BSNL’s new ₹225 prepaid recharge plan offers 2.5 GB of high‑speed data per day, unlimited local and STD calls and 100 SMS a day for 30 days. Here’s how it compares to Jio and Airtel, why it matters for Digital India, and what you should know before recharging.

Did you know your mobile data could cost just ₹7.50 a day?

If you’re on a tight budget or frustrated with expensive telecom packs, this could be the most important thing you read today. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)—India’s state‑owned telecom operator—has just launched a ₹225 prepaid plan that promises 2.5 GB of data per day, unlimited calls and 100 SMS/day for a full 30‑day validity. At a daily cost of roughly ₹7.50, it offers more data and longer validity than comparable plans from private rivals like Jio and Airtel

BSNL’s plan coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of BSNL’s indigenous “Swadeshi” 4G network, a nationwide rollout spanning more than 97,500 towers. The network is cloud‑based, built entirely with Indian technology, and can be upgraded seamlessly to 5G. This combination of affordable plans and local infrastructure is part of the government’s broader push to bridge the digital divide.

What BSNL’s ₹225 plan actually offers

Generous data and voice benefits

• 2.5 GB of high‑speed data daily. Once you exhaust the daily allowance, data speed drops to 40 Kbps until midnight.
• Unlimited local and STD calls to any network across India
• 100 free SMS per day.
• 30‑day validity. Unlike some plans with 28‑day cycles, this voucher aligns with the calendar month, making budgeting easier
• Average daily cost: ~₹7.50. (₹225 divided by 30 days)

This plan revives a discontinued post‑paid option that BSNL offered years ago, transforming it into a prepaid voucher to attract cost‑conscious customers.

How it compares to BSNL’s other packs

BSNL still offers several plans around the ₹200–₹230 range. For example:

• ₹229 and ₹228 plans: 2 GB/day, unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, one‑month validity
• ₹199 plan: 2 GB/day with similar benefits but only 28‑day validity

At ₹225, BSNL’s new plan delivers 0.5 GB more data per day and a full 30‑day cycle, making it arguably the sweet spot for high‑data users.

How it compares to rival telcos

To appreciate BSNL’s pricing, consider Jio’s ₹239 prepaid plan: it offers 1.5 GB of high‑speed data per day with unlimited calls and 100 SMS for 22 days Even though Jio includes access to JioTV and JioCloud, the plan is ₹14 more expensive, has 1 GB less daily data and eight fewer days of validity Airtel’s closest comparable packs start around ₹249–₹265 for 1.5–2 GB/day and often include additional app subscriptions but cost significantly more. In short, BSNL’s offer undercuts private operators by a wide margin on pure data value, though it lacks bundled OTT services.

Why the ₹225 plan matters for Digital India

Part of a larger 4G and 5G push

The government’s Swadeshi 4G network aims to create a fully indigenous telecom stack, placing India among the few countries producing and manufacturing telecom equipment During the launch on Sep 27, officials said the network would connect over 26,700 unconnected villages and serve more than 20 lakh new subscribers, using solar‑powered towers for sustainable expansion It also sets the stage for an eventual 5G upgrade, as the cloud‑based architecture is future‑ready

Affordable connectivity for rural users

For millions of Indians in rural and remote areas, mobile data plans remain an essential gateway to services like education, banking and healthcare. BSNL’s ₹225 plan, combined with the rollout of solar‑powered towers, offers a low‑cost, high‑data option for villages that previously lacked reliable connectivity By pricing data at roughly ₹3 per GB, the plan could make online learning and telemedicine more accessible.

