BSNL Slashes 3G Data Pricing- Launches Two New 3G Data Plans

Pan India 3G mobile service operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today launched two new 3G Data Plans for Rs. 100 and Rs. 2000 and also reduced the existing price of two postpaid and prepaid 3G Data Plans.

BSNL announced two New Prepaid 3G data plans which comes for Rs. 100 and Rs. 2000 and provides 250 MB and 22 GB Free Data usage (Home and Roam) respectively. Both Plan also available in Postpaid segment for Rs. 89 and Rs. 1819 respectively. The new plans will be available from 11th April, 2011 on Pan India basis.

Apart from the above new plans, BSNL also reduced the price of its existing 3G Data Plan of Rs. 275/Rs.249 & Rs. 440/Rs.399 and these plan now comes for Rs. 200/Rs.189 & Rs. 400/Rs.369 (Prepaid/Postpaid)

Here are the Details :

Troubleshooting : BSNL 3G Teracom Data Card installation

Some of the BSNL 3G Teracom data card users are facing trouble with their data cards. We have tried to come up with some solution. Here is the list of some most common issues Teracom Data card users are facing :

1.Data card is not detected as Modem
The device Status in Device Manager shows USB Mass Storage device and do not detected any 3G Modem in device manager list. The data card software window pop up mesage displays "No Device"

Analysis : The data card with Ericsson chipset does not work with already installed software of Qualcomm chipset data card and vice versa and displays "No Device"
Suggetsion : Always install new data card software after completely uninsalling the existing data card software, if any.

2. Disabling of Audio Driver of PC
In some cases data card is detected and connection is made but Audio Driver of PC is disabled.

Suggestion : After installation of data card, enable the audio driver of PC/Laptop once using GUI of 3G data card (Settings > Audio Device). If device is un-installed, then install it again, this step is to be done again to enable the audio driver of PC/Laptop.

3.Compatibility issue with Window 7

Suggestion : Teracom Data Card is compatible with Windows 7. If software does not install automatically, then install it manually. The install or run option may be enalbed from Start > Control Panel > Auto Play > Games & Software > Choose option for auto installation of devices.

DoT Asks Tata Docomo, Airtel and RCOM To Hold 3G Video Call Services

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed three 3G Mobile service providers, Bharti Airtel, Tata Teleservices (Tata Docomo) and Reliance Communications (RCOM) to put on hold their 3G Video Calling services until interception facilities are cleared by security agencies or Home Ministry.

A demonstration was organized by Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices (TTSL) and Bharti Airtel during which the law enforcement agencies pointed out that on-line delivery of 3G Video Calls intercepts “In Real Time” could not be carried out by any of the above 3G telecom operators.

The contents of such 3G Video calls were displayed after 5 minutes of the completion of these calls as against the requirement of the agencies which want such details and interceptions on real-time basis. During the demonstration of 3G services carried out by above three service providers, The conclusion came that long duration 3G video calls, both incoming and outgoing, could not be intercepted. The Private 3G service providers are pushing the contents of the 3G Video calls in raw format to the server of the agencies, which requires use of decoders to view and listen to them.

The security agencies also pointed out many other intercept problems like if Video Call interception is done on a 3G handset, only noise is heard as indication of 3G video call. While a conference call/Video Conferencing services is not distinctly labeled. On the other hand, it is displayed as a two different outgoing calls ! According to the security agencies, the 3G service providers should be directed to make provisions for proper tagging for these calls before the commercial offings of such a services to the end users.

According to the letter issued by the DOT to these operators the shortcomings in interception facilities of Video calling on 3G services for the agencies need to be addressed before their commercial launch.

It is significant to say that, In August 2010, the similar directives was sent to state run Pan India 3G operator BSNL/MTNL to hold the Video Callings till an effective system of interception was put in place. Earlier the issue was resolved by the both PSUs.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kapil Sibal Minister of for Communications and IT said that the Government will try to resolve security issues around 3G services as soon as possible. “Telecom operators associations today met me and discussed the issue of security around 3G services. We will discuss and come to a decision as quickly as possible,” Sibal said.

