Vodafone and state-owned telecom operator BSNL have changed their network names to add coronavirus-related suffixes, in order to raise awareness about the pandemic. While BSNL is reported to have changed the operator name to ‘BSNL Stay at Home,' Vodafone is displaying 'Vodafone-Be Safe' as the network name for some s. The change comes at a time when telecom companies are making efforts to raise awareness and ensure social distancing amid the COVID-19 spread. Even the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a directive to all telecom operators to change their default caller tune to a 30-second coronavirus awareness message.
The change in Vodafone's network operator name was spotted by s on Twitter, and has also been seen by at least one Gadgets 360 staff member. In fact, the change in Vodafone's network name is not limited to India. s in have also reported that Vodafone has changed the name to Vodafone #StayHome in the country.
People on Twitter also reported the change in COVID-19 pandemic and remind people to stay indoors.
Now, this change in operator name does not seem to be live for all Vodafone and BSNL s in the country, and there is no official word from either Vodafone or BSNL on this development. We have reached out to both operators and will update the story when we get a response.
Both Vodafone and BSNL had earlier announced measures to help their customers during the COVID-19 crisis. BSNL had launched a 'Work@Home' promotional broadband plan to offer internet access to its landline customers free of cost.
Vodafone, similarly, has announced benefits for its feature phone s on prepaid connections. Vodafone has provided an extension in the plan validity for s whose plans might be expiring during the 21-day coronavirus-led lockdown. Apart that, Vodafone is also giving away free talk-time worth Rs. 10 for its feature phone s.