BSNL vs Jio: Comparing Plans, Infra, Speed & Customer Care

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jio vs bsnl

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
BSNL Prepaid Plans CostValidityBenefits
₹10735 daysVoice: 200 minutes
Data: 3GB
Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone
₹15326 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 1GB/day
Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone
₹19770 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day for the first 18 days
Data: 2GB/day for the first 18 days
₹2291 monthVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: Challenges Arena Gaming Service
₹397150 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day for the first 30 days
Data: 2GB/day for the first 30 days
₹666105 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Astrotell, Gameon services
₹699130 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 0.5GB/day
Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone
₹997160 DaysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Lokdhun
₹1198365 daysVoice: 300 minutes
SMS: 30 SMS/month
Data: 3GB/month
₹1499336 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 24GB
₹1999365 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 600GB
Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Eros NOW, Lokdhun
₹2399395 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: BSNL Tunes, Personalised ring back tone, Eros NOW, Lokdhun
₹2999365 daysVoice: 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
Jio Prepaid Plans CostValidityBenefits
₹26928 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 1.5GB/day
Add-ons: JioSaavn Pro, JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
₹29928 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
₹39828 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS:
100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: SonyLIV, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, Sun NXT, Hoichoi, JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
₹86684 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Swiggy
₹109984 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Netflix Mobile
₹74990 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
₹119884 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Prime Video Mobile, Disney+Hotstar, Sony LIV, ZEE5, Sun NXT, Hoichoi
₹3227365 daysVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 2GB/day
Add-ons: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Amazon Prime Video Mobile
₹2999365 daysVoice: 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 Plans
BSNL Postpaid Plan CostValidityBenefits
₹1991 monthVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 25GB
Add-ons: Eros NOW
₹3991 monthVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 70GB
Add-ons: Eros NOW
₹5251 monthVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 85GB
Add-ons: Eros NOW, 1 family SIM
₹7981 monthVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 50GB
Add-ons: Eros NOW, 2 family SIM
₹9991 monthVoice: 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.

Jio Postpaid Plans
JioPlus Plans CostValidityBenefits
₹299Billing cycleVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 30GB
Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
₹399Billing cycleVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 75GB
Add-ons: 3 family SIMs
Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
₹599Billing cycleVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: Unlimited
Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
₹699Billing cycleVoice: Unlimited
SMS: 100 SMS/day
Data: 100GB
Add-ons: 3 family SIMs
Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Netflix Basic, Amazon Prime Video
₹1499Billing cycleVoice: 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.

BSNL Vs Jio: Infrastructure
AspectBSNL's Network InfrastructureJio's Network Infrastructure
PresencePan-India presence, including rural and remote areasNationwide 5G network with focus on urban and rural expansion
Technology MixMix of legacy technologies (2G, 3G) alongside 4GExclusively 4G and 5G network with VoLTE technology
Legacy InfrastructureMaintains a substantial landline and broadband networkPrimarily focuses on mobile data services
Government ConnectivityProvides connectivity to government and public sector entitiesNo specific focus on government connectivity
Challenges and UpgradesFaces challenges in network modernization and 4G expansionRapidly deploys infrastructure to ensure 4G and Jio True5G connectivity
Spectrum HoldingsHolds spectrum for 2G, 3G, and 4G servicesAcquired significant spectrum for robust 4G services
Focus on Data ServicesOffers data and voice services, catering to diverse usersPrioritizes 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:

  1. Enterprise broadband (Wi-Fi services)
  2. IDC services (hosting and IT services)
  3. Managed Services
  4. WebCare service
  5. Data services (Leased circuit, Cloudway with Microsoft, VPN services)
  6. Global satellite phone service
  7. Fleet tracking
  8. 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:

  1. JioAttendance
  2. Connectivity: Cloud Connect, Internet leased line, JioFi, Jio True 5G, MPLS VPN, SD-WAN
  3. Internet of Things
  4. Jio Business Solutions: High Speed Internet, parallel ringing, IP Centrex, JioMeet
  5. Security: DDoS Mitigation, Threat and Vulnerability Management, NetSensor, CyberSOC
  6. 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.

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