Last Updated: June 30, 2025
Introduction to BSNL Bharat Air Fiber
In a digital age where connectivity is crucial, BSNL Bharat Air Fiber stands out as a game-changer for rural India. Unlike its wired counterpart, BSNL Bharat Fiber (FTTH), Air Fiber leverages wireless technology to deliver high-speed internet, unlimited voice calls, and TV services to areas where laying optical cables is challenging. As of June 30, 2025, BSNL has connected over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, offering affordable plans starting at Rs. 499/month and free installation until March 31, 2025. This comprehensive guide dives deep into BSNL Bharat Air Fiber’s plans, pricing, technology, installation process, device costs, competitor comparisons, and expert tips to help you choose the best rural broadband solution.
What is BSNL Bharat Air Fiber?
BSNL Bharat Air Fiber is a wireless broadband service designed for rural and semi-urban areas, utilizing unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for low-interference connectivity. It employs point-to-point or point-to-multipoint Wi-Fi technology and line-of-sight (LoS) radio waves to deliver speeds up to 80 Mbps within a 5 km radius of a BSNL tower. Beyond this range, speeds may decrease but remain functional, making it ideal for villages with minimal signal disruptions from devices like Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens.
- Triple-Play Service: Combines high-speed internet, unlimited local/STD calls, and TV services via a partnership with Yupp TV.
- No Fiber Laying: Eliminates the need for costly optical fiber infrastructure, reducing setup costs.
- Rural Empowerment: Supports India’s digital inclusion goals, targeting 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and more.
Why It Matters: With India projected to exceed 900 million internet users by 2025, driven by rural adoption, BSNL Air Fiber bridges the digital divide with affordable, reliable connectivity.
[](https://www.excitel.com/blogs/the-best-broadband-internet-providers-in-india-2025/)Technology Behind BSNL Bharat Air Fiber
BSNL Bharat Air Fiber operates on unlicensed spectrum bands, ensuring high-quality relay with minimal interference. The technology includes:
- Unlicensed Spectrum: Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, reducing signal conflicts in rural areas.
- Point-to-Multipoint Wi-Fi: Connects multiple users to a single BSNL tower, optimizing coverage.
- Line-of-Sight (LoS): Requires a clear path between the user’s antenna and the tower for optimal performance, often necessitating an external antenna.
- Customer Premises Equipment (CPE): A device installed at the user’s location to manage internet and voice services, supporting both app-based and traditional phone calls.
Performance Factors: Signal strength depends on distance (best within 5 km), terrain, and obstructions. External antennas (Rs. 1,800–4,000) or elevated poles may be required for non-LoS setups.
Quote from BSNL Director, Vivek Banzal: “We have launched Bharat Air Fibre on the airwaves in the free spectrum band primarily in rural areas where there is no interference.”
[](https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/bsnl-launches-bharat-airfibre-for-rural-areas-what-is-it-how-it-works-plans-and-more-6236336/)Why Choose BSNL Bharat Air Fiber in 2025?
BSNL Air Fiber is tailored for rural users, offering unmatched affordability and accessibility. Key advantages include:
- Free Installation: Waived charges (previously Rs. 500 for new users, Rs. 250 for existing BSNL landline users) until March 31, 2025, for non-government accounts. [](https://portal2.bsnl.in/myportal/tariffs.do?FTTH_BROADBAND_COMBO=)
- Affordable Plans: Starting at Rs. 499/month, with unlimited data and calls, compared to Rs. 699/month for Jio AirFiber.
- Triple-Play Services: Includes Yupp TV, unlike competitors’ OTT-heavy plans.
