Airtel vs. BSNL: Comparing Recharge Plans, Postpaid and Price
Airtel has almost 334 million subscribers and stands in the 2nd position. At the same time, BSNL has a subscriber base of 122 million users and stalls at 4th position in the Indian telecommunication market.
Since 2019, Airtel has had a full 4G spectrum, whereas BSNL has not yet succeeded in providing 4G services across all the states in India. Nevertheless, Airtel cannot compete with the widespread coverage that the BSNL offers, especially in the rural and hilly areas.
Let’s compare Airtel and BSNL and all the services one by one in this article.
Airtel vs. BSNL prepaid plans
For talk-time recharges, both have the same plans, but both the company offers excellent benefits when it comes to monthly rental packs.
Let’s compare Airtel vs. BSNL prepaid plans now.
Airtel Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 129 | Unlimited | 1 GB | 300 SMS | 24 Days |
Rs. 149 | Unlimited | 2 GB | 300 SMS | 28 Days |
Rs. 199 | Unlimited | 1 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 24 Days |
Rs. 219 | Unlimited | 1 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 249 | Unlimited | 1.5 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 279 | Unlimited | 1.5 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 289 | Unlimited | 1.5 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 298 | Unlimited | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 299 | Unlimited Free Amazon Prime Video | 1.5 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 349 | Unlimited | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 398 | Unlimited | 3 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 448 | Unlimited Free Disney plus Hotstar VIP 1 year subscription. | 3 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
BSNL Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 118 | Unlimited Free PRBT | 500 MB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 26 Days |
Rs. 147 | Unlimited Free BSNL tunes | 10 GB | NA | 30 Days |
Rs. 187 | Unlimited | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 28 Days |
Rs. 247 | Unlimited Free PRBT Free EROS Now Entertainment subscription | 3 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 30 Days |
Rs. 398 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 SMS / Day | 30 Days |
Let’s look into the two months Airtel vs. BSNL prepaid plans comparison now:
Airtel Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 399 | Unlimited | 1.5 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 56 Days |
Rs. 449 | Unlimited | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 56 Days |
Rs. 599 | Unlimited Calls Disney Plus Hotstar VIP 1 year subscription | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 56 Days |
BSNL Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 297 | Unlimited Calls EROS Now Entertainment free subscription | 1 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 54 Days |
Airtel vs. BSNL prepaid plans of three months rental pack:
Airtel Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 598 | Unlimited Calls | 1.5 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 84 Days |
Rs. 698 | Unlimited Calls | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 84 Days |
Rs. 599 | Unlimited Calls Disney Plus Hotstar VIP 1 year subscription | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 56 Days |
BSNL Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 429 | Unlimited Calls Free Eros Now Entertainment subscription | 1 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 81 Days |
Rs. 599 | Unlimited Calls Free PRBT | 5 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 84 Days |
Airtel vs. BSNL annual prepaid plans:
Airtel Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 1498 | Unlimited Calls | 24 GB | 3600 SMS | 365 Days |
Rs. 2498 | Unlimited Calls | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 365 Days |
Rs. 2698 | Unlimited Calls Disney Plus Hotstar VIP 1 year subscription | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 365 Days |
BSNL Plans | Voice & Benefits | Data | SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 1499 | Unlimited Calls | 24 GB | 100 SMS / Day | 365 Days |
Rs. 1999 | Unlimited Calls Free PRBT | 2 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 365 Days |
Rs. 2399 | Unlimited Calls Free PRBT Free Eros Now Entertainment subscription | 3 GB / Day | 100 SMS / Day | 365 Days |
Airtel vs. BSNL postpaid plans
Airtel and BSNL both have excellent postpaid plans and offer additional benefits along with the value of the basic plan.
BSNL recently removed its few postpaid plans and launched three new postpaid plans, whereas Airtel offers five recharge packs.
In the list below, we have discussed and compared Airtel vs. BSNL postpaid plans in depth.
Airtel Plans | Voice | Data | SMS | Additional Benefits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 399 | Unlimited | 40 GB | 100 SMS / Day | NA |
Rs. 499 | Unlimited | 75 GB | 100 SMS / Day | Prime video 1 Year Subscription |
Rs. 749 | Unlimited | 125 GB | 100 SMS / Day | Prime video 1 Year Subscription + 2 Free Family add ons |
Rs. 999 | Unlimited | 150 GB | 100 SMS / Day | Prime video 1 Year Subscription + 4 Free Family add on |
Rs. 1599 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 SMS / Day | Prime video 1 Year Subscription + 1 Free Family add on + 200 ISD Min and 10% off on IR packs |
BSNL Plans | Voice | Data | SMS | Additional Benefits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 199 | Unlimited | 25 GB | 3600 SMS | NA |
Rs. 798 | Unlimited | 50 GB | 100 SMS / Day | NA |
Rs. 999 | Unlimited | 75 GB | 100 SMS / Day | 3 Free Family add on |
Airtel vs. BSNL Speed comparison
In terms of mobile speed, if we go for prepaid and the post-paid comparison between Airtel and BSNL mobile network, there is a clear winner, Airtel. Due to its 4G services, Airtel comes out as a better internet speed provider in India as compared to BSNL mobile service.
BSNL has started its 5 MHz 4G spectrum with 60% existing networks across India. In contrast, Airtel is almost ready to launch its new 5G network. However, BSNL is the largest broadband and wireless ISP network provider in India. BSNL has more than 300 networks in all 22 circles in India.
Pricing and billing comparison
Airtel and BSNL are available on every online platform, UPI apps, and their own official websites. This helps you to pay your postpaid or broadband bills and recharge your prepaid packs.
If you look at the above list very closely, you can easily judge that BSNL offers cheaper and affordable plans than Airtel.
But, it is also true that BSNL only has 2G and 3G mobile networks, whereas Airtel gives you 4G service benefits with high-speed internet. If you are fine with average speed internet, then we recommend you to choose BSNL over Airtel.
Because at a lower price, BSNL offers you a considerable quantity of internet data, unlimited calls, 100 SMS per day, and higher validity. But If you want high-speed internet and additional benefits with a premium membership, then choose Airtel 4G. The company provides overhead aids like prime videos, Disney plus, and Hotstar VIP for free to its premium customers.
Customer Care Comparison
Both the network provides its customers with a 24/7 helpline number and customer care executives who can solve all issues and queries.
But according to our survey, we have found that BSNL has more issues than Airtel. BSNL users face internet speed-related problems where Airtel users are pretty happy with their network.
On the other hand, BSNL gives you the facility to call customer care from other networks. Just dial 8003451500 to reach BSNL customer executives. But, there is no option to contact Airtel customer care if your SIM network disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BSNL have 4G services like Airtel 4G?
Yes. BSNL has its 4G services but not available for every circle and area. However, BSNL is expanding its 4G networks across India.
Are all Airtel plans the same in 2G, 3G, and 4G networks?
Yes. Airtel offers the same plans with the same price for every Airtel 2G, 3G, and 4G prepaid and postpaid network.
Which mobile network is better?
Each has individual benefits, pros, and cons. Both networks provide you the same service. But Airtel plans are more expensive than BSNL. Nevertheless, Airtel has a 4G enabled network where BSNL lacks. So, this is entirely up to the user, their requirement, and willingness to spend money. See all the plans above, make your own comparison and check which networks plan and price suits your requirement and budget. Then switch to that network.