BSNL 3G Datacard

It looks like ages since i was off with no internet at my new house (4 months, Gubbalala). Airtel didn't had BB connection over there and i always had reservations with Reliance/Tata indicom, so never bothered even to check with those guys. All along this time, i've applied for the BSNL BB connection. They said it'll take a week or so for the phone plus the internet connectivity. Application was applied on June-19. Waiting period was ON with various calls with Customer service. Every Customer service representative was asking me to get in touch with the Area Engineer. One thing is for sure, BSNL as a long way to go in terms of Customer service. Numbers given by their representatives for their Area Engineer or his Superior are just for namesake. They never receive any calls. Either they are switched off or they will simply give another number with another name and pass the buck. But few ones are helpful though. Problem in my area was that there were not issuing any new connections due to the old cable & the instrument have run out of slots and they were waiting for the new cable work to be done. For this, they have to dig up the road and for digging up the road, they have to get the permission from BBMP or BDA (who ever the road owns) which it seemed was not going to happen in near future. We all are aware of Govt... work.

Finally after much research work, i've to settle down with BSNL 3G data card. I had bit of apprehensions since i was not sure about the connectivity in my area (Even though, i've checked the BSNL 3G coverage map at the Service center). But i didn't had any other option/s. Getting the card is pretty simple job. All you've to do is follow the simple steps. This is for the Postpaid connection and i think the same holds true for prepaid too (not sure, but you may want to check).

1) Before purchasing, make sure your area is covered under 3G. They have posted a map in service center which lists out all the areas which are currently under BSNL 3G
2) Go to any of the nearest BSNL service center with photocopy of Resident proof, ID proof (DL, Voter ID, PAN Card should do) plus one photograph of yours, and 2500/- bucks for the 3G Instrument (Which is more of a USB/Memory stick) & another 700 (659 to be precise) bucks as security deposit for the Postpaid connection.
3) After providing the above details, you'll be provided with the instrument plus the SIM. SIM will be activated in no time. For me, it took some 12 hours since the BSNL server was down and i've to wait till for the next day. For one of my fren, he has to wait for 2 days just for the SIM activation.
4) There is quick guide to help you out in installing the 3G device. Put the SIM onto the data card and connect it to Notebook/PC USB port. For me, it started the installation by itself and it was pretty fast. After the installation, you will see a GUI (Graphical User Interface).
5) Few check ups need to be done.
a) If the SIM is not activated, you'll see the Red color LED glowing on the USB stick
b) Once the SIM is activated, you should see the Green color LED glowing
c) Basically, you don't need to do any configuration as such. Everything comes loaded.
6) Verify the internet connectivity by clicking on the "internet icon". You'll see "connect" (something similar to button) on the RHS. If you see the GUI, it'll start by opening the port plus the authentication. Am not sure how this is done, may be i need to sniffer out the packets
7) Once it gets connected, you'll see the Green LED glowing and you're off for high speed browsing.

This is just my 2 days experience and it doesn't sound so easy as i've written down if anyone is going to buy it for the first time. But after reading the above blog, there is nothing to panic. Life as become more easier with net access now. Checked all the stuff, yet to do the Video calling. Speed is varying a lot. I got upto 3.6 Mbps as quoted & some times, it was flapping a lot.

Happy 3G Browsing.

P.S: Checked all the stuff, yet to do the Video calling.