Where earlier you used to get 2GB data daily, unlimited calling and 70 days long validity… now you will get only 4GB data, 300 minutes calling and 54 days validity! Know about it? 
BSNL Plan:-State-owned telecom company BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has given a sudden shock to its prepaid users. The company has made major changes to its popular ₹197 prepaid recharge plan, which earlier offered very good value for money.
🔄 What Has Changed in the ₹197 Plan?
Earlier, BSNL’s ₹197 plan used to offer:
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70 days validity
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15 days of unlimited voice calling
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Daily 2GB data (which totals 140GB for 70 days)
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100 SMS per day
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Zing Music subscription
But now, this same plan has been completely revised, and the benefits have been significantly reduced.
According to the latest update on BSNL’s official website, the new ₹197 plan now includes:
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Only 54 days validity
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Just 300 minutes of voice calling (no more unlimited calling)
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Only 4GB total data for the entire 54-day period
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100 SMS in total (not daily)
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No Zing Music or other bundled benefits
After the 4GB data is used, users will still get internet access, but at a very low speed of just 40Kbps, which is barely usable for even basic tasks.
📉 From 140GB to 4GB – A Massive Drop
Earlier, BSNL users were getting 2GB data per day for 70 days, which means a total of 140GB of data. Now, they will only get 4GB for 54 days – a huge cut in benefits.
Many customers used this plan simply to keep their number active and enjoyed the added benefits like data and calling. But with this major downgrade, the ₹197 plan no longer offers true value and may only suit those who use their number for incoming calls or backup SIMs.
📆 Validity Also Reduced
Previously, the ₹197 plan lasted for 70 days, but now the validity has been cut down to 54 days – a reduction of 16 days. This makes the plan less attractive for long-term users.
📈 Why Did BSNL Make This Change?
BSNL is currently working on strengthening its infrastructure and expanding its 4G network across India. In the financial year 2024–25 (Q4), the company recorded a profit of ₹280 crore, a major turnaround from a loss of ₹849 crore in the same quarter last year.
During this time, BSNL spent:
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₹15,324 crore on infrastructure development
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₹10,698 crore on spectrum for better network coverage
These changes to recharge plans might be part of BSNL’s strategy to increase revenue and focus more on its network rollout, especially for 4G and fiber services.
🤔 What Does This Mean for Customers?
While BSNL is improving its network and making profits, reducing benefits for prepaid users may disappoint regular customers. Many users might now consider switching to private telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, or Vi, where similar plans offer more data and better calling benefits.
BSNL’s ₹197 prepaid plan has gone from being a value-packed choice to a basic minimal plan with hardly any benefits.
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No unlimited calling
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No daily data
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Shorter validity
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Very limited SMS
This sudden cut has surprised many customers, especially those who relied on this plan for their daily needs or used it as a secondary number.
Only time will tell if BSNL’s long-term network plans and 4G expansion will balance this move, or if they will start losing prepaid users to competitors.