BSNL Prepaid Plan Vouchers and Special Tariff Vouchers: A Guide to Benefits and Changes

State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) frequently updates its prepaid offerings, including Plan Vouchers (PV) and Special Tariff Vouchers (STV), to provide customers with various benefits such as voice calls, data, and SMS services. These updates often involve rationalization of existing plans, introduction of new vouchers, and promotional offers designed to provide enhanced value to subscribers. Understanding the specifics of these vouchers, their validity, activation methods, and freebies is essential for consumers to make informed choices.

Rationalization of Plan Vouchers and STVs

BSNL periodically revises the pricing and validity of its plans to streamline offerings. According to Source [1], the operator rationalized PV 186 to PV 199 effective January 1, 2021. The revision involved modifying the MRP to Rs 199 while maintaining the validity of 30 days for both freebies and the plan itself. The freebies and features of the plan remained unchanged. Additionally, STV 199 was revised to STV 201, also without any changes to the existing freebies, features, or validity. These changes indicate BSNL's strategy to adjust pricing structures while preserving the core benefits for users.

Similarly, Source [6] details a rationalization effective January 4, 2018, for plans in the CHTD (including Tamilnadu Circle). The validity of freebies for Plan 429 (including linked STV 459) was reduced from 84 days to 71 days. Plan 485 also saw its freebie validity reduced from 84 days to 74 days. These adjustments highlight that validity periods for freebies are subject to change.

Introduction of New Plan Vouchers and Withdrawal of Existing Ones

BSNL often introduces new vouchers to replace older ones, sometimes offering improved benefits. Source [2] reports the introduction of Plan Voucher 399 in place of the existing STV 399, effective August 15, 2020. This change was significant because a Plan Voucher works on a standalone basis, whereas an STV requires a base plan. Consequently, PV 399 allowed customers to save money by eliminating the need for a separate base plan.

The PV 399 offered unlimited free data with speeds reduced to 80 Kbps after 1GB per day, unlimited free voice calls, 100 SMS per day, free BSNL Tunes, and Lokdhun content. The plan validity and freebies were valid for 80 days. Activation was possible through C-Topup, Selfcare, and the Web portal, though free BSNL Tunes and Lokdhun content were not provided if activated through Selfcare. Concurrently, BSNL withdrew Plan Voucher 1699 and STV 399.

In another instance of introducing new tariffs, Source [7] notes the launch of FRC 106 and FRC 107 by BSNL Calcutta Telephones effective February 1, 2020. These were intended for new subscribers. FRC 106 activates a per-second plan, while FRC 107 activates a per-minute plan. Both offered unlimited local, national, and roaming calls (including MTNL regions), 1 GB per day data (with unlimited data at 40 Kbps beyond the limit), and 100 SMS per day for 24 days. The pack validity was 28 days. Post-freebies, call rates were Rs. 0.02 per second for local calls and Rs. 0.04 per second for national calls for FRC 106, while FRC 107 charged Re. 1 per minute for local calls and Rs. 1.3 per minute for national calls. Alongside these launches, Plan 1097 and STV 164 were withdrawn.

Promotional Offers and Festival Benefits

To attract and retain customers, BSNL launches promotional offers, particularly during festive seasons. Source [3] describes promotional offers available on a PAN India basis starting September 28 (year implied to be 2019). From October 1 to 31, the validity of PV 1899 was extended from 365 days to 455 days. This plan provided unlimited data with a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) of 2 GB per day, unlimited voice and SMS, and free PRBT (Ring Back Tone) with unlimited song changes for the NE-1 Circle.

For new customers, PV 106/107 provided freebies of unlimited voice and unlimited data with a FUP of 1 GB per day for 24 days. Furthermore, PV 186 and STV 187 offered an extra 1 GB of data per day, bringing the total to 3 GB per day for PV 186, alongside unlimited voice and SMS for 28 days. STV 187 also included free PRBT with unlimited song changes.

Source [2] also mentions the launch of STV 147 and an offer of extra validity under a promotional offer for the 74th Independence Day, though specific details of the extra validity are not provided in the excerpt.

Specific Plan and STV Details

Different circles and plans offer varying benefits. Source [4] lists vouchers for the BSNL Maharashtra Circle, including PV 106/107 for unlimited voice in home and national roaming areas plus SMS, and STV 349 offering unlimited voice, 1GB data per day, and 100 SMS for 64 days.

Source [5] provides a mobile tariff chart for BSNL Uttarakhand as of February 6, 2024. It lists various prepaid plans (PV and STV) with benefits such as data (1-3GB daily), unlimited calls, and validities ranging from 1 to 365 days. Additional benefits mentioned include access to streaming services and bonus data for recharging through the BSNL app.

Activation and Migration

The process for activating and migrating plans is outlined in the sources. As per Source [2], PV 399 can be activated through C-Topup, Selfcare, and the Web portal. BSNL also allowed migration from and to PV 399. For the FRC 106 and FRC 107 plans (Source [7]), migration or extension can be done by recharging with PV-74 or PV-75.

Network Expansion

While not directly related to specific vouchers, Source [1] mentions that BSNL's network signals emerged in the Mumbai circle ahead of a reported launch in Delhi and Mumbai, aiming to become a pan-India operator. This indicates infrastructure development supporting the service offerings.

Conclusion

BSNL's prepaid offerings are dynamic, characterized by rationalization of existing vouchers, introduction of new standalone plan vouchers, and promotional offers that extend validity or enhance data benefits. Key changes include the transition from STV 399 to PV 399 for standalone usage, and adjustments in pricing and validity for plans like PV 186 to PV 199. Promotional offers, such as extended validity on PV 1899 and extra data on PV 186, provide temporary enhanced value. Activation methods vary by plan, with options available through online portals and C-Topup. These strategies reflect BSNL's efforts to remain competitive and cater to diverse customer needs across different regions.