This is the Airtel vs BSNL vs Jio vs Idea vs Vodafone once again. This trend of 1GB daily data was first started by Reliance Jio and now almost all the leading telecom companies have something to offer in the name of 1GB daily data plan.
While Reliance Jio already had a Rs 399 plan, which was on Diwali "updated" along with other plans, Idea Cellular has recently launched 1GB daily data plan at Rs 399. Airtel and Vodafone had announced their Rs 399 plan in August that also offers 1GB daily data for nearly a month. BSNL is also giving consumers a similar plan but at a higher cost of Rs 429. So which of these plans is better? Which of these offer longer validity and which is the plan worth spending your money? Let's find out.
What is BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone, Jio and Idea offering?
BSNL: The state-owned telecom company BSNL last month announced a voice and data-centric Rs 429 plan for its prepaid mobile subscribers. With this plan the company offers 90GB data along with unlimited calls for 90 days all across the country except Kerala.
Airtel: Bharti Airtel has launched a Rs 399 plan only for its prepaid users. The company offers 1GB 4G data per day along with unlimited STD and local calls at Rs 399. Airtel has also announced that this plan can be clubbed with any other Airtel plan and is applicable only for Airtel 4G SIMs on 4G handsets.
Vodafone: Vodafone offers unlimited voice calls including STD, local and roaming along with 28GB 4G data for 28 days at Rs 392. The plan, however, is available only for Delhi-NCR circle.
Jio: Reliance Jio recently updated its plans. The company has reduced the validity of its Rs 399 tariff plan. It previously offered 1GB 4G data per day along with unlimited voice calls and SMSes for 84 days whereas now its offers the same but for 70 days.
Idea: The company, in April this year, revised its Rs 348 plan for prepaid users. It is now offering unlimited local and STD calls along with 1GB 4G data per day with FUP for 28 days.
Idea recently also launched a 1GB daily data plan for its post-paid users. The company is offering 1GB daily data along with unlimited local, STD calls and 100 SMSes at Rs 399. However, this plan is only for the new Idea subscribers and available only under home circle.
BSNL's Rs 429 plan: 90 days. In other words truly 3 months.
Airtel's Rs 399 plan: 84 days
Vodafone's Rs 392 plan: 28 days
Jio's Rs 399 plan: 84 days
Idea's Rs 348 plan: 28 days
If 4G data is your only priority:
BSNL offers the longest validity of all but BSNL doesn't have a good network and most of the time it works on 3G or 2G network. So, if you are looking for a plan with high-speed internet then BSNL is out of the question. Jio is purely 4G while Airtel has fairly fast and reliable 3G service, that complements the 4G. Depending on the area where you are, you may find that 4G from one operator works better than the 4G offered by others. For example, in many areas in Delhi Vodafone's 4G works better than Airtel's.
Also Read: Airtel Karbonn A40 Indian hits JioPhone out of the ball park. Here's why
It is not possible to name the best telecom operator in terms of 4G service but the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently released its data on 4G upload and download speeds of telecom operators in the country. Jio is seen leading the pack for 4G download speeds followed by Vodafone, Idea, and Airtel. Idea leads when it comes to 4G upload speeds.
If it's about a cheaper plan :
If you are tight on budget and want a monthly plan with free calls and daily 4G data then you can opt for Idea's Rs 348 plan. But then it is only for 28 days. Airtel or Jio plans sound more feasible as it offer longer validity at almost the same price.
Now which is the best
Now, this is a Rs 399 question. BSNL, Jio, Idea, Vodafone or Airtel, which one to choose?
BSNL has the best plan on paper but its network is slow. Jio earlier had penetration issues in some areas which has been fixed to large extent now. The company is doing fairly well, at least that's what the TRAI reports show. Airtel is mostly reliable and offers more consistency in some areas, but in others read Mumbai, Vodafone might be better.
While discussing cheap data, one important bit to note is Airtel's data carry forward scheme for post-paid users. Although the postpaid plans are slightly more expensive, now Airtel allows postpaid users to carry forward unused data in the next month. Overall this is something that may reduce the cost of data significantly for you.
