BSNL has introduced a new Rural Entry Plan priced at Rs 259 per month, aimed at enhancing digital connectivity in rural areas. The plan offers 25Mbps broadband speed, unlimited voice calls, and complimentary access to OTT platforms, according to the company's official announcement.
Plan Details and Benefits
The Rs 259 plan provides a data speed of up to 25Mbps with a fair usage policy (FUP) limit of 100GB per month. After exceeding the FUP, the speed drops to 1Mbps. Subscribers also get unlimited local and STD calls, along with free access to popular OTT services like Zee5 and Sony Liv, as stated by BSNL officials.
This plan is exclusively available for rural customers and requires a minimum commitment of 12 months. BSNL aims to bridge the digital divide by offering affordable high-speed internet in underserved regions.
Impact on Rural Connectivity
With this launch, BSNL targets over 600 million rural Indians who currently lack reliable broadband access. The plan is expected to boost online education, telemedicine, and digital banking in villages. According to a BSNL spokesperson, "This initiative will empower rural communities with seamless connectivity and entertainment at an affordable price."
The plan competes with private players like Jio and Airtel, which offer similar rural-focused bundles. However, BSNL's pricing is among the lowest in the segment, making it a viable option for price-sensitive users.
Availability and Subscription
Existing BSNL broadband users can migrate to this plan, while new customers can subscribe through BSNL's customer service centers or online portal. The plan is valid for 30 days and auto-renews unless cancelled. BSNL has also announced a free installation offer for first-time rural subscribers.
This launch aligns with the government's Digital India mission, which aims to provide broadband connectivity to all villages by 2027. BSNL's rural plan is a step toward achieving that goal, leveraging its extensive fiber network in rural areas.
