₹799 for 5,000 GB Data: Can BSNL’s New Broadband Plan Take on Jio and Airtel? A Detailed Comparison for New Customers

New Delhi: State-run telecom company BSNL has launched a special Pongal Broadband Offer, promising high-speed internet at an aggressive price point. Under this limited-period scheme, customers can get 5,000 GB data at 200 Mbps speed for just ₹799 per month. The offer is valid till March 31, 2026.

The announcement has sparked a key question among consumers: Is BSNL’s offer strong enough to compete with private players like Jio and Airtel? Here is a clear, newspaper-style breakdown of the plan, its conditions, and how it stacks up against the competition.

What Is BSNL’s Pongal Broadband Offer?

BSNL is offering a SuperStar Premium WiFi plan at a discounted price of ₹799 per month. However, this price comes with a major condition:

• The ₹799 tariff is applicable only if the customer pays for 12 months in advance.
• Without annual payment, the same plan costs ₹999 per month.

The plan offers:

• 200 Mbps high-speed internet
• 5,000 GB monthly data
• Complimentary access to select OTT platforms, including Sony LIV

Key Condition You Must Know

The biggest catch in BSNL’s offer is the one-year advance payment requirement. Customers must pay the full annual amount upfront to avail the discounted ₹799 rate. This makes the plan attractive for long-term users but less suitable for those who prefer monthly budgeting or flexibility.

How Does It Compare With Jio and Airtel?

A look at rival broadband plans shows a different strategy by private telecom players:

• Jio Broadband:
• ₹699 per month
• 100 Mbps speed
• Unlimited data
• Monthly billing, no long-term commitment
• Airtel Broadband:
• ₹799 per month
• 100 Mbps speed
• Unlimited data
• Includes Google One subscription

While Jio and Airtel offer lower speeds compared to BSNL, they provide greater flexibility, stronger urban coverage, and consistent service quality in most regions.

Who Should Choose BSNL?

NBT View: BSNL’s Pongal offer is genuinely attractive on paper, especially for heavy internet users who need high speeds and large data limits. However, it is advisable only if:

• BSNL broadband service is reliably available in your area
• Local network quality and speed are proven to be stable
• You are comfortable making a one-year upfront payment

Before switching from Jio or Airtel, customers should check with neighbors or local users about BSNL’s actual performance in their locality.

Final Verdict

BSNL has made a strong comeback attempt with its ₹799, 200 Mbps, 5,000 GB plan, clearly offering more data and speed than private competitors. However, the real benefit depends on network availability and long-term commitment.

For users who prefer monthly payments and assured service quality, Jio or Airtel remain safer options. But for customers willing to pay annually and living in areas with good BSNL connectivity, this Pongal offer can deliver significant value for money.