BSNL SIM
What is BSNL?
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is a 100% government-owned telecom service provider in India. It plays a vital role in rural telecom connectivity and offers mobile SIM cards, landline services, fiber broadband, and enterprise solutions.
BSNL SIM Overview
A BSNL SIM card provides:
- Mobile connectivity (voice, SMS)
- Internet services (2G, 3G, 4G, future 5G)
- Affordable data and calling plans
- Services to both urban and rural populations
Types of BSNL SIMs:
- Prepaid SIM – Recharge before use, flexible
- Postpaid SIM – Monthly bill after use
- eSIM – Coming soon for modern smartphones
- IoT/M2M SIM – Used in smart devices like POS, GPS, CCTV, etc.
How to Get a BSNL SIM
- Visit a BSNL Customer Service Center or retailer
- Submit Aadhaar and a passport photo
- Choose your plan
- Activate via tele-verification (Dial 1507)
BSNL Recharge Plans (2025):
Popular options include:
- ₹107: 30 days validity, 3GB data
- ₹197: 2GB/day + unlimited calling for 70 days
- ₹247: 3GB/day + SMS + unlimited calling for 30 days
- ₹397: Combo of voice, data, and SMS for 90 days
- ₹999: Long validity of 240 days
BSNL Data Plans
- Very affordable compared to private providers
- ₹16: 1GB for 1 day
- ₹98: 2GB/day for 22 days
- ₹251: 70GB total (Work from Home pack)
Network Technology
- 2G/3G: Available nationwide
- 4G: Available in selected areas; rapidly expanding in 2025
- 5G: Expected to roll out soon
- VoLTE & VoWiFi: Being upgraded and tested
SIM Features and Services
- Supports call forwarding, call waiting, missed call alerts
- USSD codes for checking balance, data, and validity
- International roaming available
- BSNL SelfCare App and website for recharge, tracking usage, and plan changes
Coverage and Connectivity
- BSNL provides strong rural and remote area coverage
- Urban speeds may lag behind Airtel or Jio
- Good for basic use, especially in tier 2/3 cities and villages
Related Posts
MNP – Port to BSNL
- Port your number by sending SMS:
PORT <Your Number>to 1900 - Visit a BSNL store with your UPC code
- Activation happens in 3-5 days
SIM Replacement & Blocking
- Lost SIM can be blocked via customer care
- New SIM can be issued with ID proof
- Supports SIM swap and re-verification
Special BSNL Offers
- Student SIM plans
- SIMs for government employees
- Rural discounts
- Corporate bulk SIM solutions
- Family combo offers
- IoT SIMs for smart devices and industries
Comparison with Jio, Airtel, Vi
| Feature | BSNL | Jio | Airtel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Support | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rural Reach | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 4G Speed | Moderate | Fast | Fast |
| Affordability | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 5G Support | Coming | Available | Available |
USSD Codes to Know
- *123# – Check balance
- 1242# – Check data
- *124# – All services
- 1503 – BSNL Customer Care
Who Should Use BSNL SIM?
- Budget-conscious users
- Rural and village residents
- Government employees
- Students
- People who make frequent voice calls
Advantages
- Low-cost prepaid and postpaid plans
- Transparent billing
- Wide coverage in remote areas
- Strong government backing
- Long-validity plans up to 240–365 days
Disadvantages
- 4G/5G not yet available everywhere
- Slower internet speeds in some areas
- Limited urban performance
- App interface not as advanced as private telcos
BSNL in 2025 and Beyond
- 4G expanding pan-India
- 5G trials underway in 2025
- Major investments under the Digital India initiative
- Focus on rural inclusion and connectivity for the underserved
Conclusion
BSNL SIM is a powerful choice for those seeking:
- Budget-friendly mobile plans
- Long validity
- Excellent rural connectivity
- Transparent services backed by the Government of India
It may not be ideal for heavy 4G/5G users in metro cities (yet), but it is reliable, affordable, and improving rapidly.
