Though in terms of providing internet and calling services, BSNL comes out as the pioneer in the nation, tablets have recently turned the tables. It’s the ‘young’ Jio and Airtel who are bringing the wave of OTT and Cinema into their plans.
But now, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited becomes a part of that list as it enters the world of OTT with its newest plans.
The official website of BSNL mentions three sets of plans, each with very different price points.
The most basic one has a price tag of ₹49 per month. This cost will get you the services of Shemaroo, Hungama, Lionsgate, and EPIC ON. Though the price point is low, there will be very few people who will actually opt for the services of Hangama and Lionsgate.
The second plan has a price of ₹199 a month and probably looks more worthy of its tag. This plan will offer you ZEE5 Premium, SonyLIV Premium, YuppTV, and Disney + Hotstar. Though Hotstar lost most of its glory, they are still the ‘biggest’ Indian OTT platforms and their new ideas and direction will indeed leave a different taste in the users.
The third one on the list comes out as the costliest one, with a price of ₹249 for a month, and provides the benefits of both the cheaper packs. It will offer the services of ZEE5 Premium, SonyLIV Premium, YuppTV, Shemaroo, Hungama, Lionsgate, and Disney + Hotstar.
Now, let’s come to reality. The plans look good if you have already opted for some BSNL services. If not, there are optional plans by other telecom providers that will be more beneficial. Especially, Jio’s partnership with Netflix, Prime Video, and Hotstar is becoming more and more popular. Even Airtel Xtreme’s major plans allow them to have the benefit of being a big player.
BSNL’s position is already questionable in terms of service providing, and these plans won’t make it any better for them. Though this step is ideally their attempt to ‘appeal to the youth’, the interests of youth don’t really go hand in hand with BSNL’s imagination. The gap has grown too big.