Tata Docomo Revises 3G Data Offerings, Intros New 3G Data Packs

When Tata Docomo announced their launch of 3G services during Diwali, people got excited by dreaming of mainstream affordable 3G services by private operators. But Tata Docomo threw water over its mobile users who had hopes of “cheap tariff” for 3G Mobile services.

We received hundreds of comments and critics on our earlier post about the Tata Docomo’s 3G Tariff plans.Today we have some good news for frustrated Tata Docomo users!

Things have bit changed and after complete failure  on 3G pricing Tata Docomo seems to have realized with its mistakes !! Now it has made some changes in its 3G Data offerings (only for Data Usage via Mobile Phone) and has come up with some new Special Tariff Vouchers and Sachet Packs for prepaid 3G subscribers.

Here are the Details :

Reliance 3G Plan Details

Reliance Communications (RCOM), India’s single largest dual technologytelecom operator yesterday announced the launch of 3G Mobile and Data Services in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata andChandigarh cities as earlier we shared on TelecomTalk.

RCOM today announced the detail tariff for its 3G data and Value added services.The 3G Data plan for Prepaid/Postpaid users starts from just Rs. 100.

For convenience of prospective 3G Mobile Service users, there is no changes for Voice and SMS tariff and it will be charged as Reliance GSM 2G Plan and customer can clubbed 3G data plans as their needs and suitability. The Reliance also launched some 3G service plans with bundled tariff that include Voice, Data and SMS apart from the only data plans. 

The Default data charges will be 10p/10KB up to first 50 MB usage. The Voice call and SMS charges will be charged as per Reliance 2G tariff plans.

Reliance 3G Tariff In Details

Monthly Plans are available for both Prepaid and Postpaid users.


No data charges will be charged for viewing TV on 3G.

BSNL Unlimited 3G Data Plan Now At Just Rs. 700

Pan India 3G mobile service operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) all set to triggering another price war before the launch next generation 3G Mobile and Data service by private operators.

BSNL once again slashes the 3G Unlimited Data Plan cost up to 50% and introduced bucket of new 3G offers including Unlimited Prepaid/Postpaid Advance Rental/Payment Plans,  Unlimited Free Data Download offer for its 3G Data customers and reduction of 3G data card price.

Apart from the ground breaking offer of Unlimited 3G Data Plan at just Rs700 per month, the operator also introduces Free Unlimited 3G data downloads for 7 days as a Festive Season offer wherein new 3Gdata card subscribers can access Unlimited Free High Speed Wireless Broadband up to 7.2 MBPS without any extra charges for 7 days from the date of activation.

Unlimited 3G Data Plan At Rs700/ Month :

BSNL introduces 3 new “Advance Rental Data Card Unlimited Plan” where in the effective cost of Unlimited 3G Data Downloads will be as low as Rs. 700/month. The new new 3G Data plan for Rs. 4200 comes with the validity of 180 days and provide Unlimited Free High Speed wireless Broadband 24×7 Home and Roam circle anywhere in India.

While the new Data Plan-2500 comes with the validity 90 days while Plan-2000 offers Unlimited 3G for 60 Days.All 3 plans will be available to both prepaid and postpaid new connections from 1st Nov’ 2010.

Unlimited Free 3G for 7 Days:

All prospective 3G Data Card subscribers shall be entitled for one week Unlimited data download in addition to the existing freebies offered with new activation. The promotional Unlimited Free 3G data download facility will commence from the date of activation of 3G plan and after 7 days normal freebies of 200 MB will be also credited to the account of the prepaid customer as a Festival Gift. This facility is applicable to both prepaid and postpaid new connections. The above scheme will be implemented from 1st Nov’ 2010.

BSNL Crosses 20 Lakh 3G Mobile and Data Subscriber Mark

India’s National telecom backbone and Pan India 3G Mobile service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has crossed the landmark of 20 Lakh 3G Mobile and Data subscribers in India.

