BSNL Sim: How to Get a BSNL SIM Card 

BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is one of India’s leading state-owned telecommunication service providers. Here’s a comprehensive overview of BSNL SIM cards in 2024, covering everything you need to know:

Types of BSNL SIM Cards:

• Prepaid SIM: Ideal for users who prefer pay-as-you-go plans. You recharge your account with a specific amount and the credit is deducted as you use services like calls, data, and SMS. Popular BSNL prepaid plans include:
  • BSNL Champion Plans: Offer voice calls, data, and SMS bundled together for a fixed validity period.
  • BSNL Dankeschön Plans: Data-centric plans with high-speed data allowances at affordable prices.
  • BSNL Tourist SIMs: Specially designed for tourists with validity ranging from a few days to weeks, offering bundled voice calls, data, and SMS.
• Postpaid SIM: Suits users who prefer a monthly bill with a fixed rental and charges based on usage. You can choose from various postpaid plans offering voice calls, data, SMS, and value-added services (VAS) like caller tunes, roaming packs, etc. Popular BSNL postpaid plans include:
  • BSNL Postpaid Combo Plans: Bundle voice calls, data, SMS, and VAS at a fixed monthly rental.
  • BSNL Specialist Plans: Cater to specific user needs like high data usage (BSNL Data Pro), international calling (BSNL Global Connect), etc.

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How to Get a BSNL SIM Card:

• BSNL Customer Service Centers: Visit your nearest BSNL CSC with valid ID and address proof documents. Fill out the application form, choose your preferred plan, and submit the required documents along with a passport-sized photograph. You can get a new SIM or Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to transfer your existing number to BSNL.
• Online: BSNL offers online SIM activation on their website for select prepaid plans. You’ll need to submit scanned copies of ID proof and address proof. However, this service might not be available in all circles (regions) and might require physical verification later.
• Retail Partners: Authorized mobile phone stores and retailers selling BSNL prepaid vouchers often provide SIMs during phone purchases.

Documents Required for BSNL SIM Card:

• Valid Identity Proof (Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Aadhar Card)
• Address Proof (Electricity Bill, Landline Bill, Bank Statement)
• Passport-sized photograph (for offline applications)

BSNL SIM Card Activation:

• Once you receive the SIM card, follow the instructions provided by BSNL. This usually involves sending an SMS or making a call to a specific number.
• You might need to recharge your account with a minimum amount for prepaid plans to activate outgoing services.

BSNL Services:

BSNL offers a wide range of telecommunication services, including:

• Voice Calls: Standard voice calls within India and to international destinations.
• Data Services: 2G, 3G, and 4G data connectivity for internet access, browsing, streaming, etc. BSNL offers competitive data packs for prepaid and postpaid users.
• SMS: Text messaging services for sending and receiving messages within India and internationally.
• Value Added Services (VAS): A variety of additional services like caller tunes, internet browsing packs, roaming packs, content subscriptions, etc., can be activated for an additional charge.

BSNL Network Coverage:

BSNL boasts the widest telecom network coverage in India, reaching even remote areas. However, coverage quality can vary depending on your location and the specific service (2G, 3G, 4G). You can check BSNL’s network coverage map on their website to see the signal strength in your area.

Benefits of Using BSNL SIM Card:

• Wide Network Coverage: BSNL offers extensive network reach across India, ensuring connectivity in many areas where private operators might have limited presence.
• Affordable Plans: BSNL is known for its competitive pricing, especially for prepaid plans and postpaid plans with bundled voice calls, data, and SMS.
• Government Backing: BSNL is a state-owned enterprise, offering a sense of security and reliability to its customers.

Things to Consider Before Choosing BSNL SIM Card:

• Network Coverage: Check BSNL’s network strength in your area, especially for the specific service (2G, 3G, 4G) you require.
• Plan Availability: Not all BSNL plans might be available in all circles (regions). Choose a plan that suits your usage patterns (voice calls, data, SMS).
• Customer Service: While BSNL has a vast network of customer service centres, user

How do you port from another network to BSNL?

Here’s how to port your mobile number from another network to BSNL (Mobile Number Portability – MNP):

Step 1: Obtain your Unique Porting Code (UPC)

• This code is essential for initiating the porting process.
• Send an SMS in the format PORT <space> 10-digit mobile number to 1900.
  • For prepaid users in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), dial 1900 instead of sending an SMS.
• You’ll receive an SMS with your UPC and its validity period (usually 15 days, except J&K, Assam, and North East – 30 days).

Step 2: Visit a BSNL Customer Service Center (CSC) or Authorized Retailer

• Carry your valid ID proof (Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Aadhar Card) and address proof (Electricity Bill, Landline Bill, Bank Statement).
• Inform the representative that you want to port your number to BSNL.
• Optional: You can choose a new BSNL prepaid or postpaid plan at this stage.

Step 3: Fill out the Customer Application Form (CAF)

• The BSNL representative will assist you in filling out the CAF.
• Provide your details and the UPC received in step 1.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Choose a New BSNL SIM

• Submit the completed CAF along with your ID and address proofs.
• Choose a new BSNL SIM card (prepaid or postpaid based on your plan selection).
• You might need to pay a one-time fee for the new SIM (charges vary, usually nominal).

Step 5: Wait for Portability Approval

• BSNL will initiate communication with your current network operator.
• The porting process usually takes 3 working days within the same city and 5 working days for inter-city porting.
• You’ll receive updates from BSNL regarding the status of your request.

Step 6: Activate Your New BSNL SIM

• Once the porting is complete, your service with your current network will be terminated. You’ll receive a notification about this.
• Activate your new BSNL SIM card as per instructions provided (usually involves an SMS or a call).
• Enjoy using your existing mobile number with BSNL services!

Additional Tips:

• Ensure you have no outstanding bill amount with your current network operator before initiating the porting process.
• Keep your current SIM card active until the porting is complete to avoid any disruption in service.
• You can track the status of your MNP request by sending an SMS PORT <space> STATUS to 1900.
• For any queries or assistance, contact BSNL customer care at 1800-180-1503 or 1503.