- Extensive Rural Reach: Covers underserved areas where private ISPs like Jio and Airtel have limited presence. [](https://www.telecomssupermarket.in/blog/best-broadband-providers-in-india-2025-speed-plans-and-pricing-compared)
- Promotional Offers: Cashback via Amazon Pay or ICICI credit cards, plus rewards from merchants like Amazon and Swiggy. [](https://www.gadgets360.com/broadband-plans/bsnl)
BSNL Bharat Air Fiber Plans and Pricing (2025)
BSNL offers six Air Fiber plans, ranging from 30 to 80 Mbps, all with unlimited data (subject to Fair Usage Policy limits), free local/STD calls, and optional Yupp TV subscriptions. International calls cost Rs. 1.2/minute. Below is a detailed breakdown:
| Plan Name | Speed (up to FUP) | FUP Limit | Post-FUP Speed | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fiber Basic | 30 Mbps | 3300 GB | 2 Mbps | Rs. 499 | Rs. 5,988 (1 month free) | Unlimited data, free calls, ideal for light users |
| Air Fiber Basic Plus | 40 Mbps | 3300 GB | 4 Mbps | Rs. 699 | Rs. 8,388 (1 month free) | Unlimited data, free calls, suits streaming |
| Air Fiber Value | 50 Mbps | 3300 GB | 6 Mbps | Rs. 899 | Rs. 10,788 (1 month free) | Unlimited data, free calls, moderate usage |
| Air Fiber Premium | 70 Mbps | 3300 GB | 10 Mbps | Rs. 1,199 | Rs. 14,388 (1 month free) | Unlimited data, free calls, optional static IP (Rs. 2,000) |
| Air Fiber Ultra | 80 Mbps | 5000 GB | 15 Mbps | Rs. 2,995 | Rs. 35,940 (1 month free) | Unlimited data, free calls, 1 free static IP |
| Air Fiber Ultra Plus | 80 Mbps | 8500 GB | 15 Mbps | Rs. 6,995 | Rs. 83,940 (1 month free) | Unlimited data, free calls, 1 free static IP |
Note: Prices exclude 18% GST. Annual plans include one month free. Voice calls are provided via an app or CPE-connected phone, but not both. Add-on OTT subscriptions (e.g., Cinemaplus) are available for Rs. 249/month.
[](https://portal2.bsnl.in/myportal/tariffs.do?FTTH_BROADBAND_COMBO=)Installation and Device Costs
BSNL has streamlined the installation process to make Air Fiber accessible. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Installation Charges: Free until March 31, 2025, for non-government accounts (previously Rs. 500 for new users, Rs. 250 for existing BSNL landline users). [](https://portal2.bsnl.in/myportal/tariffs.do?FTTH_BROADBAND_COMBO=)
- Security Deposit: Rs. 500 + 18% GST for the Basic Plan, refundable upon disconnection.
- Device Costs:
- Wi-Fi Router/Modem: Rs. 2,500–10,000, depending on signal strength and distance. BSNL may provide a free router for annual plan subscribers.
- External Antenna: Rs. 1,800–4,000 for weak signals or non-LoS setups, including pole installation if required.
- CPE: Included with installation, supports internet, voice, and TV services.
- First Bill Example (Basic Plan): Rs. 500 (security deposit) + Rs. 499 (monthly subscription) + 18% GST ≈ Rs. 1,178 (if installation is not free).
- Billing Cycle: Monthly (1st to last day of the month) or annual, with bills generated post-usage.
Tip: Opt for an annual plan to save costs and potentially receive a free router. Contact BSNL to confirm promotional offers.
How to Apply for BSNL Bharat Air Fiber
Applying for Air Fiber is simple via BSNL’s online portal or customer service centers. Follow these steps:
- Visit bookmyfiber.bsnl.co.in.
- Select “Bharat Air Fiber” under “Select Service.”
- Choose your circle (e.g., Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu).
- Enter your area’s PIN code to check availability.
- Provide your name, mobile number, and email address.
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile.
- Submit location details and click “Register.”
- Await a call from BSNL within 48 hours for installation scheduling.
What to Do if No Call is Received? Contact BSNL customer care at 1800-4444 or 1800-180-1503, or visit a nearby BSNL office. You can also register offline at BSNL customer centers or franchisees.
[](https://www.gadgets360.com/broadband-plans/bsnl)Availability Across India
BSNL Bharat Air Fiber is designed for rural areas and is not available in urban regions, where BSNL Bharat Fiber (FTTH) is recommended. It covers states and union territories including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
Check Availability: Use the online portal or call 1800-4444. BSNL’s extensive network ensures coverage in underserved areas where private ISPs like Jio and Airtel may not operate.
