Telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited will soon start offering 1GB of free data to the smartphone users of its service that currently do not use its data plans. “On pan-India basis, BSNL offers 1 GB free data for the smartphone users who are not using BSNL GSM data services. The intention of this offer is to promote number of internet users in BSNL network,” the state-run company said in a statement, according to PTI.

The move is also seen as an attempt on BSNL’s part to counter Reliance Jio’s raining offers. Last month, Jio had announced that its Happy New Year offers will continue with its Prime programme, but monthly data tariffs will be applicable. Till March 31, Jio is offering 1GB of free 4G data everyday and unlimited calling to any network.

Earlier, BSNL earlier offered 2GB of 3G data every day and unlimited calling within its network for Rs 339. Besides, it also offered 25 minutes of free calls and a subsequent 25 paisa per minute charge to other networks every day. The plan is valid for 28 days.

Private players like Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular have also come up with similar offer to combat’s Jio’s growing membership. While Airtel scrapped national roaming charges, Idea Cellular announced that it would provide free incoming calls on national roaming to its customers starting April 1.