Introduction
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has consistently been one of India’s most trusted and affordable telecom service providers. With a legacy spanning decades, BSNL has remained committed to offering value-for-money prepaid and postpaid plans. Among its latest offerings, the Rs 897 prepaid plan stands out due to its affordability and impressive benefits. This plan is designed for users who seek long-term validity, ample data, and unlimited calling at a budget-friendly price.
In this article, we will explore the details of BSNL’s Rs 897 prepaid plan, its benefits, how it compares to other telecom providers, and how users can avail of it.
BSNL Rs 897 Prepaid Plan: An Overview
The BSNL Rs 897 plan is one of the most cost-effective prepaid plans currently available in India. It caters to the needs of users who require a long validity period, substantial data, and free calling benefits without having to recharge frequently.
Key Features of the Plan:
- Validity: 180 days (6 months)
- Total Data: 90 GB
- Daily Data Limit: 1 GB per day
- Speed After Data Limit: Reduced to 80 Kbps
- Unlimited Voice Calls: Available across India
- SMS Benefits: 100 SMS per day
- Additional Benefits: Free access to BSNL Tunes and select BSNL digital services
Why Choose BSNL’s Rs 897 Plan?
BSNL has always been known for its budget-friendly prepaid plans. The Rs 897 plan is especially beneficial for users who:
- Require a long-term validity plan to avoid frequent recharges.
- Need ample data for browsing, streaming, and social media usage.
- Want unlimited voice calling benefits for seamless communication.
- Prefer an affordable alternative to private telecom operators.
Comparison with Other Telecom Operators
BSNL’s Rs 897 plan competes with similar prepaid plans from telecom giants like Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea). Let’s compare:
| Feature | BSNL Rs 897 Plan | Jio Rs 999 Plan | Airtel Rs 999 Plan | Vi Rs 999 Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 180 days | 84 days | 84 days | 84 days |
| Total Data | 90 GB (1 GB/day) | 3GB/day (252GB) | 2.5GB/day (210GB) | 2.5GB/day (210GB) |
| Unlimited Calls | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SMS per day | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Additional Benefits | BSNL Tunes, Digital Services | JioTV, JioCinema | Wynk Music, Airtel Xstream | Vi Movies & TV |
Analysis:
- BSNL offers the longest validity (6 months), making it ideal for users who want a long-term plan.
- Jio, Airtel, and Vi provide more daily data (2.5GB–3GB per day), but their validity is much shorter.
- BSNL is the most budget-friendly option for those looking for long validity and moderate data usage.
How to Recharge the BSNL Rs 897 Plan?
Recharging BSNL’s Rs 897 plan is easy and can be done via multiple platforms:
1. Official BSNL Website & App
- Visit the BSNL official website (www.bsnl.co.in)
- Navigate to the recharge section
- Enter your mobile number and select the Rs 897 plan
- Complete the payment using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking
2. Third-Party Apps
You can also recharge using popular digital payment platforms such as:
- Google Pay
- PhonePe
- Paytm
- Amazon Pay
3. Retail Stores & BSNL Outlets
For those who prefer offline methods, BSNL recharge vouchers are available at:
- Local BSNL offices
- Authorized retail stores
- Mobile recharge shops
Pros and Cons of BSNL Rs 897 Plan
Pros:
✔️ Longest validity compared to competitors (180 days) ✔️ Unlimited voice calls across India ✔️ Affordable pricing at just Rs 897 for 6 months ✔️ 1 GB per day suitable for moderate users ✔️ 100 SMS per day for easy communication
Cons:
❌ Reduced speed after 1GB per day (80 Kbps) ❌ Lack of 5G services (BSNL is still rolling out 4G in most areas) ❌ Limited additional benefits compared to private telecom operators
Who Should Buy This Plan?
The BSNL Rs 897 prepaid plan is best suited for:
- Students who need long-term validity with moderate data usage.
- Senior citizens who primarily use mobile phones for calling and occasional browsing.
- Users in rural areas where BSNL has a strong network presence.
- Budget-conscious users who want a reliable and long-term prepaid plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use the BSNL Rs 897 plan for 4G services?
Yes, if your area has BSNL 4G coverage. However, BSNL is still upgrading its network, and 4G availability varies by region.
2. What happens after I use 1GB of daily data?
Your internet speed will be reduced to 80 Kbps, which is enough for basic messaging but not for streaming or heavy browsing.
3. Can I extend the plan’s validity?
Yes, BSNL allows plan extension through additional recharge packs.
4. Is this plan available in all states of India?
BSNL’s Rs 897 plan is available in most telecom circles. However, users should check their region’s availability on the BSNL website.
5. How does this plan compare to Jio and Airtel?
BSNL’s plan is cheaper and has longer validity, but Jio and Airtel provide higher daily data limits and better additional benefits.
Conclusion
BSNL’s Rs 897 prepaid plan is a fantastic choice for users looking for a budget-friendly, long-term, and reliable mobile plan. With 6-month validity, 90GB total data, and unlimited calling, it’s perfect for those who don’t want to worry about frequent recharges. While it may not offer as much daily data as Jio or Airtel, its affordability and extended validity make it a top pick for budget-conscious users.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective mobile plan with essential features, BSNL’s Rs 897 plan is worth considering!