“BSNL says that prepaid subscribers account for up to 90 percent of telecom network’s 800 million active user base”
BSNL announced on Monday that will will be extending the validity for its prepaid users and will also offer free talk time owing to the coronavirus lockdown across the country. Firstly, all the BSNL prepaid recharges validity has been extended up to April 20th, 2020 at no cost so subscribers can continue receiving incoming calls and keep in touch with family. BSNL says that prepaid users account for up to 90 percent of telecom network’s 800 million active user base. Secondly, it is crediting Rs 10 talk time to all subscribers who have reached zero balance and are not in a position to recharge. The move comes following TRAI’s request to major telecom operators to extend the validity of prepaid users to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services during the lockdown. Airtel also announced a similar extension for its prepaid users on Monday.
Praveen Kumar Purwar, chairman, BSNL said, “BSNL firmly stands with its subscribers during this crisis period and we request the subscribers to “Go Digital” for recharging their accounts. Several options available for recharge include MyBSNL mobile app, BSNL website, and other popular wallet services.“
Following the BSNL announcement, telecom minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad has appealed private telecom service operators to follow the state-led telecom network during the lockdown period. Considering that telecommunication is the need of the hour to know the wellbeing of friends and family, it is considered as an ‘essential service’ and has been exempted from closing down. However, the point of sale stores and customer service centres working is highly impacted.
To stand by the customer needs during the lockdown, Reliance Jio is offering a free-of-cost broadband plan with 10Mbps speed and no FUP. It also introduced Rs 251 ‘work from home’ pack that offers 2GB data for 51 days. Airtel said that it will credit Rs 10 free talk time to around 80 million intended subscribers in the next 48-hours. Both the networks also introduced the coronavirus symptom checker tool for users to have an insight into their condition.
