BSNL partners Micromax to launch 4G feature phone for Rs 2,200

Telecom minister Manoj Sinha said the partnership would increase BSNL's subscribers and strengthen the financial position

Taking on Reliance Jio, government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) has launched a feature phone with fourth-generation technology (4G) in partnership with handset maker Micromax for Rs 2,200.

BSNL will offer unlimited internet access, calling and SMS, along with free roaming, for a monthly recharge of Rs 97. Micromax says the effective cost of ownership will be Rs 3,364 after one year, as compared to Rs 3,336 for Reliance Jio's 4G feature phone. After two years, the cost of ownership for BSNL will be Rs 4,528 as compared to Rs 5,172 of Jio's and after three years, goes the claim, BSNL's ownership