On this landmark achievement Mr. Sachin Piolt, Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology said “BSNL is committed to taking India into the next league of telecom supremacy by providing technologically advanced 3G services. It has been able to launch 3G network on Pan India basis except Delhi and Mumbai (MTNL service area).

He also added that “BSNL has provided various advanced services like High Speed Wireless 3G Broadband, Video Calling, Mobile TV, Music, Video Download etc. With the persistent marketing effort service roll out, BSNL has been able to capture 20,32,564 of 3G subscribers in its network up to 31.10.2010.

At present BSNL had 3G coverage in 675 cities and will expand 3G services to 120 more cities across India by January 2011.

Creating a paradigm shift in the digital communications, BSNL recently launched affordable Unlimited 3G Plan just at Rs. 700 in India. By making 3G services affordable with lowest Voice call and Video call charges as well as High Speed 3G Wireless Broadband Data HSDPA connectivity at 1 paisa for 10KB in India.

Vodafone Flags Off Dedicated 3G Webpage

Following the launch 3G Dedicated web page by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications (Rcom), IDEA Cellular, India’s 2nd largest GSM Mobile Service operator Vodafone Essar today flagged Off its dedicated 3G Web page.

As Vodafone is preparing grounds by launching a dedicated 3G web page giving information about its 3G offerings and also assure its customers to get 3G broadband experience with speed better than any other wireless technology available in India today, with peak 3G speed at 21.1 Mbps on the Vodafone network as well as general awareness information like comparison of 2G and 3G services, is your mobile 3G ready etc.

On 3G Tariff Plans, Vodafone Essar said that “The 3G Tariffs will be communicated at the time of commercial launch which is expected in the first quarter of 2011; we can assure our users that our tariffs will be competitive.”

With 3G Vodafone seems to offer attractive value rich contents like, Video calling, MMS Alerts, Video Alers, faster social networking, LIVE TV, On-line HD Gaming and the list goes endless as imagination will be the key in 3G technology. To get in depth analysis of upcoming Vodafone 3G, check out this link for more details.

Vodafone Essar has 3G spectrum in 10 circles – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (E) and West Bengal.

Tata DOCOMO Offers 10 hours of Live Cricket viewing during the India New Zealand one-d

Love Cricket? Tata DOCOMO has come up with an exciting offer that brings together all 3G Lovers and die hard Team India supporters. All 3G handset users in towns where Tata DOCOMO has launched its 3G services can now view 10 hours of Live Cricket during the India New Zealand one-day series for FREE.

To avail the free 10 hours Live cricket offer, Tata DOCOMO users will have to subscribe to the Rs 30 weekly pack which is on an auto-renewable mode. Users will be moved to the Rs 30 Weekly plan only after the completion of Free 10 Hours or on 11^th Dec (whichever is earlier). The customer can unsubscribe from thisFree offer before the completion of 10 Free hours or 11^th Dec, and in this case, customer will not be charged for the weekly subscription. 

To download the Mobile TV app and avail the offer, users have send TV to 53333 (Toll Free). This offer can be availed on any or all one-days on 1st, 4th, 7^th and 10th Dec. The offer will end on 10^th December 2010.

This offer of FREE 10 hours of India New Zealand cricket is also available to existing Tata DOCOMO Mobile TV users. For these users, on viewing the 10 hours of cricket on Doordarshan, there will be no Data Access Charges. This channel will be available for viewing during the match timings only (Live cricket will be available Half an before the start of the match and will end half an hour after the match).

Tata Docomo 3G Plans – Fits For Whom?

When Tata Docomo announced their launch of 3G services by Diwali, people got excited by dreaming of mainstream affordable 3G services. It was expected from an operator who shaked the market with their innovative tariff plans.

People got more excited when BSNL introduced their longer validity data plans on which you can enjoy Unlimited 3G connectivity at just Rs. 700/month for 6 months.

