Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Friday announced a series of customer-centric digital initiatives and special offers on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, aimed at expanding connectivity, enhancing digital services and making broadband and entertainment services more accessible.
The state-owned telecom operator said it has ordered more than 26,300 additional 4G Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites for deployment across the country to expand its 4G network in towns, villages and remote areas.
BSNL said its existing 4G network has also been comprehensively optimised to improve coverage, data speeds, call quality and overall customer experience. The network is based on an indigenous technology stack that can be upgraded to 5G.
Re 1 Freedom 2.0 offer
As part of its Independence Day offerings, BSNL has introduced the Re 1 Freedom 2.0 offer for new customers.
Under the offer, customers will receive 1 GB of data per day, 100 SMS per day and unlimited voice calls, with a validity of 24 days.
Fibre Freedom broadband plan
BSNL has also launched the Fibre Freedom Plan at a special introductory price of Rs 1,111 per month.
The plan provides internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps, 5,000 GB of monthly data and access to more than 25 premium OTT platforms.
New BSNL Selfcare app
The telecom company has revamped its Selfcare mobile application as “BSNL Selfcare New” for Android and iOS users.
The app enables customers to recharge prepaid connections, pay postpaid and landline bills, register and track complaints, manage Do Not Disturb (DND) preferences, view payment history and submit Fibre booking requests.
It also features an AI chatbot, voice search, multiple account management and access to BSNL Entertainment TV.
Free entertainment service
BSNL mobile subscribers will now have access to around 500 live television channels through BSNL Free Entertainment TV, powered by Tango TV, at no additional cost through the new Selfcare app.
The service also provides access to on-demand entertainment content through mobile devices.
Satellite phone connectivity
BSNL also highlighted its Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS), which uses satellite connectivity to provide voice communication in locations where conventional terrestrial mobile networks may not be available.
The service is particularly aimed at remote and geographically challenging areas as well as locations where reliable communication is critical.
Additional validity on annual plan
Under another Independence Day offer, BSNL is providing 47 additional days of validity on its Rs 2,399 annual prepaid plan.
The plan’s validity will consequently increase from 365 days to 412 days, while existing benefits of the plan will continue.
Partnership with Polycab
BSNL has also partnered with Polycab to strengthen indigenous telecom manufacturing under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Under the partnership, Polycab’s Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) facility will manufacture telecom and networking equipment, including cameras, Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) and routers.
The collaboration will use a Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model, which BSNL said would support scalable and cost-effective deployment of telecom infrastructure while reducing the need for heavy upfront investment and strengthening domestic manufacturing.
BSNL said the initiatives are aimed at delivering affordable, secure and reliable digital services while expanding connectivity and supporting India’s transition towards a digitally empowered economy.
The company also reiterated its commitment to strengthening digital connectivity across the country, including in difficult geographical and climatic conditions, and contributing to the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India.
