How to choose the right GPRS connection in kerala
By arun.sankar
GPRS shootout in Kerala
As a person, who is constantly testing various GPRS data connections( commonly known as mobile internet ) in Kerala, I decided to make a review on the same.
There are four major GSM players in kerala. The state owned BSNL Cellone, Vodafone, Airtel and Idea. All the four GSM companies are having facilities of GPRS data on their network. To decide which one of them is the best option, I have taken into consideration the following factors
- Network Availability
- Price and options
- Speed
- Reliability
- 3G and EDGE availability
Network Availability :
Eventhough the state owned BSNL (Cellone) is having the highest network availability among the four, companies like Vodafone and Idea are also providing almost the same network coverage. Since network coverage varies from place to place, I can't make a decision on the same. I would suggest each one of you to check the networkavailability of all the companies in your area. The higher the network availability, the higher will be the quality of service. Atleast 60%(3-4 points) signal strength can be considered as a good connection.
Price plans and Options :
Plans available on all the four major players are different. I would suggest you to have an unlimited data plan, if you use internet for downloading and VOIP applications. For those who use it for just viewing or sending e-mail, a limited plan is adviceable.
Among the four companies Vodafone is not having an unlimited data plan as per my knowledge. So it is not adviceable. So Vodafone is out of scope for those who are looking for unlimited plans
All the other 3 companies have unlimited data plans. In kerala Cellone is charging Rs. 199 for unlimited data plan ( only for postpaid connections ). Airtel and Idea charges Rs 250 each for unlimited plans.
Speed :
Speed of a data conection depends on a lot of factors, in which the most important factor being the priority given by operators for data connections. Cellone has a consistent speed of around 40-48 kbps ( dowload speed of 5-6 KBPS ). Airtel has a slightly less speed of around 32-38 kbps ( download speed of around 4-5KBPS ) and Idea is offering speds around 15-170kbps ( download speed of 2-22KBPS ). You can see that Idea offers the highest speed, but the least consistent connectivity.
3G and EDGE availability :
3G has not been rolled out by any of the cellular operators in India. All the existing cellular operators are having their network ready for 3G and are waiting for govt. approvals. Airtel and Cellone has EDGE in selected cities. So if you are planning for Airtel or Cellone, confirm the availability of EDGE in your tower. Almost all the towers of Idea have EDGE capabilities, thats why they are providing very high top speeds.
Verdict :
As per my tests, I would say that Cellone will be the most cost effective and reliable network option for postpaid users.
For prepaid customers, Airtel will be a better option, since Cellone doesn't have any unlimited plan in prepaid.
Idea will be good for thos who are ready to wait and pray for their luck to get good download speeds
Various GPRS Plans
- Cellone postpaid GPRS tariff
Cellone postpaid GPRS tariff plans available in kerala - Vodafone Tariffs
Vodafone Tariff Plans - Idea Tariff Plans
Idea Tariff Plans in Kerala - Airtel Tariff
Airtel Tariff Plans
Comments
Arun, you told their about waiting till mid night?... Its really useless.. Now i am having a download speed of 2kbps and sometimes 0.5 kbps :D
Its really--- " An Idea Can Change Your Life"
Hi, Aravind... thats what I was also trying to say, regarding Idea GPRS. The thing is that the speed of GPRS depends on the no. of data channels they are using, even if the network is edge compatible. Idea is giving more priority to its voice network than data, thats the reason for slow speeds. And yes, it depends on place aso. So I'd never ever suggest Idea GPRS for those who are frequent browsers
hi aravind, these days I noticed Idea GPRS is getting worser, even at nights am also not getting any commentable speed !!! So better stay from !!!
Hi,
I had been using Airtel and it was very difficult for me to get connected. When connected, it automatically disconnected afer a while. Also they decreased the period to 15 days for a Rs.274 recharge.Now I am using Idea and i am happy with the speed and connectivity.I never had to wait to get connected. I think airtel has the poorest network in kerala. So i suggest idea...
Hi,
i am having prob with my GPRS connectivity (airtel) off late. it says 'packet data connection closed by the network' repeated after connecting. pls help me if you have any solution.
thanks!
airtel unlimited gprs is 374 per month now. You might wanna correct that.
And airtel is connection is soooo inconsistent. And customer care is very poor.
