The telecommunications landscape in Kerala underwent significant changes in June 2020, with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) implementing a series of updates to its prepaid portfolio. These adjustments included the introduction of new data plans, validity extensions for existing plans, revisions to data and voice allowances, and the withdrawal of specific plans. The changes were designed to enhance customer value and modernize the service offerings in the Kerala circle.
A notable development during this period was the partnership between BSNL and Nokia to roll out 4G VoLTE services. This agreement targeted the deployment of advanced network technology in 10 telecom circles across India, including Kerala. The collaboration aimed to introduce high-definition voice quality and faster call connections for BSNL 4G subscribers. Nokia's involvement included the deployment of Single Radio Access Network (RAN) software, which simplifies network installation and supports 2G, 3G, and 4G subscribers on a single radio unit. This infrastructure upgrade was part of BSNL's broader strategy to offer best-in-class network speed, coverage, and capacity. The rollout of 4G services began with Kerala as the first state, marking a significant step in BSNL's network modernization efforts.
New Plan Launches
In early June 2020, BSNL introduced a new data-specific plan for the Kerala circle.
Data STV 16
This short-term plan offered 2GB of data for a validity period of 1 day. It was categorized as a "Newly Launched Plan" in the tariff documentation. The primary benefit of this STV (Special Tariff Voucher) was to provide a quick, affordable data boost for users with immediate, short-duration needs.
Revised Plans
Several existing plans saw changes in their validity periods and data allowances, aimed at providing more value to subscribers.
Plan 485
- Voice: 250 minutes per day
- Data: 1.5 GB per day (Unlimited with speed reduction after daily quota)
- SMS: 100 SMS per day
- Validity: 90 days
This plan was revised from its previous offering of 1GB per day with 84 days of validity. The update increased both the daily data limit and the total validity period, offering a more generous package for long-term users.
Plan 153
- Voice: 250 minutes per day
- Data: 1 GB per day (Unlimited with speed reduction after daily quota)
- SMS: 100 SMS per day
- Validity: 28 days
Plan 153 was adjusted from a previous offering of 1.5GB per day with 21 days of validity. While the daily data allowance was slightly reduced, the validity period was extended by one week, altering the plan's value proposition for medium-term users.
Combo STV 47
This plan underwent a major revamp. Previously, it offered a talk value of Rs. 20 with local BSNL calls charged at Rs. 0.2 per minute and a validity of 21 days. The revamped version, still priced at Rs. 47, changed its structure to offer unlimited calling, 1GB of high-speed data, and a validity of 7 days. This transformation shifted the STV from a minute-based calling voucher to a bundled combo plan with unlimited voice and data benefits.
Validity Extended Plans
BSNL extended the validity periods for several popular plans and STVs, enhancing their overall value.
Sixer Plan 666
The validity was extended from 120 days to 134 days.
Combo STV 349
The validity was extended from 56 days to 64 days.
Combo STV 499
The validity was extended from 84 days to 90 days.
Combo STV 1098
This plan experienced two separate revisions. Initially, its validity was extended from 75 days to 84 days. Later, the plan structure was updated to offer unlimited data without any speed restrictions (removing the previously mentioned 40 Kbps FUP speed), unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS per day, and BSNL Tunes (an updated version of Personalized Ring Back Tone). The validity remained at 84 days after these changes.
Digital India Plan 429
This plan's validity was increased from 72 days to 81 days. It continued to provide unlimited calling, 1GB of high-speed data per day, and 100 SMS per day.
Withdrawn Plans and STVs
As part of the portfolio revision, BSNL withdrew the following plans and STVs from the Kerala circle:
- Kerala PLAN 446
- STV 14
- STV 39
- STV 125
The withdrawal of Kerala PLAN 446 is particularly notable as it was a significant promotional offer. Launched in October 2017, it was exclusively available for the Kerala circle and offered a plan voucher of Rs. 446 with a validity of 180 days. Its removal in 2020 marked the end of a long-standing offer.
Network Modernization and 4G VoLTE Rollout
Concurrent with these plan changes, BSNL announced a partnership with Nokia to deploy 4G VoLTE services. This initiative was set to cover 10 telecom circles in India, including Kerala. The deployment involved a comprehensive suite of technologies:
- Nokia Single RAN software
- IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
- Session Border Controller (SBC)
- CloudBand
- Monetization Solution
- Performance Manager
- IP/MPLS
- Wavence microwave technologies
This network upgrade was intended to provide BSNL 4G subscribers with HD-quality voice and faster call connections. The use of Single RAN software was highlighted for its ability to simplify network installation and reduce operational costs by supporting multiple generations of network technology (2G, 3G, 4G) on a single radio unit. The project was part of BSNL's strategy to move towards 5G technology and offer superior network speed and coverage.
Conclusion
The June 2020 period was a transformative time for BSNL in Kerala, characterized by a strategic overhaul of its prepaid offerings. The introduction of the Data STV 16 provided a new short-term data option, while revisions to plans like 485 and 153 adjusted the balance between data allowances and validity periods. Validity extensions on plans such as the Sixer 666, Combo STV 499, and the Digital India Plan 429 directly increased value for long-term subscribers. The revamp of the Combo STV 47 transformed it into a comprehensive unlimited calling and data pack. Simultaneously, the withdrawal of legacy plans like Kerala PLAN 446 streamlined the portfolio. Beyond plan adjustments, the collaboration with Nokia to introduce 4G VoLTE services represented a significant infrastructure investment aimed at future-proofing the network and enhancing service quality for subscribers in Kerala and other targeted regions.