BSNL aiming to increase customer base while spreading Internet Awareness
Well, this seems to be a prefect plan from a Government Telecom Entity as BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is introducing another promotional plan under which the company is offering 1 GB of free data for Smartphone users who don’t subscribe for any of the GSM Internet Data services (BSNL) on their phones. The scheme looks like something similar to the “ Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikas” kind of thing and seems to be aimed at spreading awareness about Internet among the Rural people in particular. As per BSNL, the plan is to promote the Digital India campaign and to increase the internet usage in the country.
What is the plan actually and what is its validity?
BSNL is offering this data plan on Pan India Basis (operating across the Country). A point worth mentioning here is that the customer’s eligible for the plan are only those who do use a Smartphone but don’t access any of the BSNL’s GSM Data pack offers. The total of 1 GB Data Credit Limit will be valid for 28 days. Hence, this free offer looks like a strategy similar to Jio but the data limit is very less comparatively. The main aim of this offer from BSNL is to increase the number of BSNL Internet users in India. In a statement to Economic Times India BSNL representative said “It is decided to give a special free offer for Smartphone users to promote digital India drive and to increase internet users in prepaid mobile services"
The Government Factor
The Reliance Jio might be a huge in India but the Government owned factor might become a major factor in the success of this plan from BSNL. A Huge chunk of Indian population and specially the Village people still trust the Government run entities like the Banks, Schools etc. So, a lot of rural people who have not used the BNSL Data pack earlier would like to go for this scheme.
Marketing and Awareness in Rural Areas will help
For those people who don’t know internet beyond facebook and Whatsapp, the government can spread awareness about multi uses of Internet. For example, the farmers can use it to their advantage while gathering information about various pesticides. Moreover, there is useful information about health benefits etc. Hence, these type of measures can certainly help in increasing the number of customers for BSNL. What seems to be a concern is the 1GB Data limit as people do have an option in the low cost high speed Jio. Moreover, something like Free Voice Calling would add to the plan’s attraction.
