If you live in the Tricity, you’ve probably heard the rumors: “BSNL is back.” “Tata built their network.” “It’s super cheap.”
But let’s be real, rumors don’t load Instagram Reels. Speed does.
With BSNL completing its major 4G rollout in the Punjab circle by late 2025, we decided to put the “Government SIM” to the test against the undisputed speed king, Reliance Jio. In January 2026, we took a drive from Zirakpur to Sector 17, testing speeds at major hotspots.
Here is the honest, data-backed truth about BSNL 4G in Chandigarh.
The Verdict First: Is BSNL Faster Than Jio?
Short Answer: No, but it is fast enough and half the price.
The Reality: Comparing BSNL 4G to Jio 5G is like comparing a reliable Honda City to a Ferrari. Jio 5G hits speeds of 300+ Mbps easily. BSNL 4G hovers between 15 Mbps to 40 Mbps.
However, unless you are downloading 4K movies while standing in the middle of Elante Mall, you might not notice the difference. For YouTube, WhatsApp, and browsing, BSNL is surprisingly smooth in 2026.
The Speed Test: Chandigarh Street Battle
We ran speed tests using the Ookla Speedtest app on two identical phones (one with BSNL 4G, one with Jio 5G) at key Tricity locations.
| Location | BSNL 4G (Download) | Jio 5G (Download) | Winner |
| Sector 17 Plaza | 38 Mbps | 410 Mbps | Jio (Speed) / BSNL (Usability) |
| Elante Mall (Inside) | 12 Mbps | 250 Mbps | Jio (Better Indoor Coverage) |
| Sukhna Lake | 25 Mbps | 180 Mbps | Jio |
| Zirakpur (VIP Road) | 32 Mbps | 90 Mbps | Close Call (Jio congested here) |
| Mohali Phase 7 | 28 Mbps | 310 Mbps | Jio |
| New Chandigarh | 18 Mbps | 120 Mbps | Jio |
Observation: BSNL’s new “Tata-Tejas” towers are performing excellently outdoors. In Zirakpur, where Jio often struggles with network congestion (due to high population density), BSNL actually felt more stable despite lower peak speeds.
The “Wallet Test”: Why People Are Switching
This is where BSNL destroys the competition. In 2026, private operators hiked their prices again, but BSNL has kept it affordable.
Prepaid Plan Comparison (28 Days, 2GB/Day)
| Feature | BSNL 4G | Jio 4G/5G | Airtel 4G/5G |
| Price | ₹199 | ~₹349 | ~₹379 |
| Data | 2GB/Day | 2GB/Day | 2GB/Day |
| Calling | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| SMS | 100/Day | 100/Day | 100/Day |
| Value | Winner | Expensive | Most Expensive |
- The Savings: If you switch to BSNL, you save roughly ₹1,800 per year on a single SIM. For a family of four, that’s a saving of over ₹7,000.
Coverage Report: The Good, The Bad, & The Basement
The Good:
- Highway Connectivity: Driving on the Ambala-Chandigarh highway? BSNL 4G holds up incredibly well without call drops.
- Sector Coverage: In open sectors (Sector 10, 11, 15, 34), the signal is full bars. The new towers are working.
The Bad:
- Indoor Penetration: This is BSNL’s weak point. If you go deep inside a concrete building (like the lower ground floor of North Country Mall or deep inside PGI buildings), BSNL drops to 3G or loses signal. Jio and Airtel have better “sub-GHz” spectrum that penetrates walls better.
- Gaming Latency: If you play BGMI or COD Mobile, stick to Jio/Airtel. BSNL’s ping fluctuates between 60ms to 120ms, which causes lag.
Who Should Switch to BSNL in 2026?
Switch IF:
- You want a secondary SIM: It’s perfect for keeping your bank number active and making calls cheaply.
- You live in Zirakpur/Kharar: These areas are congested on private networks; BSNL offers a “breather” lane.
- You are a light user: You mostly use WhatsApp, YouTube (at 480p/720p), and Instagram.
- You are a student/Senior Citizen: Why pay ₹400/month when ₹199 does the job?
Don’t Switch IF:
- You are a heavy gamer: The ping isn’t ready for competitive gaming.
- You work from home via Hotspot: If your job depends on Zoom calls, Jio Fiber or Airtel 5G is safer.
- You live in a basement apartment: Signal strength might be an issue.
FAQ: BSNL Chandigarh Queries
Is BSNL 5G available in Chandigarh?
Not yet. As of 2026, BSNL is strictly 4G. However, the new towers installed by Tata are “5G Ready” and can be upgraded via software updates. The government expects BSNL 5G trials to start later this year.
Can I port my Jio number to BSNL online?
No, you still need to visit a retailer or the BSNL Exchange (Sector 17 or 34). However, the process is fast—usually done in 3 to 5 days.
Does BSNL 4G work in the Chandigarh Metro (Proposed)?
Since the Metro is still in planning/early phases, this isn’t applicable yet. But for underground areas in general, BSNL signal is currently weak.
How do I get the BSNL 4G SIM?
Visit the BSNL Customer Service Center in Sector 17 or any local mobile shop in Sector 22 mobile market. You just need your Aadhaar card.
Is the internet speed stable for video calls?
Yes. We tested FaceTime and WhatsApp Video calls in Sector 35, and they worked without freezing. 15 Mbps is more than enough for clear video calls.
Final Thought
BSNL 4G in Chandigarh isn’t a “Jio Killer” in terms of speed. It is a “Price Killer.” If you are tired of paying nearly ₹400 for a monthly recharge, BSNL is finally a usable, respectable alternative in 2026.