As Bharat is set to celebrate its 79th Independence Day in the coming days, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the government-run telecom giant, has unveiled a transformative suite of initiatives under the banner of digital self-reliance, aligning seamlessly with the Centre’s vision of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. From a groundbreaking Rs 1 prepaid plan to a dedicated Yatra SIM for Amarnath pilgrims and a pioneering 5G partnership with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), BSNL’s multi-pronged approach is set to redefine connectivity for both citizens and industries across the nation.
Azadi Ka Plan: Digital Freedom for Just Rs 1
In a bold move to democratise digital access, BSNL launched its limited-period Azadi Ka Plan on August 1, a promotional prepaid recharge pack priced at an unprecedented Rs 1. Aimed at new customers, this Freedom Offer delivers unparalleled value with a 30-day validity and a robust set of benefits: 2GB high-speed 4G data per day, ensuring seamless browsing, streaming, and communication. Along with, unlimited voice calls across India, including national roaming, fostering connectivity without borders and 100 free SMS per day, catering to users’ messaging needs.
Even after exhausting the daily data quota, users can continue accessing the internet at 40kbps under BSNL’s Fair Usage Policy, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. To sweeten the deal, BSNL is offering a free 4G SIM card to those opting for the plan, eliminating onboarding costs for new subscribers.
“This Freedom Offer is a testament to BSNL’s commitment to making digital connectivity accessible to every Indian, especially in rural and underserved regions,” said A. Robert J. Ravi, BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director. “With our indigenously developed 4G network, we are proud to place India among the select nations with a homegrown telecom stack, advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The offer, available until August 31, is exclusively for new customers and can be activated at BSNL stores or Customer Service Centres (CSCs). While it remains unclear if the plan is accessible via BSNL’s doorstep SIM delivery service, the initiative has already sparked excitement, particularly in areas where affordability is a barrier to digital adoption.
Yatra SIM: Seamless connectivity for Amarnath pilgrims
In a heartfelt gesture toward spiritual connectivity, BSNL introduced a Yatra SIM priced at Rs 196, tailored for devotees undertaking the sacred Shri Amarnath Yatra 2025. Designed to ensure reliable communication in the challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, the SIM offers:
1) Unlimited 4G data, enabling pilgrims to stay connected for navigation, updates, and communication.
2) Unlimited voice calls, ensuring seamless contact with family and authorities.
3) 15-day validity, perfectly aligned with the duration of the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims can purchase the Yatra SIM at BSNL counters strategically located at key registration and starting points, including Lakhanpur, Pahalgam, Baltal, Chandrakot, and Bhagwati Nagar. Activation requires KYC verification using an Aadhaar card or valid government ID, along with the Shri Amarnath Yatra slip. “BSNL’s Yatra SIM ensures that devotees can focus on their spiritual journey without worrying about connectivity or recharges,” a BSNL spokesperson noted. This initiative shows BSNL’s commitment to serving diverse communities, blending technology with cultural and spiritual needs.
Pioneering Industry 4.0: BSNL-NRL 5G CNPN partnership
For India’s industrial landscape, BSNL signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) on August 2, during the Industry 4.0 Workshop for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in Guwahati, organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance. This collaboration will deploy India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) in the refinery sector, marking a significant leap toward industrial modernisation and secure, ultra-reliable connectivity.
The MoU, signed in the presence of senior dignitaries including the Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), CMD and MD of NRL, Director (Enterprise Business) of BSNL, and MD of AMTRON, aims to integrate cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies. These include:
- Digital Twins for real-time simulation and monitoring of industrial processes.
- AI-powered 3D Printing and Virtual Formulation to enhance manufacturing precision.
- AR/VR/MR applications for advanced training and operational visualisation.
- IoT and Big Data Analytics for smart, data-driven operations.
“This partnership exemplifies BSNL’s commitment to empowering India’s strategic sectors with next-generation digital infrastructure,” said A. Robert J. Ravi. “The deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL is a technological leap forward, redefining how core industries operate and supporting a self-reliant, digitally intelligent Bharat.”
The NRL CMD highlighted the MoU’s potential to revolutionise training, enhance cybersecurity, and improve real-time operational efficiency, setting a replicable model for other industrial sectors. The Secretary of DPE lauded the initiative as a prime example of the government’s Whole of Government approach, emphasising its role in skill development, job creation, and industrial modernisation, particularly in the Northeastern Region.
Vision for a digitally empowered Bharat
BSNL’s Independence Day initiatives reflect a dual commitment to inclusivity and innovation, bridging the digital divide for everyday citizens while propelling India’s industries into the future. The Azadi Ka Plan makes high-speed connectivity affordable for all, the Yatra SIM supports spiritual journeys, and the 5G CNPN partnership with NRL positions India at the forefront of Industry 4.0. Together, these efforts embody the spirit of a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat, resonating with the ethos of Independence Day 2025.
As BSNL continues to roll out its indigenously developed 4G and 5G networks, with plans to deploy 100,000 4G towers nationwide, the telecom giant is not only enhancing connectivity but also fostering a sense of digital azadi for millions of Indians.
Comments