Also takes 3 days for them to activate gprs.
airtel
274 rs -15 days unlimited
374 rs -30 days unlimited
This includes 3 days you spend waiting for settings to be delivered to phone.
Very poor service
Hi there..Iam a user of idea internet..it is good and the best when comparing to other provider.am getting an avg. of 25 kBps download speed when using DAP. and the video conferencing is also good when using skype.the prob is for new user the charge is 25/day.The idea is increasing their charge frequently.first it was 5/day then it comes to 9/d and atlast 25/day.i would recommend bsnl ev-do card which is only 550/month.The ev-do is oferring 2mbps speed for such an amazing price with unlimited download.Thankyou
airtel gprs onli 2700Rs on velideti in to life time free dowonload free sarchin oll web.. in to life time freeeeeeeeeeeeeee ane help pls call jasoliya10@yahoo.com
hai arun, i found your page useful. As i am not aware of any of the GPRS connections in Kerala, could you help me by suggesting an apt service provider. Do you think cell one ( i am guesing it i from BSNL) post paid is the best? and next would be airtel?. I read from the comments posted it looks like idea is the choice! As i would be in kerala for only 3 weeks getting a postpaid is not an option for me. Will my nokia 6110 works with these specifications?
Thanks
hey dude....the plans you have given is of some year BC.....
whazz the plans for now??
which you think is the best plan for 2009??and take these plans to hell.....
And FCUK U.... hack u.......u can either tak it or GO TO HELL URSLF...... think ur smrt huh....mak a page by urself & keep updating them instead of surfig thru old pages....dum ass
And FCUK U.... hack u.......u can either tak it or GO TO HELL URSLF...... think ur smrt huh....mak a page by urself & keep updating them instead of surfig thru old pages....dum ass
And FCUK U.... hack u.......u can either tak it or GO TO HELL URSLF...... think ur smrt huh....mak a page by urself & keep updating them instead of surfig thru old pages....dum ass
hi
There are many free gprs hack for airtel(T-shark) and forget the plans .Does any on know free gprs hack for vodafone in kerala
Airtel speed sucks
All Data plans now sucks In Kerala Airtel cost 174 for 1 week Unlimted.Vodaphone still dnt have a good plan for pc users.And despite the good speed and po0r and unstble network Idea charge the rocket high charge 35rs perday or 750 flexi rechrg!But any way mobile browsers can chill coz Airtel,Vodaphone,and Aircell have NOP plan for about 99rs per month for browsing via phone.But no pc connectivty with these plans.Still Idea and BSNL dnt hacve such plans.Aircell also have a nIce plans cost 17rs for 3Days but speed is looooow compared tio others.Any way Idea still leads the speed mark.Hop this critera will change when 3G Kicks off this year
All Data plans now sucks In Kerala Airtel cost 174 for 1 week Unlimted.Vodaphone still dnt have a good plan for pc users.And despite the good speed and po0r and unstble network Idea charge the rocket high charge 35rs perday or 750 flexi rechrg!But any way mobile browsers can chill coz Airtel,Vodaphone,and Aircell have NOP plan for about 99rs per month for browsing via phone.But no pc connectivty with these plans.Still Idea and BSNL dnt hacve such plans.Aircell also have a nIce plans cost 17rs for 3Days but speed is looooow compared tio others.Any way Idea still leads the speed mark.Hop this critera will change when 3G Kicks off this year
All Data plans now sucks In Kerala Airtel cost 174 for 1 week Unlimted.Vodaphone still dnt have a good plan for pc users.And despite the good speed and po0r and unstble network Idea charge the rocket high charge 35rs perday or 750 flexi rechrg!But any way mobile browsers can chill coz Airtel,Vodaphone,and Aircell have NOP plan for about 99rs per month for browsing via phone.But no pc connectivty with these plans.Still Idea and BSNL dnt hacve such plans.Aircell also have a nIce plans cost 17rs for 3Days but speed is looooow compared tio others.Any way Idea still leads the speed mark.Hop this critera will change when 3G Kicks off this year
any idea about new oprators like tata docomo & reliance gsm
Bsnl launches prepaid unlimited plans 20 perday and 230 for a month if you have edge network you are sure to have 15kB to 20KB(in and around 144kbps) per second download speeds on your edge phones but that depends on the place you live ofcourse..in some places the speed is terrible esp at peak hours ...just confirmed this news...