Hoping a new tariff war on 3G data segment people became more hopeful. But Tata Docomo did not care listen to us, they bring some crazy plans which are basically sick, and nobody will opt for. Users favor BSNL and bully Tata Docomo in their own 3G Life forums, Orkut community and other online forums.

Now why Tata Docomo can not be a game changer on 3G, inspite of they are backed by world’s leader of 3G innovations NTT Docomo. Let’s check it.

21Mbps HSPA+ Network – Just a term ?

Tata Docomo says their network can enable to deliver upto 21Mbps downlink on HSPA+ network. But no user showed any speed test of more than 4Mbps. It strongly suggesting they currently deployed basic HSPA 3.6Mbps BTS over areas. Even as their website shows at present they are selling only HSPA 7.2Mbps 3G modem at Rs. 2600 (that’s well priced) – 21Mbps from Tata Docomo is just a dream right now.

BSNL/MTNL has 3.6Mbps HSPA network, which is been upgrading to 7.2Mbps HSPA. Speedtest.net results from many users from Bangalore support the fact. So this 21Mbps download speed is just advertising gimmick ?? And as other operators are coming with 3G services, will follow this trend. Airtel, Reliance all are saying their network will deliver upto 21Mbps downlink.

In brief you will find most BTS (of any operator) will offer upto 3.6Mbps speed (on practical around 2Mbps), a few will offer 7.2Mbps and if you get a 21Mbps BTS that’ll be too lucky for you.

And Tata Docomo has offered speed based wireless data plans!

Mixing up Voice & Data plans – Tata Docomo 3G Tariff plans

Tata Docomo mixes up whole 3G thing; they introduced high cost 3G voice data combo plans. Voice tariff should be same on 2G and 3G network, main price difference will be on data connection. Tata Docomo’s 3G life plans are complex at a point – because not always you need high speed internet on mobile.

Have a look of current default GPRS/EDGE (2G) tariff plans from different operators:

Operator	Default Tariff
Airtel	30p/50kB = Rs. 6/MB
Reliance	5p/10kB = Rs. 5/MB
Idea	2p/kB = Rs. 20/MB
Vodafone/Aircel and others	10p/10kB = Rs. 10/MB
BSNL/ MTNL  (2G/3G)	1p/10kB = Re 1/MB

And you are expecting affordable 3G tariff plans from these private telecom operators? No Cheap 3G by Private Operators !!

Teethering will not be allowed when you are on Small-Screen plans

If you subscribe to any of small screen plans, you can not use internet on PC or laptop by connecting your mobile via USB.

So even if you have a 3G handset and Tata Docomo 3G connection, can not enjoy 3G high speed internet on PC/laptop unless you take their Large Screen plans with 3G USB Modem. Till now it is not sure they will allow to use your own data card or not!

speed Throttling – They care for network, not for users.

It is expected they will throttle the torrent speed also, even if that’s legitimate bittorrent download, for eg Linux distros.

Fair Usage Policy

They are saying it is Wireless Broadband and capping the speed to 128kbps after certain usage.  Broadband as per TRAI is always on connection with minimum 256kbps bandwidth! More fun come when you will see their ‘Limit 2 Speed Capping’ – they will restrict speed at 10kbit/sec!

And all these comes on Tata Docomo ‘Smart 3G life plans‘.

You can’t make calls/SMS from Tata Docomo 3G life USB Modem

Value Added Services

Value Added Services, I personally hate them  so much! There are lots of offerings and services (mostly at premiere price) will come with 3G. Operators will push Video calls and Mobile TV. A lot of 3G handsets do not have a front camera to support video calls.

And in case of Mobile TV you will be charged for each KB transferred to your mobile along with subscription charge. And Tata Docomo video calling comes at 5p/second i.e. Rs3/min and you can call only onnet numbers i.e. @5p/sec you can call only to Tata Docomo 3G users.

Though 3G roaming over all circles is not available at present from Tata Docomo and other private operators, but it will come very soon. And with pan India 3G presence BSNL/MTNL will be biggest gainer by these roaming agreements of private operators.

