MTNL Rs. 98 Recharge Takes on Jio With 2GB Data, Unlimited Calls for 28 Days

State-owned MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) has reportedly released a new entry-level prepaid recharge pack (STV) that offers a total of 2GB 2G/ 3G data, unlimited voice calls (local and STD), and 100 SMS messages, with a validity of 28 days. Considering the fact that MTNL only has operations in the Delhi and Mumbai telecom circles, the free calling and SMS benefits are only valid in these two. The remaining 20 circles are managed by yet another state-owned telco BSNL or Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

Details of the Rs. 98 MTNL recharge come to us via Telecom Talk. We were not able to spot this specific pack on MTNL's website.

Notably, the MTNL pack only offers 2G or 3G data access as the telecom operator is yet to commence 4G operations in the country. After the consumption of free data benefit, data will be charged at 2p/ 10KB.

In comparison, Jio's Rs. 98 recharge pack offers the same data benefits (2GB) at 4G speeds, and comes with truly unlimited voice calling (local, STD, and roaming), 300 SMS messages, and complimentary subscription to Jio's suite of apps. This pack however does not come with unlimited data access and standard charges apply after the monthly 2GB limit ends.

Back in June this year, Gurugram-based telecom giant Airtel had revised its Rs. 99 recharge pack to offer a total of 2GB of 3G/ 4G data, unlimited voice calls across the country, and 100 SMS messages per day with validity of 28 days. This translates into slightly better SMS benefits when compared with the new MTNL recharge pack.

MTNL's most affordable recharge offering in its unlimited prepaid suite is priced at Rs. 171. It comes with 1.5GB 2G/ 3G data access per day, unlimited free local and STD calls (in Mumbai and Delhi circles), and 100 SMS messages per day.