, better compensation for plans, several add-ons, the latest services and higher speeds. The only factor where BSNL has an upper hand is in the pricing. For consumers looking for cheaper mobile plans, BSNL is the first choice.
Did You Know?
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited), as a historical titan, has played an integral role in shaping India's telecommunications landscape. Established in 1854, BSNL has evolved into a state-owned telecom company.
Jio (Reliance Jio Infocomm), on the other hand, is the new kid on the block. Launched in 2016, Jio stormed into the market with a disruptive approach that transformed the Indian telecom industry.
BSNL Vs Jio: Frequently Asked Questions
Which telecom provider, BSNL vs Jio, offers better rural coverage in India?
Both BSNL and Jio have a significant presence in rural areas of India. BSNL, being a government-owned entity, has historically focused on providing services in remote and underserved regions. Jio, with its nationwide 4G network rollout, has also expanded into rural areas. The choice between the two would depend on the specific region and your coverage requirements.
What are the key differences in pricing between BSNL vs Jio?
BSNL and Jio have distinct pricing strategies. BSNL traditionally offers affordable plans with a variety of options, catering to diverse user needs. Jio, on the other hand, is known for its aggressive pricing, initially offering free voice calls and low-cost data plans to disrupt the market. The pricing differences include data rates, bundled services, and validity periods.
How do BSNL and Jio compare in terms of data speeds and network quality?
Jio has made significant investments in its 4G network, which is known for providing high-speed data services. BSNL, while improving its 4G network, may still have areas with 2G or 3G coverage, which could affect data speeds in those regions. The network quality can vary depending on your location, so it's advisable to check local reviews and coverage maps for a more precise assessment.
Which SIM is best BSNL or Jio?
When looking at affordability, BSNL has the upper hand since it has better prices for similar compensation when compared to Jio. However, Jio offers a vast range of services that certainly make up for the relatively higher prices, if in any case. Thus, Jio would be the better recommendation since it is more convenient, provides better customer service and more compensation, too.