Conclusion

At this point I have a soft feeling for ex-telecom minister A.Raja who gave away 2G licenses and India saw cheapest tariff on mobile. Despite of the face 3G is a costly business mobile broadband has to be priced moderately from the very fast, to lure subscribers to use 3G services and generate profit.

Most important part of 3G is ‘Mobile Broadband’ and it has huge scope to kick up ARPU and operators will be able to recover money invested on 3G licese buy and network upgradation.

Brief Comparison of present Wireless Broadband Providers:

RCOM To Launch 3G Mobile Data Services Portal on Motricity Platform

In a bid to provide high end 3G Value Added Services and rich multimedia contents on a singal click, Reliance Communications (RCOM), today announced the launch of new mobile data portal, R World, powered by Motricity.

The new portal developed for the upcoming 3G services will deliver complete, end-to-end mobile Internet and data services to 120 million Reliance mobile subscribers at the click of a button.

The ubiquitous Mobile Data Services Portal has been developed on Motricity’s mCore platform which powers 3G Mobile Portals of many leading global 3G service providers.

Motricity’s mCore Platform and Mobile as a Service (MaaS) delivery platform will enable Reliance Mobile Customers to access highly personalized mobile data experiences throughout the country. From R World, Reliance Mobile subscribers will have access to the high speed mobile Internet with download speeds up to 21 Mbps, high-definition Mobile TV and a host of advanced features, across a wide range of mobile devices, enabling mobile content discovery, mobile commerce, mobile social networking and mobile marketing campaigns and programs.

Motricity is a leading mobile data services and solutions provider serving some of the world’s largest mobile operators including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Celcom and XL Axiata.

Powered by Motricity,  Reliance’s new “R World” platform will include the following features:

Content Aggregation: Subscribers now have access to all of the most popular content, email and social networking sites direct from their mobile device through a centralized easy-to-access destination.

Single Sign-On: Once users personalize their view of R World, they can access all of their content, email (Gmail, Windows Live, Ovi Mail) and social networks (Facebook, Twitter) with one login, eliminating the need to re-enter different passwords and user IDs.

News Feeds: RSS functionality allows subscribers to browse through feeds and add them to their home page, ensuring they get the most relevant news, sports and content. R World offers four categories of RSS feeds; news, sports, infotainment and finance.

Social Networking Capabilities: Through R World, subscribers can publish status updates across multiple networks check on the status of their network friends, read and comment on posts, through a single, user-friendly interface.

Reliance Communications (Rcom) which has bagged 3G spectrum in 13 circles including Delhi and Mumbai as well as category ’C’ circle all set to launch the 3G services by the end of this year (Dec’2010) and also plans strongly leverage its media, gaming, cinema and broadcasting capabilities to offer its customers a unique true 3G experience

Vodafone 3G Network Goes Live Over Places

After Airtel and Reliance (RCOM) 3G Signals in various parts of states, Now TelecomTalk readers from Noida and New Delhi telecom circle have started spotting Vodafone 3G Signals/Test Signals which acquired 3G spectrum in 10 circles – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (E) and West Bengal.

According to the official statement by Vodafone, The operator will launch 3G Mobile and Data services in the first quarter of 2011 (expected in end of January 2011). “Our approach is to give our customers a world class experience and hence we will launch when a significant part of the cities is covered by our 3G network”, said Marten Pieters, MD, Vodafone Essar.

We’d like you to let us know if you have also come across Vodafone 3G signal in your area. Just follow the simple steps to find out if there is 3G services awaiting for you.

Get a 3G handset and go to phone settings > set Network Mode to WCDMA/UMTS > then search for Networks Manually > It is expected that u will have BSNL/Cellone/Dolphin (thats BSNL/MTNL) and Vodafone 3G if available.You can also email us screen-shots with your area name and we’d be happy to post them in this post.

