We have collected details about accessing the Internet using High speed BSNL 3G Network in Chennai. BSNL will expand the same service and network to other circles and at the same Tariffs.
BSNL Broadband using 3G Network: Users shall be able to access Web using High speed broadband connection. BSNL talks of 2 Mbps but we will be happy to receive at least 1 Mbps uninterrupted data transfer.
Users have the choice to connect using USB Stick Interface or PCMCIA Card which will be provided by BSNL. Available choices are Merlin X950D Express Card, Merlin XU870 Express Card, Option Globe Trotter Express 7.2, Option Globe Trotter Express HSUPA 3G data card and Sierra Wireless Air Card 880E.
Tariffs for BSNL Broadband 3G Data Plans: Trial Pack - 50 MB Rs 60 and 100 MB will cost Rs 120 with 15 days Validity.
BSNL 3G Broadband Plans with Limited Usage: The following plans have validity of 30 days. Additional download will be charged at Rs 2 / MB. For Rs 250 you will get 300 MB Free Download, Rs 400 will fetch you 1 GB of Free Download, Rs 650 will get you 2 GB of Free Download while Rs 1,000 will get you 5 GB of Download. Service taxes are Extra.
BSNL 3G Broadband Plan with Unlimited Usage: This will cost you Rs 3,000 / month with unlimited data transfer. Compare this to Airtel's 1 Mbps DSL Unlimited data transfer plan available at Rs 2,222. BSNL is currently enjoying the monopoly and eventually when other operators enter the market, BSNL will be the first one to reduce the tariff as it has been pretty customer friendly.
Now if you are our reader in Chennai or other Metros where BSNL / MTNL 3G Data Plans are launched, we request you to check the Broadband Speed here and kindly notify us by means of a comment.
Bangalore is buzz with the BSNL - Novatium's Net PC. So what exactly is the deal ? Are they giving away a PC at just Rs 2,999 ?
We spoke to Novatium and here is how the deal is structured. If you are a new BSNL subscriber then you can avail this offer by paying Rs 2,999, where you will get the Net PC Box which is very similar to your Cable TV or Dish TV Setup Box. Net PC is a thin client to which you can connect your peripheral devices like Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, USB Storage Device, connecting ports etc. [Monitor cost is additional] If you already have broadband connection say Airtel Broadband, then you can BUY the Novatium Net PC Client for Rs 3,999.
There is no hard disk on this client so you can't store the documents, but you can use the USB. However, you will have access to common PC applications like Documents, Spreadsheets etc Novatium offers online storage services as well.
Availability: BSNL Circle in Bangalore and Chennai + MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai.
Novatium Net PC + BSNL Plans and Payment: BSNL is offering a flat 10% off on any home broadband plans you choose. Say if you choose Rs 750 256 Kbps unlimited broadband plan, then you will pay Rs 675 + taxes. Novatium gets a cut directly from BSNL and it is around Rs 175 / month. You don't worry about this, just keep paying your monthly BSNL Bills.
There is no lock-in period or contract. However, it is recommended that you don't surrender the Net PC within 3 months, if you do so you will be charged Rs 1,000 before buying back. If you surrender after 3 months, then Rs 200 / month will be dedcuted at the time of BUY Back and after 15 months there won't be any BUY Back.
Novatium Net PC Demo: The following video on YouTube shows a demo of the same.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to ask.
