BSNL, the state-owned telecommunications company, said it has decided to extent the benefits of all special recharges to its subscribers even when they’re roaming.
So far, these special tariffs were available only in the home location.
For example, STV 349 which offers unlimited voice call to any network only in home LSA, now the benefit of unlimited voice call on any network will be available even when customer is travelling out from Home LSA in any area where BSNL operates.
“The offer is beneficial to those who frequently travel including our jawans and journalists. Presently if you for any STV, the benefit is available in the home state/ Licence Service Area (LSA), but from 15th August this benefit will be available even when a person travels outside his home LSA,” the company said.
The scheme, however, is available only in those circles where BSNL has its operations.
The company has been hit hard by the free voice and cheap data services of Reliance Jio Infocomm.
BSNL received 4G spectrum in 2010, but even seven years later, has not been able to start services in most places.
As a result, its subscribers are switching en-masse to companies like Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Reliance Jio, who have almost pan-India 4G networks.
BSNL has tried in vain to stem the tide of subscriber migrations by reducing the tariffs for its 3G offerings. However, given that most 4G operators networks in India have 5-10 times the capacity of BSNL’s 3G network, the strategy has found less success than it would have under normal circumstances.
On the other hand, the ‘free offers’ have served to clog up BSNL’s 3G network and has brought down the already not-so-great speeds.