BSNL prepaid broadband data plans in India - a review
The following article gives you detailed information on prepaid broadband data plans that are available at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in India. The prepaid option is one of the best options for those who don't need the internet access at all times. But whenever they need it, it must be at lightening speed and only BSNL can serve this kind of service.
Prepaid broadband data service of BSNL:
The internet access has become a basic necessity for students, job seekers and probably for every individual who knows how to use computer or laptop. The GPRS internet connectivity is affordable for every such user but its connectivity speed is not that fast when it is connected to a computer or Laptop. So the one who really needs a fast data access should look up and try this prepaid broadband internet access. In this service the user will pay for only the data charges and not for the basic telephone services. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has started this prepaid broadband data service where the users can select data plans according to their download requirements.
Right now this prepaid broadband service is available only for the BSNL fixed line subscribers and there are several limited and unlimited download plans available. The important thing in this prepaid service is that the subscriber can top up any voucher of their choice and they can even switch over various data plans. The only condition in this switching of data plans is that the previous data plan amount will not be carried forward. All the prepaid data plans have a validity period and if any the customer runs out of validity then it can top-up the validity period. The facility of data usage top-up is also provided so that the user can increase their download limit.
All the data plans have a certain validity period and there is a grace period of 15 days in which the subscriber can top up their validity or data usage. Now if a customer has not completed the download limit within the validity period then that remaining balance will be carried forward only if they recharge it with the validity voucher of same type. This validity and data usage top up facility is not available for the users who have subscribed to unlimited prepaid broadband data plan of BSNL. If a customer wishes to change plan type then the remaining data usage and validity of previous plan will not be carried forward.
Every prepaid broadband user account is being created at the BSNL portal website and they can keep track of all their activities like top-up of data usage, validity voucher, downloaded data, etc. The top up, prepaid plans and validity vouchers have to be purchased from any retailer or from the BSNL retail outlet center. In this way if the user does not recharge their account with any validity or data usage in the next 15 days after the grace period or they remain inactive after the grace period then their account will be automatically deleted from the system. Hence, it is better to recharge within the grace period because if the account is deleted, the user has to rush towards BSNL customer care office for regaining the prepaid broadband service. Installation charges:
As of now only BSNL landline subscribers can apply for this prepaid broadband service and the minimum installation charges are Rs. 250 excluding Sales Tax/VAT. To avail this type of internet connectivity there is a need of ADSL modem and the customer can purchase from any retail shop or request for one towards customer care centre. The ADSL basic and ADSL Wi-Fi modem devices are provided by BSNL at the cost of Rs. 1400/- and Rs. 2100/- respectively and they are inclusive of sales tax/VAT. It is better to purchase a device like modem on our own since there are many online stores which can deliver the device to our doorstep and that too at a reasonable price.
Now the account activation charges are Rs. 100 which is mandatory for every new customer. In this account activation the user profile is created on BSNL portal website which offers 400 MB of free data usage with a bandwidth of about 2 Mbps and its validity of 30 days. In this way, if the customer has a modem device of their own, total installation charges are Rs. 350/-. The validity of all prepaid limited broadband plans can be increased up to 15 days with a validity voucher of Rs. 100. The data usage can be increased up to 2 GB and 5 GB using top up vouchers Rs. 200/- and Rs. 375/- respectively.Data plans – Limited and Unlimited:
The prepaid broadband service has 13 different recharge vouchers of which 3 are of unlimited and remaining 10 are of limited data download specifications. All the limited broadband data plans will have a data access speed from 2 Mbps to about 8 Mbps and unlimited download plans have varying bandwidth from 256 Kbps to about 1 Mbps. The image shown below displays every plan in detail and in GP means Grace Period. 
Now suppose that the customer has subscribed to Rs. 200/- plan where he gets a limited data access of 700 MB. If in case, the user runs out of that limit before 30 days then the top up option comes into play. In this case the customer can top up with Rs. 200 or Rs. 375 recharge vouchers to increase their data download limit. It is important to note that these vouchers are not available online and the customer has to visit any retail outlets or BSNL retail outlets to get these top up vouchers. In similar way the validity of the plan can be extended except unlimited plans. As these vouchers have a validity period of 1 year, the customers can purchase vouchers at once and use them only when they run out of data usage or validity period.
The prepaid customers can access their broadband service from any BSNL landline telephone in India provided they have all the requisite devices like PC/Laptop and modem. In this way the users can maneuver from one place to another and use their broadband connection as and when needed. This type of service is very important for students and the people who need data access at high speed with limitations of download. Best thing about this service is that the customer pays only for data charges and not for landline charges. Also the data connectivity is at higher pace as compared to that of postpaid broadband service.
Read this article to know more about: The reliable BSNL postpaid broadband data plans in India
Pravin sir, the GRACE period 1 is 15 days which will carry forward the remaining balance and GP2 is 30 days, cannot carry forward. So, does that mean I do not have to recharge for another 45 days after main validity expiration?
And is it right that BSNL WiFi modems are quite cheaper than the one on markets (d link, tp link etc)/ Which one do you recommend??
Please reply. I am going for PREPAID BB.