How BSNL Broadband, Other Companies are Waking up to the Jio GigaFiber Challenge

Jio GigaFiber awaits its commercial launch; Nonetheless, broadband companies do seem to know that the Reliance Jio owned service will most likely disrupt the broadband market the same way it did in the telecom sector. Since attractive data plans are what will keep the established broadband players afloat and their customers satisfied, almost all leading broadband companies are offering something new to their users.

BSNL Broadband

BSNL Broadband, the state owned company which is the leading broadband player in the Indian market as of now, recently unveiled a new plan. BSNL Broadband unveiled a new entry level broadband plan at Rs 299 that offers 1.5GB per day at a download speed of 8Mbps. The plan also offers unlimited voice calls between 10:30pm to 6am to any network within the country including all Sundays, and 24 hrs. Unlimited free calling, Local and STD, within India on BSNL network. In case customers exceed the FUP limit, they will have to access data at speeds of up to 1Mbps. To avail this offer, users have the option to pay an annual payment of Rs 3289 as well. However, consumers have to pay a onetime security deposit of Rs 500 and the minimum hire period will be of one month.

Hathway Cable and Datacom

Hathway, in which Reliance Jio recently acquired 51.3% stake, has revised its broadband tariffs for the Hyderabad circle. The tariff plans go by the name Hero, Super, Lightening, Freedom, Thunder, and Rapid, in which the Thunder plan is available at a monthly charge of Rs. 649 and offers 125Mbps speeds. Users can also opt for an also opt for the Freedom plan that offers 100Mbps speeds at Rs. 599 per month.

ACT Fibernet

ACT Fibernet is offering 300GB extra data on broadband plans of users in Bengaluru, Delhi and Coimbatore circle. The extra data will be provided for a 6 month plan and not every month.

Airtel V-fiber

Bharti Airtel, according to a report on the Economic Times, is mulling on the idea of opening a company with Vodafone Idea to jointly own their fibre networks. The move is being contemplated to raise growths, said the report quoting unnamed sources.

Where Jio GigaFiber Stands as of Now

Jio GigaFiber is yet to see its commercial launch. The preview offer has, however, already has started and the company is offering 100GB monthly data at 100Mbps for the first three months from the date a consumer registers for the service. Users will also get 40GB additional data after 100GB gets exhausted, the recharge for which can be done via MyJio App and the company’s official website. Users need to submit a security deposit of Rs 4500 that is refundable.

Although there is no confirmation from Reliance Jio as to when the Jio GigaFiber services will be completely available, some reports state that Reliance Jio GigaFiber may continue to be free till March and the company may also start rolling-out Jio Giga TV or Jio DTH by December 2018.