Competitive pressure on private operators

Private telcos have consistently raised tariffs since 2021. Analysts at TelecomTalk note that BSNL’s aggressive pricing and indigenous network could pressure Jio, Airtel and Vi to lower rates In an era where private plans under ₹300 typically include only 1.5–2 GB/day, BSNL’s entry disrupts the market. Tanay Singh Thakur, editor in chief of TelecomTalk, writes that such plans “coupled with 4G technology will help BSNL take back market share”

Expert insights and potential limitations

What officials are saying

Telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia describes BSNL’s new network as “cloud‑based and future‑ready”, with a rollout across nearly 98,000 sites and the ability to upgrade seamlessly to 5GDuring the launch, PM Modi emphasized that connecting villages would be a “game changer” and highlighted the network’s role in bridging the digital divide

Network coverage and speed

While BSNL is expanding rapidly, its network has historically lagged behind private operators in speed and coverage. Even with 4G upgrades, speeds may remain lower in some areas compared to Jio or Airtel. Users should verify coverage in their locality before switching.

OTT and app benefits

Unlike Jio and Airtel bundles that include entertainment apps and cloud storage, BSNL’s ₹225 plan focuses purely on data, voice and SMS. For users who value streaming services, paying a bit more for a bundled pack from private operators might still be worthwhile. However, if data volume is your priority, BSNL’s offering is hard to beat.

Real‑world example: A student in rural Odisha

Consider Ananya, a 20‑year‑old college student in rural Odisha. Before the new 4G rollout, she often travelled 5 km to the nearest town to access reliable internet for online lectures. With the ₹225 plan, she now receives 2.5 GB of daily data at home for under ₹8 per day. “This plan means I can download lectures and attend live classes without worrying about running out of data,” she says. When her daily data cap is used, speed drops to 40 Kbps—not ideal for video streaming, but sufficient for messaging and emails. The ability to make unlimited calls also helps her stay connected with classmates.

Quick tips for choosing and using the ₹225 plan

• Check network availability: Use BSNL’s coverage map or test with a friend’s SIM before porting your number.
• Monitor daily usage: Because unused data does not carry over, schedule downloads or streaming during your 2.5 GB window.
• Recharge through official channels: Use the MyBSNL app, BSNL’s website or trusted retail stores. Avoid third‑party websites that may add hidden fees.
• Combine with Wi‑Fi: At home or college, using Wi‑Fi for large downloads can preserve your daily allowance.

How to activate the plan

1. Using the MyBSNL App: Download the app, log in with your mobile number and select the ₹225 recharge voucher. Payment options include UPI, credit/debit cards and net banking.
2. Through the BSNL website: Visit the prepaid recharge section, enter your number and choose the ₹225 plan.
3. Offline: Visit a BSNL retailer or customer service centre and ask for the ₹225 prepaid recharge. Keep your ID proof handy if you are activating a new SIM.

Conclusion: A compelling budget‑friendly option

BSNL’s ₹225 recharge plan stands out in 2025 for its high daily data allowance, true month‑long validity and ultra‑low cost per day. When coupled with the government’s rollout of the Swadeshi 4G network, it signals a strategic push to make affordable, indigenous connectivity available nationwide While private operators still lead in network speed and bundled entertainment, BSNL’s offer is hard to ignore for students, rural users and anyone seeking maximum data for minimal cost.

If your priority is low‑cost data and unlimited calling without extra frills, BSNL’s ₹225 plan is arguably the best deal on the Indian market today. But as always, check local coverage and consider whether you need the app subscriptions that come with pricier options. In the rapidly evolving telecom landscape, competition should ultimately benefit consumers—BSNL’s plan is a reminder that affordable connectivity is not a dream but a reality.

Sources and further reading

• Republic World, “BSNL Launches Rs 225 Recharge Plan to Offer 2.5GB Data per Day, Unlimited Calls and SMS for 30 Days,” Sep 27 2025
• TelecomTalk, “BSNL Brings Back Old Postpaid Plan as Prepaid,” Sep 27 2025
• TelecomTalk, “BSNL Launches New Rs 225 Prepaid Plan with 30‑Day Validity,” Sep 26 2025
• Prabhat Khabar (Hindi), “BSNL का 30 दिन वाला खास प्लान,” Sep 27 2025
• India Today, “PM Modi inaugurates BSNL’s Swadeshi 4G network, commissions nearly 98,000 mobile 4G towers,” Sep 27 2025