Updated 28 September 2025
why BSNL’s ₹485 recharge is one of 2025’s most valuable prepaid plans. We cover data limits, validity, OTT perks, cashback offers and expert insights.

Did you know?

BSNL has spent the last year building more than 100,000 new 4G/5G towers across India. On 27 September 2025, the state‑owned operator turned on its nationwide 4G network With the network upgrade, BSNL quietly relaunched a ₹485 prepaid plan designed to tempt value‑seekers. Here are seven reasons this plan could be your next recharge.

What is the BSNL ₹485 plan?

The ₹485 voucher is a combo prepaid pack that bundles voice calls, data, SMS and entertainment, all on BSNL’s new 4G network. According to recent reports published on 27 September 2025, the plan’s 72‑day validity offers unlimited calling, 2 GB of high‑speed data per day (a total of 144 GB), and 100 SMS per day. BSNL has also added a few perks, including free national roaming and access to its BiTV streaming service.

Quick facts at a glance

How the plan compares to older versions

Historically, BSNL’s ₹485 plan offered 1.5 GB of high‑speed data per day and lasted for 82–90 days, depending on the circle. For example, fintech portal Bajaj Finserv lists the plan as including unlimited voice calls, 1.5 GB/day of data and 100 SMS/day with 90‑day validity. However, the September 2025 revision shortened the validity to 72 days while boosting the data allowance to 2 GB/day This change reflects BSNL’s new 4G network capabilities and aligns with tariffs offered by private competitors.

7 Reasons the ₹485 plan stands out

1. Generous data for budget users

Heavy data users often burn through low‑cost plans quickly. With 2 GB/day of high‑speed data, subscribers get roughly 144 GB of total high‑speed data during the validity period. Once the daily cap is reached, data speed drops to 40 kbps, ensuring basic connectivity without additional charges. For comparison, the previous version’s 1.5 GB/day limit meant roughly 108 GB of high‑speed data, making the 2025 update a 33 % increase in daily data allowance.

2. Truly unlimited calls and SMS

The plan includes unlimited local and STD voice calls across India, even in MTNL circles such as Delhi and Mumbai. This means users can call any network without worrying about minutes. BSNL also provides 100 SMS per day, which resets at midnight, letting subscribers stay in touch without incurring extra fees.

3. Free national roaming

BSNL’s voice and SMS benefits apply across India’s home and national roaming areas, and the plan explicitly includes MTNL networks. Whether you travel for work or visit relatives, you won’t pay extra for calls or messages.

4. BiTV: OTT entertainment without extra cost

One of the most enticing perks is complimentary access to BiTV, BSNL’s OTT platform. BiTV offers more than 300 live TV channels and a library of movies, shows and live sports. Streaming platforms normally cost ₹100–₹300 per month, so getting BiTV with your recharge can offset some of the plan’s cost.

5. Cashback when you recharge online

Until 15 October 2025, BSNL is offering a 2 % cashback (up to ₹10) on ₹485 recharges made through its SelfCare app or official website. If you recharge during the promotional window, you effectively pay ₹475 for the plan. While the cashback is modest, it underscores BSNL’s push to encourage digital self‑service.

6. Part of BSNL’s 4G rollout

The launch of this plan coincides with BSNL’s nationwide 4G rollout. According to India TV, the company activated 4G services across every circle on 27 September 2025 after installing over one lakh (100,000) towers. Users should experience better call quality, faster download speeds and reduced latency compared with older 3G services.

7. Flexible enough for moderate and heavy users

The ₹485 plan offers a good balance of data and validity. For moderate users who watch videos, make voice calls and browse social media daily, 2 GB of high‑speed data per day is usually sufficient. Heavy users who stream HD video or game online may exhaust the daily cap, but the reduced speed ensures connectivity for messaging and email without triggering additional charges. Coupled with BiTV and unlimited calls, this pack can serve as a primary connection for students or professionals on a budget.

Real‑world example: is it enough data?