Hi,
im a new bie 2 kerala..
Can any1 suggest a plan 4 me.
I browse frequently.wat abt bsnl unlimitd for 230.
Is aircel 3 days unlimtd availble for 17rs
Yes, the other players are no where near BSNL. I am enjoying unlimited GPRS at 10 to 16KBps(80 to 128kbps appx,)from my laptop in Kozhikode city @ just Rs.199 per month on postpaid!!!
Thanks, but how about an updated comparison? Things have changed a lot and all the links you posted to their tariffs are now broken.
airtel sucks...low speed and doesn't have edge connectvity in all area.Sometimes it is slower than 2kbps .
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AirTel really cheat to its customer low speed 0.02Kb/sec
Deral all....
I am using Reliance net connect for last 1 year.....and i suggest never go for this stupid connection.this is the worst one and idea and airtel is far better than this..i just cancelled the connection before 6 months and still am getting monthly rental for my connection.am trying to contact their customer service and the reply is will contact you back in few days....this same reply am getting for last 6 months....so ppl planing to take net....never think about RELIANCE
Friens,
Try tata docomo once. u can feel the diffrence..
i think Airtel is best to use GPRS in Kerala, i am using it. i uses the tariff of 98/month up to 2GB usage. Its more than enough for me........ i only use about 500MB a month.
I HAD BEEN USING IDEA NET WORK FREEQUENTLY . BECAUSE OF THE POOR PERFOMENCE, I TOOK AIRTEL CONNECTION BY MY FRIEND'S ADVICE. NOW IAM SERCHING THAT BLODY FRIEND TO KICK HIS BACK. NOW I HAS 3 CONNECTION .. ONLY FOR GPRS;
AIRTEL, RELIANCE AND IDEA.. NOW IAM LOOKING FOR BSNL CELL-ONE.. THAT IS MY FINAL ATTEMPT..
no no no now tata docomo is best gprs un beliaveble speed i try airtel aircell idea and bsnl but now tatadocomo using its very good speed giving 250-kpbs speed if uyou try tatadocomo with nokia 5800 its satisfade you i promiss
Info Bucket and others aren't u people living in kerala!!!!!!!!!!!!airtel and other gprs .............Try tata docomo once 6 GB for Rs 95 and no disconnections and enjoy downloading at a constant 20-25 kpbs.It downloads around 40 MB in one hour to my phone where am using symtorrent to download huge files within one/two days.
All towers are edge enabled..try it and talk here later.
Hey,
I think Cellone GPRS is the best.They also provide Edge facility in most areas.I get speed upto 160 Kbps having a average download speed 14 Kbps.Very rarely i get 20 kbps and above.I think it is better.
I say it is the best becoz BSNL providng a stable speed rather than changing one.Downloading in my mobile is also faster.
@sharon let me tell that was a meaningless post without providing the tarrif..how much u r paying for bsnl prepaid gprs/postpaid!!!!!!
when it comes to cost effectiveness, aircel is the no. 1. There unlimited dataplans for rs. 14 for 3 days , 27 for 7 days & 97 for 1 month at a moderate speed. There will be also occassional offers like 97 for 2 months. Believe me for the last 8 months i have been using unlimited internet at a rate of 97 for 2 months. Pls check your network and edge availability before using.
If u have any doubt contact me at bhagyanath.t@gmail.com
yes bhagyanath aircel is the no.1 superb plans, and edge support, aircel 97 plan superbbbbb
I Think BSNL is best 3G available and EDGE plans from rs 13
in kerala docomo has the best gprs network, but the problem is their very poor coverage, they have best plans than aircel but their towers are worst and waste, in case of coverage aircel is better
I use Tata Dococomo and let me tell you, it gives a real speed of 10kBps to 30kBps ie. (80kbps - 240 kbps)& it would cost you Rs 15 for 500MB[3day validity], RS 48[30 days] for 2GB or Rs 96 for 6 GB[30 days]. The important fact we need to consider here is that it is perfectly possible to download 6 GB on docomo because of its speed.So the truth is that even if we have a unlimited connection of any other provider it will be nearly impossible to download 6 GB in 30days (which is perfectly possible on a DOCOCMO). So the Bottom Line is If you are one of those people who need to do lot of downloads then surely DOCOMO is the best. try it for yourself.(you only need RS 25 for a DOCOMO Sim and Rs15 for 500MB to try).So for a meagre 40 rupees you will know the actual speed of a GPRS network which other providers just don't provide.
