According to information shared by BSNL, since July 3-4, when the hikes by the three private companies – Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea – came into effect, about 250,000 customers have ported from other operators to the state-run firm using mobile number portability.
Apart from customers joining through MNP, BSNL has added about 2.5 million new connections to its network. Experts say BSNL is able to get new customers because it still offers affordable mobile tariffs for low-salary customers.
BSNL is offering affordable plans
While the three private companies have increased rates by 11-25 per cent, there has been no much change in BSNL’s tariffs. For example, after the hike, the minimum 28-day monthly plan starts at INR 199 for Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, while for Reliance Jio the plan starts at INR 189.
In contrast, BSNL has a tariff plan of INR 108 with the same benefits. Not only this, BSNL has 4-5 monthly plans priced between INR 107 and INR 199. BSNL is getting the benefit of the recent tariff hike by private companies, as many low-salary people are joining the state-run company.
Retaining customers is a challenge
It is not wrong at all to say that BSNL’s tariff plans are the most economical, but retaining customers depends on the quality of the network and services. At the same time, BSNL currently provides 4G service in only a few areas, so getting new customers and retaining them will be a challenge.
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