In Noida, Vodafone 3G signal

BSNL 3G Data Card Plan Price

ndian Broadband Internet users are familiar with BSNL 3G Data Card Plan. For 3G (third generation) data access, BSNL offers various data card plans. Users can enjoy the 3G data connection for 15 days with the Trial Pack. You can select one of the prepaid or postpaid plans, if you are satisfied. Well, you might want a careful knowledge of the data plan, if you are looking to benefit 3G broadband services on your mobile.

Here are some details about this BSNL 3G Data Card Plan, prices and much more. As USB, Express cards and PCMIA, BSNL Data cards are available. The USB can be used as plug and play in any laptop or desktop.

BSNL Broadband using 3G Network:

Subscribers shall be able to access Internet using High speed broadband connection.You will be pleased to obtain at least 1 Mbps nonstop data transfer while BSNL talks of 2 Mbps.







BSNL will be offered USB Stick Interface or PCMCIA Card, so users have the choice to connect using anyone. On hand choices are Merlin X950D Express Card, Option Globe Trotter Express 7.2, Merlin XU870 Express Card, Option Globe Trotter Express HSUPA 3G data card and Sierra Wireless Air Card 880E.

Cost of BSNL Data Card:

3500Rs –if you opt to purchase the Data Card. If you choose this option, it is one time charge and no monthly payment is required. You can buy this data card on rental basis which would cost you Rs.200/month, if you are not looking for making any initial payments.

Trial Pack

To try this new service, the trial pack offers 15 days of 3G data usage. The trial pack cost includes service tax also.

MRP of Trial pack in Rs. (Incl. of S. Tax)	Rs 60	Rs 120
Free usage in MB	60 MB	130 MB
Validity in days*	15 days	15 days

Data charges for trial pack customers after use of 60 / 130MB or 15 days expiry shall be as per the base plan.
*This will increase the validity of Main and dedicated accounts both.

Prepaid Data Plans

Recharge Voucher in Rs.(Service Tax Extra)	Day/Any time usage in GB	Night * usage in GB	Total bundled free Usage in GB	Validity (days)**	Date Charges in Rs./MB***
249	0.5	–	0.5	30	2.00
399	1	–	1.0	30	2.00
549	1	5	6.0	30	2.00
649	2	–	2.0	30	2.00
999	5	–	5.0	30	2.00
1099	10	–	10.0	30	2.00
1299	5	10	15.0	30	2.00
1699	10	15	25.0	30	2.00
2999	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30	–

* Night usage is from 11.00 PM to 07.00 AM
** This will increase the validity of Main and dedicated accounts both.
*** Data charges beyond free usage shall be deducted from the available balance in his main account.

Data Top Ups

The top up charges includes Service Tax also.

Price of Top-up	Validity in days	Free Data Usage
Rs 120	NIL	100 MB
Rs 225	NIL	300 MB
Rs 260	NIL	500 MB
Rs 330	NIL	1GB

Postpaid Data Plans

Unutilized balance of data usage in Post-Paid plans shall not be carried forward to next month.

Fixed Monthly Charge in Rs.(Service Tax Extra) #	Day/Any time usage in GB	Night * usage in GB	Total bundled free Usage in GB	Validity (days)**	Date Charges in Rs./MB
249	0.5	–	0.5	30	2.00
399	1	–	1.0	30	2.00
549	1	5	6.0	30	2.00
649	2	–	2.0	30	2.00
999	5	–	5.0	30	2.00
1099	10	–	10.0	30	2.00
1299	5	10	15.0	30	2.00
1699	10	15	25.0	30	2.00
2999	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30	–

# Service Tax as applicable extra.
op Up Validity Options

Valid for Voice /Data Prepaid plans

Price of Top-up in Rs.(Service Tax Extra)	45	75	125
Talk Value in Rs.	0	0	0
Validity in days	7	15	30

Optional- Concessional tariff for night

11.00 PM to 07.00 AM, usage for Pre-Paid & Post-Paid services

Monthly charges in Rs. (Service Tax Extra)	Rs.28/- *
Data usage charges during night hours	Rs.1/MB #
Applicable to	All voice/data plans

* shall be deducted from the main account. # Applicable in Home PLMN only.