If docomo full range is shown indoor(outdoor may be full range,but indoor no range for docomo in most localities) try it.
Else go for Aircel
3rd choice others
*(BSNL coveres most of the area. Plans-89/month for 2 gb. Unlimited costs somewhere around 274+../month.-but cc support will b extremely pathetic)
*Don't beleive private providers ads(for vodafone, 'unlimited' means 2gb)
*Never enter airtellive home site( they wil charge u for downloads,subscriptions... eventhough u wouldn't make any subs or downloads. One of the most reputed blade company in India)
Airtel has some other long periode plans for gprs. 174 for 90days and 474 for 270days
Both plans are unlimited
Tata Docomo the best option(Kerala)
-fastest
-cheapest
-low call tariff also
Just try a daily pack or weekly pack!!!!
You will become a fan of it.
Docomo will launch 3g services in kerala on november 5.The tarrif will be reasonable.....so soon other companies will lie in dust.....like to see airtel offering unlimited gprs for one month @Rs 10 next year.
Five days to launch docomo 3g....hope my area will gain the signal.Unlimited plan may be around Rs999 a month...several data plans will follow.Download speed may be 160-200 KBPS.
Two days left to launch 3G services ....Docommo 3G will be available from 12 am 5 November.It will be free till 11 November ,the day which will reveal the tarrif.
AIRTEL ....they cheat you, left, right and centre. Even without usage, they'll cook up usage and bill you ! Stay away from Airtel ! I had a bband connection and they billed for an additional month citing usage after keeping my request for surrender in abeyance. HOWZZZ that ? The top most blade company in India is AIRTEL ! They are fast losing subscribers by word of mouth. They are down in rankings...but they'll always be UP in cheating customers ! No one can beat them ! only Reliance can come atleast close to them.
Go for AIRCEL, DOCOMO, BSNL etc even if their schemes may not look a close match to your requirement. Atleast you can rest assured that they'll not rob you !
Thanks
Till no docomo3g signal...to test this select network settings from ur phone change network settings to umts and do a manual search.I get only BSNL 3g as result.sms 3GLIFE to 53333 to get settings.
I bought a Nokia C6 2 weeks back, started using it with an existing docomo connection on a 3G upgrade. Things didn't work well as expected, so the very next day walked to the BSNL exchange and bought a 3G sim for Rs179. It came with a 7 day Unlimited internet pack and with amazing download speeds. The good thing about it is, the unlimited 7 day plan is still working even after 12 days of usage!
Hai I am jeffin
I am using vodafone pc connect using(Rs 14 3days) it is very super plan for a vodafone.downloading speed is high frequecy 10kbsto80k 80kbs.I LIKE IT THIS Plan.
I have used airtel idea and vodafone in kerala and what i found is airtel is the worst,with the least coverage and the connection is very slow and inconsistent.Idea is ok,it has good coverage but data speeds are not that great.Vodafone is the best in Kerala with very good coverage and speed.90% of their towers are EDGE enabled.
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Hey frndzz
Try DOCOMO...Its gr888....
*-6 gb for 95 INR with 1 month validity....(So its cheaper)
*-You would get a very constant speed of 128kbps(16 KBPS) if you have a 3g enabled phone eventhogh you havent activated it.(so gr8 speed)
*-Offers connectivity in more than 100 cities and is the fastest growing network(gr8 connectivity)
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Iam from thrissur(kerala.).now iam using airtel it has a good browsing speed.but maximum downloading speed is 5k/s.in our area docomo has no range.please suggest a good gprs connetion with high speed
I advise from my experience. Never ever approach airtel. The most notorious network in kerala. Thew will activate good for nothing services(they call it as so...) and will bill you. The CC will politely say that it came from customers request and not their fault ( afterall i was wondering what is the percentage of mad in kerala to commit this much mistakes to activate their crapy services accidently). Ask to 5 airtel users who are aware on their balance reductions. 4 of them would have similar stories.
