State-owned telecom operator BSNL offers one of the most pocket-friendly long-term prepaid plans with its Rs 1198 recharge. This plan stands out for its full-year (365 days) service validity, making it ideal for users looking to stay connected without frequent recharges—especially those who value validity over heavy data or calling benefits.
What’s Included in the Rs 1198 Plan?
The BSNL Rs 1198 prepaid plan provides:
- 300 voice call minutes per month
- 3GB of data per month
- 30 SMS per month
These benefits renew every month for 12 months, ensuring basic connectivity throughout the year at minimal cost.
Who Should Get This Plan?
This plan is best suited for users who need year-long service validity at a low price and don’t rely heavily on mobile data or extensive calling. It’s a great option for secondary numbers or minimal users.
BSNL’s Network Expansion & 4G/5G Roadmap
BSNL is actively rolling out its 4G network nationwide and aims to deploy 1 lakh 4G sites by June 2025. As of now, around 75,000 sites are live, with more than 80,000 deployed. Once the 4G rollout is complete, BSNL plans to move towards 5G services.
The Most Affordable Operator Right Now
BSNL continues to hold the distinction of being the most affordable telecom operator in India. Notably, it was the only telco that didn’t increase tariffs in July 2024. The company also turned net profitable in the October–December 2024 quarter—whether this positive trend continues remains to be seen.
Despite some recent customer churn, BSNL’s focus on affordability and expanding its 4G footprint could help it regain momentum in the coming months.
