In a competitive telecom market dominated by giants like Reliance Jio and Airtel, BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has made a strategic move by launching a new long-term prepaid plan priced at ₹897. What sets this plan apart is its 180-day validity, offering budget-conscious consumers a compelling alternative that combines affordability, flexibility, and essential mobile benefits.
If you’re tired of monthly recharges, daily data caps, or short validity cycles, this new BSNL plan could be the perfect fit. Let’s explore everything you need to know about it.
BSNL ₹897 Plan Highlights: What You Get
BSNL’s ₹897 prepaid plan is designed to offer long-term service without compromising on essential benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what users receive:
1. Long-Term Validity: 180 Days
One of the standout features of this plan is its 180-day (6 months) validity. Most private telecom operators limit validity to 28–84 days, forcing users to recharge frequently. With BSNL’s new offering, you can stay connected for half a year with a single recharge, saving both time and money.
2. Unlimited Voice Calling
The plan includes unlimited voice calling across India. Whether you’re calling locally or nationally, you won’t face additional charges. BSNL also provides free national roaming, including coverage in MTNL areas like Delhi and Mumbai — a huge plus for frequent travelers.
3. Data Benefits: 90GB with No Daily Cap
Unlike many plans that impose daily data limits (like 1GB/day or 1.5GB/day), BSNL’s ₹897 plan gives you 90GB of data in total. The data can be used freely across the 180-day period without any daily restrictions. Once the 90GB is exhausted, users can continue browsing at reduced speeds of 40 Kbps, which is sufficient for basic tasks like messaging or lightweight browsing.
4. 100 SMS Per Day
You also get 100 SMS per day, covering all your messaging needs. Whether it’s for transactional OTPs, promotional messages, or regular communication, this limit is generous enough for most users.
BSNL vs Airtel vs Jio: A Real-World Comparison
To understand how BSNL’s new plan stacks up, let’s compare it with popular plans from Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel:
Key Takeaway:
While Jio and Airtel offer high daily data limits, BSNL’s plan provides greater validity and flexibility. This makes it an ideal plan for users who don’t require heavy daily data but value long-term connectivity and cost savings.
Who Should Consider the BSNL ₹897 Plan?
This plan is not meant for everyone — and that’s exactly why it’s valuable. It targets specific user segments who can derive maximum benefit from it:
1. Secondary SIM Card Users
If you use a second SIM for backup, banking alerts, or OTPs, the ₹897 plan is ideal. It keeps the number active with enough data and call allowance to stay functional for 6 months.
2. Light Data Users
Some users don’t use their mobile data heavily. They rely on Wi-Fi at home or work and only need mobile data occasionally. For them, 90GB over 6 months is more than sufficient.
3. Older Adults & Senior Citizens
Elderly users typically use their phones for calls, SMS, and occasional browsing. The long validity and unlimited calling make this a no-hassle solution for them.
4. Rural & Semi-Urban Users
In areas where BSNL’s network is strong, this plan provides value for money, especially in locations where private operators may have inconsistent coverage.
Why BSNL Is Focusing on Long-Term Plans
BSNL is a government-owned telecom operator, often viewed as lagging behind private players in terms of technology and aggressive pricing. However, the introduction of this plan shows BSNL is targeting a different segment: users who want reliability, longevity, and cost control over flashy data-heavy offers.
In a time where other operators nudge customers toward frequent recharges and expensive combo packs, BSNL’s long validity plan stands out for its customer-friendly approach.
What You Should Know Before Recharging
Here are some things to consider before you opt for the ₹897 BSNL plan:
- Network Coverage: Check BSNL’s coverage in your area. The plan’s benefits are best enjoyed where BSNL has strong signal strength.
- Data Consumption Habits: If you stream a lot or use your phone as a hotspot, you might exhaust 90GB sooner. Consider how much you actually need before choosing.
- Recharge Availability: BSNL plans can be recharged through the MyBSNL app, authorized retailers, or third-party apps like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe.
How to Recharge
Recharging is simple:
- Visit the official BSNL recharge portal.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Select the ₹897 prepaid plan.
- Proceed with payment.
Alternatively, you can use apps like MyBSNL, Paytm, or Google Pay to complete the recharge.
Conclusion: Is the BSNL ₹897 Plan Worth It?
Absolutely — if you’re looking for a long-term, low-maintenance, budget-friendly plan, BSNL’s ₹897 prepaid option is one of the best choices in 2025. It’s especially appealing for users who prefer:
- Simplicity (recharge once in 6 months)
- Flexibility (no daily data limit)
- Value for money (unlimited calls + SMS + data)
It may not suit users with heavy daily data usage needs, but for everyone else — including professionals, senior citizens, and backup SIM users — this is a smart investment in mobile connectivity.
Pro Tip: Pair It with BSNL’s Data Booster Plans
If you end up needing more data before the 180 days are over, BSNL offers affordable data boosters that can be added on without affecting your existing plan’s validity. This keeps your setup flexible and scalable based on usage.
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