Never beleive ads cheifly from vodafone( i don't know who changed the definition of unlimited to 2gb. One of the foolish answers from those CC stupids -'' sir, it is unlimited upto 2gb. After that it is chargable''). Better to test everything in your locality. But throw airtel like shit.
Guys,
just go for aircel..they have reasonable network coverage in kerala, tariffs are low,gprs speed is among th best available,now 3g enabled..what else can u ask for...
I'm from thrissur & here docomo network coverage is poor...stay away from airtel....
I am using Bsnl net .It provide 40 kb/s speed. I use Idea connection for past 2year. Now i port it to Bsnl because it provide high speed internet. And also Bsnl did not cheat customers by cutting balance as idea do. When i use idea i got only 5 to 10 kb/s speed for net. But know i am happy with Bsnl. Also Bsnl has better coverage and good tariff plan
Stay away from airtel. Avoid it as plague
in kerala docomo is the best.u can also try for virgin mobile from tata,it is cheaper than docomo
aircel pocket internet is better in kerala......
njan idea internet aayirunnu upayogichathu friends paranju vodafone aanu good ennu eppol vodafone aanu conection kittiyittu kure divasamaayi
docomo is best
anyone using vodafone mobile connect with xperia X8 then please give th manual settings
guys i am with docomo:D.dont ever never think about other worst connections (kick ass):D go ahead with docomo. only thing annoying is the network coverage..i am so pleased with the download speed of maximim 30 minimum 20 kbps (internet download manager) for just few rupees.its capable of updating ur softwares,drivers,and os.so keep it simple guys...
Give the better service than airtel in rural areas of thrissur ? ... !
Here airtel is more consistent in villages for gprs :-
Its very use full thanks Arun
i wish docomo had good network here at kothamangalam, i have tried almost every network and most of have very low speed...
Airtel - really sucks!!
Docomo -very cheap plans but unfortunately very bad network coverage
vodafone - the fastest available here, but their plans are expnsve latest plan rs 95 for 1gb!! Fnckerss!!
Bsnl - good plans, and speed is okay..
Aircel - affrdable and speed same as bsnl
idea - nvr tried those idiots, those stupids have 69 mb daily limit, suck u sirji!!
I have been using Airtel connection for almost 10 years now, ever sine they have launched the service in Kerala. Though I had multiple issues during the period, somehow I was managing the connection. Recently I had changed the data plan from GPRS to 3G and all the problems started in billing. For the last three months I have same problem of incorrect billing and I have to call up the cust care everytime to get it corrected. I have decided to port my number to BSNL. Airtel is cheating their customers. Those who doesn't check their bill in detail will end up in paying unwanted charges. Be careful about Airtel billing. Notorious guys....
Hi there..Iam a user of BSNL internet..it is good and the best when comparing to other provider.am getting an avg. speed of 30kBps download speed conferencing is also good when using skype.the prob is for new user the charge is 25/day.The idea is increasing their charge frequently.first it was 5/day then it comes to 9/d and atlast 25/day.i w
bsnl gprs plans in kerala
7 100MB 1day
13 200MB 3day
89 3GB 30days
New tata-Virgin is available in kerala it provides 1 year free internet 500 mb/mnth..(free of Cost) and offer's tata to tata calls at 10 ps /min and.ni8 1ps for 1min..if u have eny prsnl relations use virgin and talk ni8 @ 1ps for 1 min for 1year
Hai friend,
i have idea,bsnl,uninor docomo reliance sim and iam test for internet speed idea is not speed netword and better speed idea higher than Bsnl and coverage.
Now vodafone has low cost gprs
4rs 40MB 1 day
5rs unlimited 1day
14rs 500MB 3days
Aravind 4 years ago
Hi Arun
Now i am using idea internet connection. Before a few months idea again raised the Internet plan tariff. Now it costs 9Rs/- per day.. Its really hard!
Also their is an other problem. Some times i am havind a download speed of 20 - 25 kbps when using DAP. Its a good thing but their are some other problems.
Most of the time Idea is having some network problems.. "Packet data connection not available", "Packet data connection closed by network", "packet data connection authentification failed", "Network busy"... I still remember all of these notifications becoz i always see it!
What do you think now?