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-   -   The DATA Card and USB Modem discussion thread (Reliance/Airtel/Tata) (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadgets-computers-software/14087-data-card-usb-modem-discussion-thread-reliance-airtel-tata-19.html)

Yeah, I think Photon+ doesn't like gangly school kids too much! :p

I have been using BSNL EVDO connection for past 2 months. I must say it is the best wireless broadband solution available in India till date. I have earlier tried my friend's reliance and tata indicom products but was never quite satisfied with the speeds and the service offered.
In the past 2 months, only once did I have a problem with my connection, which was promptly acknowledged by BSNL as their fault and was rectified within 24 hours.
I am lucky enough to get full network coverage and speed. The speeds are usually in the range of 1.2 to 1.9 MBPS occasionally reaching upto claimed 2.4 MBPS.
Besides this the download limit is unlimited and since I use the connection 24x7, I prefer it this way. Last month my net usage was over 50GB.

I would advice anyone opting for BSNL EVDO to first check for network coverage in their area before buying one or else opt for the rental plan. Atleast you wont be stuck with the useless modem if it doesn't work near your place.

The only disadvantage with BSNL is that they provide shared IPs and this makes it downloading from torrents next to impossible and also from file hosting sites like rapidshare (unless you have a premium account).

I plan to get a BSNL EVDO connection soon.
Can anyone tell me how is the network coverage for Pune ? I have heard some conflicting reports about the network coverage here. And hows the availability of the same ?

I use a company provided Tata Indicom USB/PCMCIA connection for official work at home, and I can say that the quality is no great shakes, especially for the price (which, thankfully, is not being paid by me). Also have an old reliance card, and its noticeably slower than the Tata Indicom as well.

Got a reliance netconnect+ card for Rs. 3500. Speed is pretty decent so far, around 0.8 to 1.5 Mbps. Better than my home broadband connection from Airtel (UL 256kbps).

I got the 1099 plan, which offers 5GB data transfer nationwide. The reliance chap gave me 200 bucks off each month on this plan for an year :)

For those, who are on BSNL EVDO, can you confirm that your workplace VPN works fine on that. I have seen that listed as one of the major issues on EVDO connection on offer by BSNL.

The only problem with Photon+ is that Tata Indicom does not offer any unlimited plan (with or without FUP) in our region. If it would, I would get it for my wife. I tested it at my place and I got sustained speeds of above 2Mbps on torrents, http and ftp. I may still get her this thing if BSNL does not introduce EVDO in Shillong soon.

Need some advice:
I might be moving to Ahmedabad temporarily. I need comprehensive internet access (for around 3 months).
Tried Idea and there GPRS25 scheme. Could not log in at all within a 24hr period.
Currently using Airtel, good connection but expensive (Rs20 for 8MB).
I don't think Vodafone offers any unlimited options?

What are the CDMA networks like in Ahmedabad?
I would be using 100-200mb daily. I need a true unlimited package if available.
Any suggestions?

I'm using Photon+ for over 4 months now. I guess I am one of the few who actually got truly unlimited plan. There is no data cap and I get excellent speeds (lowest 1mbps, to max 3mbps+ as advertised).

I've been travelling quite a bit and currently using it in Mumbai. BSNL comes close to this, but this has some added advantages for me since I travel quite a bit and I need network in the places I go.

Photon+ has worked awesome for me. 1500bucks for unlimited with no FUP. This is the kind of speed I get

I've a reliance CDMA data card that is supposed to have a working speed of 144kbps. Well, it never has, but, I do get decent connects everytime and though slow manage my work when on the move.

I've been wanting to upgrade to a broadband high speed data card/USB and have been looking at the Reliance Netconnect & Tata Photon+.

I tried talking to reliance to take back the CDMA and after adjusting the difference give me a Netconnect. But they refused. So, if I upgrade, then I've a dud by way of the reliance CDMA with me.

One of my friends who is power user of the net, dissuaded me from going for the Netconnect. Instead, I was advised Phton+.

I asked for a demo and the guy came to my workplace in Gulmohar Park, New Delhi. His unit would connect and display HSIA, that was supposed to be the high speed, but then after sometime used to display CDMA and fall back on speeds. Once on CDMA, it seldom used to go back to HSIA. Inside my cabin, it hardly had any signal strength. My laptop was taken outside, then on the road in front of my office, but it didn't get a steady HSIA mode.

The executive, mumbled something about network problem or coverage and went, promising to return on Monday. Well, I haven't heard anything from him or TATA. Of course, he mentioned that this is the first problem of this sort he has encountered, while till date the n number of Photon+s that he had sold never had this kind of problem.

Well, I've this thingy with electronics/gadgets - they don't work the first time. And Murphy's also plays a very significant role.

Can anyone here lay a finger on the problem and advise what should I do? And, I'm not any gangly school/college going kid..:D

Hi GD!

I have recently been using Reliance Netconnect and am pretty satisfied with it. Nowhere close to the 3.1 mbps as advertised but good enough for general browsing, an occasional download or some video streaming. Haven't used Photon+ so can't really comment on that.

I think there is some separate network for the HSIA. Just being in an Indicom/Reliance network doesn't guarantee broadband access. Now that you know Photon+ is not going to work for you, it will be a good idea to try Reliance (from the retailer/a friend) and try it out at your place.

Let me make your day anyways - Here goes!
Broadband+ Upgrade.pdf

I think you might have to wait for a few days before it is available at the stores though.

Source of PDF: Upgrade Offer - Netconnect 1x To Broadband+ - Reliance Mobile (CDMA & GSM) - Discussion Forums

BSNL reduced sale price or this is something different?

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd- Latest News

It's there on Reliance's website

Reliance Netconnect

They are giving Rs. 250 off on the plan for 1 year, in case you switch to Netconnect+.

But, in my case, I got that discount even on getting a new connection (not an upgrade from 1x). :)

That is because PCMCIA cards are being phased out. Hence they are giving out the last pieces in stock available with them at a discount. Almost for the past 3 years, laptops have stopped shipping with PCMCIA slots except a very few boring models. Even my laptop Dell which is almost 3 years old does not have a PCMCIA slot.

I second that. Whatever said and done, even when only 1X was there, Reliance used to have better coverage and Tata used to have better speeds. With the Evdo too, it should be the same. I've been using Photon+ since the last 4 months. Initially when I took the connection, there was a lot of problems. First it will show HSIA, then it will show 1X, sometimes it won't shift back to HSIA at all. But sometimes, when you disconnect and reconnect it will latch on to HSIA. Now, it has improved a lot. There is constantly a HSIA signal in my office. Even when I was roaming in Bangalore, there was a constant HSIA signal. Unless you are travelling to a lot of non-metros, Tata Photon+ will serve you well. Like it has for me and raghava.

This saturday, I had been to BSNL's Karve Road exchange (MKR) , to inquire about the EVDO cards, and if possible, to buy one.
However, I was told that they are unavailable and would take atleast 2 months more to arrive there. They didnt even have the required forms. Is availability indeed such a problem in Pune? Can anyone let me know any exchange/authorised reseller where they are readily available in Pune ?