BSNL inks MoU to sell SIM cards, recharge services through post offices

The Department of Posts (DoP) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand the reach of BSNL’s mobile services across the country by leveraging the extensive postal network.

Under the agreement, more than 1.65 lakh post offices will act as points of sale for BSNL SIM cards and mobile recharges.

BSNL will provide SIM stock and training, while the postal department will facilitate customer onboarding and transactions in a secure and standardised manner.

The initiative will make BSNL’s telecom services more accessible, especially in rural and remote areas, by enabling citizens to purchase SIMs and recharge connections at their nearest post office.

“The partnership seeks to bridge the digital divide, empower rural households with mobile services, and advance the broader goals of Digital India, financial inclusion, and socio-economic development,” the Ministry of Communications said in a statement.

The proof of concept was implemented in Assam, where it has already shown significant success, according to the official readout.

The MoU was inked in the national capital by Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager (Citizen Centric Services & RB), on behalf of DoP, and Deepak Garg, Principal General Manager (Sales and Marketing-Consumer Mobility), BSNL.

“This partnership combines the trusted reach of India Post with the telecom expertise of BSNL to deliver affordable and accessible connectivity to every citizen,” Badal said.

Garg said the collaboration will take BSNL services to “every nook and corner of the country.”

The agreement, effective from September 17 for one year, may be renewed subsequently.

Both organisations will put in place mechanisms for robust monitoring, monthly reconciliation, and strict adherence to cybersecurity and data privacy norms, according to the ministry.