BSNL 997 Recharge Plan
State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched its e-SIM service in Tamil Nadu on Friday, to mark India’s 79th Independence Day. The service, introduced as part of a soft launch, is likely to have a broader rollout soon. Announcing the rollout on X (formerly Twitter), BSNL said the e-SIM will enable customers to access instant activation, IoT-ready connectivity, and hassle-free usage on smartphones and wearables.
“We are proud to announce the launch of e-SIM as a soft launch in the Tamil Nadu circle, as a commitment to secure, future-ready connectivity,” said A. Robert J. Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL. He added that the service would soon be expanded nationwide.
For the unversed, the e-SIM eliminates the need for physical SIM cards. It provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for mobile users.
BSNL has officially confirmed to launch the e-SIM in other parts of the country very soon. However, it is yet to be confirm the exact date.
Customers wishing to switch to an e-SIM can visit BSNL’s Customer Service Centres (CSC). They must carry an e-SIM-compatible device and a valid ID for digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification. Once the process is complete, users receive a one-time QR code to download their e-SIM profile.
The service is open to both new and existing customers and can be used alongside a physical SIM on devices that support dual SIM functionality.
With this move, BSNL has joined other private telecom companies like Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, which are already offering e-SIM services in India. However, the operator has yet to confirm whether migrating from a physical SIM to an e-SIM will require additional charges or be free of cost.
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Additionally, BSNL has also introduced a new Anti-Spam and Anti-Smishing system designed to protect subscribers from fraudulent communications. The tool identifies and blocks suspicious links in phishing messages before they reach users, ensuring secure delivery of critical communications such as OTPs, banking alerts, and government notifications.