[](https://www.telecomssupermarket.in/blog/best-broadband-providers-in-india-2025-speed-plans-and-pricing-compared)Comparing BSNL Bharat Air Fiber with Competitors
BSNL Air Fiber competes with Jio AirFiber and Airtel Xstream AirFiber, which use 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Speed | FUP Limit | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSNL Bharat Air Fiber | Rs. 499/month | 80 Mbps | 3300–8500 GB | Free calls, Yupp TV, free installation (until March 31, 2025) |
| Jio AirFiber | Rs. 699/month | 1 Gbps | 1000 GB | OTT subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioCinema) |
| Airtel Xstream AirFiber | Rs. 699/month | 1 Gbps | 1000 GB | OTT subscriptions (Disney+ Hotstar, Xstream Premium) |
Analysis: BSNL offers the lowest starting price and higher FUP limits, making it ideal for budget-conscious rural users. Jio and Airtel provide faster 5G speeds (up to 1 Gbps) and OTT benefits but have lower FUP limits and higher costs. BSNL’s free installation and triple-play services (internet, calls, TV) give it an edge for rural households.
[](https://www.telecomssupermarket.in/blog/best-broadband-providers-in-india-2025-speed-plans-and-pricing-compared)Performance Insights: BSNL vs. Competitors
According to Opensignal’s January 2024 report, Airtel leads in broadband user experience for download/upload speeds and video quality, with Jio excelling in consistent quality. BSNL, while not topping these metrics, offers reliable connectivity in rural areas where Airtel and Jio have limited 5G coverage. BSNL’s Air Fiber achieves consistent speeds of 30–80 Mbps within 5 km, with post-FUP speeds ensuring usability for basic tasks.
[](https://www.opensignal.com/2024/01/25/india-fixed-broadband-experience-january-2024)Real-World Performance: Users report stable connectivity for streaming, browsing, and voice calls, though speeds may vary beyond 5 km or in non-LoS conditions. For gaming or 4K streaming, Jio or Airtel’s 5G plans may perform better, but BSNL’s affordability and rural focus make it a practical choice.
Benefits of BSNL Bharat Air Fiber
- Cost-Effective: Plans start at Rs. 499/month, significantly cheaper than Jio and Airtel’s Rs. 699/month. [](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/bsnl-bharat-airfiber-plans-benefits-and-more/articleshow/109691321.cms)
- Rural Accessibility: Covers areas with limited infrastructure, unlike fiber-based services. [](https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-fibre-exclusive-broadband-plan-rural-areas/690631/)
- Triple-Play Services: Includes internet, unlimited calls, and Yupp TV, offering more value than competitors’ OTT-focused plans.
- Low Interference: Unlicensed spectrum ensures reliable connectivity in rural settings. [](https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/bsnl-launches-bharat-airfibre-for-rural-areas-what-is-it-how-it-works-plans-and-more-6236336/)
- Promotional Offers: Cashback via Amazon Pay/ICICI cards and merchant rewards enhance savings. [](https://www.gadgets360.com/broadband-plans/bsnl)
Challenges and Considerations
- Speed Limitations: Max speed of 80 Mbps is lower than Jio/Airtel’s 1 Gbps 5G plans. [](https://www.telecomssupermarket.in/blog/best-broadband-providers-in-india-2025-speed-plans-and-pricing-compared)
- Signal Dependency: Performance may degrade beyond 5 km or without LoS, requiring antennas or poles.
- No OTT Subscriptions: Unlike Jio/Airtel, BSNL offers Yupp TV but lacks Netflix or Disney+ Hotstar. [](https://www.mysmartprice.com/gear/telecom/telecom-features/bsnl-broadband-plan-list/)
- Rural-Only Availability: Not suitable for urban users, who should opt for BSNL Bharat Fiber. [](https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/bsnl-launches-bharat-airfibre-for-rural-areas-what-is-it-how-it-works-plans-and-more-6236336/)
- Customer Support: While improving, BSNL’s support may be slower than private ISPs like Airtel. [](https://www.telecomssupermarket.in/blog/best-broadband-providers-in-india-2025-speed-plans-and-pricing-compared)
Tips for Optimizing Your BSNL Air Fiber Experience
To maximize your Air Fiber connection:
- Ensure Line-of-Sight: Position the antenna to face the BSNL tower, avoiding obstacles like trees or buildings.
- Choose the Right Plan: Assess your usage (e.g., streaming, browsing, or business needs) to select a plan with adequate speed and FUP limits.
- Opt for Annual Plans: Save up to 8.33% with 1 month free and potential free router offers.
- Test Signal Strength: Request a BSNL technician to evaluate your location before installation.
- Use Quality Routers: Invest in a high-quality router (Rs. 5,000–10,000) for better Wi-Fi coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is BSNL Bharat Air Fiber?
