Basics of Internet connection in India
Here is some research I did, looking for the best internet connection for myself. Was hunting for hidden costs, advantages, disadvantages and new technology available in the internet market.
Connection Hardware –
Let’s not even talk of Dial-up, the age-old technology where your phone is forever engaged.
Broadband Internet connection (connection through wire) is good for high speeds. This kind of connection involves installation (laying the wire) and then subscription of a prepaid or postpaid plan. The internet service provided is limited by time and download volume (which includes unlimited download).
Wi-Fi connection
Wireless internet connectivity in a hotspot (a defined area such as a cafe or a house). An antenna is installed on the roof/terrace. Allows portability within a limited area.
A Data Card and USB Modem are good for portability. Both do the same job - connecting to the interent. The mechanism is similar to the phone and you can get the connection over the entire country without ‘Roaming’ charges. This hardware is only capable of giving maximum speed of 153.6 kbps. But you can view only simple text web pages, with small images easily. Other stuff like flash websites load slowly.
Data card goes into laptops (not all laptops are designed with data card slots). USB modem is a stick that connects to the USB port of a laptop and desktop computer. Therefore a USB modem is more versatile.
The Tata Data card costs Rs 3600 (Approx)
The Tata USB Modem costs Rs 2700
Connection Services –
I found out about a few internet plans. I was looking for low cost, reliability, easy installation and hoping for portability (though the low speed of Data card/USM modem dims my enthusiasm for portability). Here are the plans (as of 6th October 2008) –
Tata Broadband
Connection cost: Rs 843
Time limit: 1 month
Download limit: Unlimited
Speed:256 kbps
Installation time: 3 days
Installation charge: Rs 1000
Tata Broadband
Connection cost: Rs 2403
Time limit: 3 months
Download limit: Unlimited
Speed:256 kbps
Installation charge: Rs 500
Tata Data Card/USB Modem
Time limit: 1 month
Download limit: 2GB
Speed:153.6 kbps
Installation time: 2 days
Installation charge: Nil
Tata Data Card/USB Modem
Time limit: 1 month
Download limit: 512MB
Speed:153.6 kbps
Installation time: 2 days
Installation charge: Nil
Spectranet Broadband
Connection cost: Rs 500
Time limit: 1 month
Download limit: 5GB
Speed:256 kbps
Installation time: 1 hour
Installation charge: Rs 1000
For Airtel, you need rent the modem (Rs 500) and necessarily install a phone instrument (Rs 300). For plans check Airtel website!
Finally, I think Spectranet looks good for me.
Post comments and tell me how your experiences with these services has been. Correct me if any info is wrong. How’s the Customer Care and post-sales service?
October 6th, 2008 - 03:56
Its the cheapest one isn’t it
That’s what I would look for.
October 7th, 2008 - 07:02
Hi, nice blog.
Why not go for MTNL?
Its the cheapest one available, the speed is great and its not all that sarkari when it comes to teh connection, i mean its quite reliable.
October 7th, 2008 - 07:05
Hi vaibhava,
Well, I called them up and they said it would take 15 days to install. Maybe they are good once they install but its just too outdated n sarkari to even suggest 15 days! Life changes man..
Anyway, which package are u recommending? I hear they are really cheap – Rs 200 a month or so.