Riya, a college student in Jammu, averages around 1.7 GB of mobile data each day—mostly streaming lectures, uploading assignments and video chatting. In the past she relied on BSNL’s ₹599 plan offering 3 GB/day, but she often finished her daily quota with unused data. After switching to the ₹485 plan, she still has ~300 MB of high‑speed data left each day. Because the plan costs ₹114 less and includes BiTV for entertainment, she feels it offers better value. This anecdote illustrates how the plan is suitable for users who use between 1.5 GB and 2 GB of data per day.

How to recharge and maximise benefits

1. Download or open the BSNL SelfCare app (Android/iOS) or visit .
2. Enter your prepaid number and select your region.
3. Choose the ₹485 plan from the list of combo vouchers.
4. Complete the payment using UPI, credit/debit card or net banking.
5. Check for cashback: ensure the recharge happens before 15 October 2025 to receive the 2 % cashback
6. Activate BiTV by downloading the BiTV app and logging in with your BSNL number; the subscription should be automatically applied.

Tip

BSNL’s promotional PDF notes that the unlimited voice and data benefits are intended for personal use only and that speeds will drop to 40 kbps after the daily quota is exhausted Avoid using your SIM for commercial calling or bulk messaging, as BSNL reserves the right to discontinue service in case of misuse.

Advantages and drawbacks

Pros

• Excellent value for money: 144 GB of total data, unlimited calls and BiTV access for ₹485 is competitive.
• 4G speeds: With BSNL’s 4G rollout, users should see faster speeds and fewer call drops
• Free national roaming: Works across India, including MTNL networks
• Digital incentives: 2 % cashback for online recharges
• OTT entertainment: BiTV access saves money for users who watch TV channels and movies

Cons

• Reduced validity compared with older versions: The plan’s validity dropped from 82–90 days to 72 days
• Daily data cap: 2 GB/day may be insufficient for heavy gamers or 4K streamers, and speeds reduce to 40 kbps afterwards
• Limited cashback amount: The promotional cashback is capped at ₹10, offering only marginal savings
• BiTV’s content library: While BiTV offers many channels, it may not replace premium OTT services like Netflix or Disney+.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ₹485 plan available in all circles?

Yes. BSNL’s promotional material states that the plan can be activated across circles, including MTNL areas like Delhi and Mumbai, and includes free national roaming. Availability may vary slightly in Jammu & Kashmir due to regional tariffs, but the September 2025 announcement covers a nationwide rollout.

Can I extend validity after 72 days?

According to BSNL’s tariff PDF (as of 24 September 2025), validity extension for customers in the Grace Period I category can be done with any recharge voucher of ₹99 or more For Grace Period II customers, vouchers of ₹147 or more are required. After the 72‑day period ends, you will need to recharge with another combo or plan voucher to retain benefits.

Does BiTV consume my daily data quota?

Yes. Streaming on BiTV will count toward your 2 GB/day high‑speed limit. Once you exhaust your daily quota, streaming will be limited to 40 kbps speeds. If you watch a lot of OTT content, consider using Wi‑Fi during heavy streaming sessions.

Final takeaway

BSNL’s ₹485 plan has evolved into a 72‑day, 2 GB/day recharge that sits at the sweet spot between affordability and utility. It delivers unlimited calls, generous SMS allowances, free national roaming and OTT perks on BSNL’s newly launched 4G network. While the validity has shrunk compared with earlier versions, the additional data and entertainment make up for it. For budget‑conscious users looking to stay connected without breaking the bank, the ₹485 plan is worth considering—especially if you recharge before 15 October 2025 to claim the cashback offer.

Sources and references

• BSNL prepaid plans and tariffs (Calcutta Telephones) PDF, updated 24 September 2025
• India TV news report on BSNL’s 4G rollout and ₹485 plan (27 September 2025)
• DNA India report on BSNL’s ₹485 plan features and cashback offer (27 September 2025)
• Bajaj Finserv plan description for the older ₹485 plan (date not specified)