BSNL Bharat Air Fiber is a wireless broadband service for rural India, offering internet, unlimited calls, and TV services via Yupp TV, using Wi-Fi and LoS technology.
[](https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/bsnl-launches-bharat-airfibre-for-rural-areas-what-is-it-how-it-works-plans-and-more-6236336/)What are the maximum speeds of BSNL Air Fiber?
Speeds range from 30 to 80 Mbps, with post-FUP speeds of 2–15 Mbps, depending on the plan.
[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/bsnl-bharat-airfiber-plans-benefits-and-more/articleshow/109691321.cms)Is installation free for BSNL Air Fiber?
Yes, installation is free for non-government accounts until March 31, 2025.
[](https://portal2.bsnl.in/myportal/tariffs.do?FTTH_BROADBAND_COMBO=)What devices are required for BSNL Air Fiber?
You need a Wi-Fi router (Rs. 2,500–10,000), a CPE (included), and possibly an external antenna (Rs. 1,800–4,000) for weak signals.
Can I get BSNL Air Fiber in urban areas?
No, it’s designed for rural areas. Urban users should opt for BSNL Bharat Fiber (FTTH).
[](https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/bsnl-launches-bharat-airfibre-for-rural-areas-what-is-it-how-it-works-plans-and-more-6236336/)How does BSNL Air Fiber compare to Jio AirFiber and Airtel Xstream AirFiber?
BSNL offers lower prices (Rs. 499/month) and higher FUP limits (up to 8500 GB) but slower speeds (80 Mbps) compared to Jio/Airtel’s 1 Gbps 5G plans. BSNL includes free calls and Yupp TV, while competitors offer OTT subscriptions.
[](https://www.telecomssupermarket.in/blog/best-broadband-providers-in-india-2025-speed-plans-and-pricing-compared)How can I troubleshoot connectivity issues?
Ensure LoS to the BSNL tower, check router placement, restart the CPE, and contact BSNL at 1800-4444 for support.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my Air Fiber plan?
Yes, log in to the BSNL Selfcare portal, select “Modify Services,” and choose a new plan. Changes take effect in the next billing cycle.
[](https://www.91mobiles.com/hub/bsnl-broadband-plans-fiber-price-benefits-validity/)Does BSNL Air Fiber support static IP addresses?
Yes, the Premium plan offers a static IP for Rs. 2,000, while Ultra and Ultra Plus plans include one free static IP.
What is the customer care number for BSNL Air Fiber?
Call 1800-4444 (BSNL numbers) or 1800-180-1503 (other operators) for support.
[](https://www.gadgets360.com/broadband-plans/bsnl)Can I use BSNL Air Fiber for gaming or streaming?
Yes, plans like Premium (70 Mbps) or Ultra (80 Mbps) support HD streaming and light gaming, but for low-latency gaming or 4K streaming, Jio/Airtel’s 5G plans may be better.
[](https://www.opensignal.com/2024/01/25/india-fixed-broadband-experience-january-2024)What happens if I exceed the FUP limit?
Post-FUP, speeds reduce to 2–15 Mbps depending on the plan, still allowing basic browsing and streaming.
[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/bsnl-bharat-airfiber-plans-benefits-and-more/articleshow/109691321.cms)Conclusion
BSNL Bharat Air Fiber is a transformative solution for rural India, offering high-speed internet, unlimited calls, and TV services at unbeatable prices starting at Rs. 499/month. With free installation until March 31, 2025, and coverage across 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, it’s the go-to choice for affordable rural connectivity. While it may not match the 1 Gbps speeds of Jio AirFiber or Airtel Xstream AirFiber, its higher FUP limits, triple-play services, and rural focus make it a compelling option. Apply now at bookmyfiber.bsnl.co.in or call 1800-4444 to connect your village to the digital world!
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BSNL airfiber installation setup asking 25k ..is that correct? ..help me out ..
ReplyDeleteit is very expensive bro, you should contact BSNL customer care
DeleteI had raised the request for BSNL airfiber through BSNL App on 02nd May 2023. I got contact details of Agency which takes contract for BSNL airfibre installation. Agency told me it would cost me around 18k. In this, agency will install a device to the nearest BSNL Tower(this device will be facing towards my home), another device will fitted facing towards the BSNL Tower(which is around 4 KM from my home) and they will install router in my home. I'm not sure why I have to pay for the device to be filled on BSNL Tower.
ReplyDeleteyou should call on BSNL customer care number.
Delete