BSNL Dataone Broadband Service

I've seen it all, from slow, archaic, 14.4Kbps dial-up connections (that took a minimum of 15-20 attempts to connect and used to amaze me if stayed connected for anything more than 15-20 mins without dropping the line), Overpriced under-performing broadband connections, to High-speed, state-of-the-art Leased line connections in glitzy cyber-cafes. Until now, we were promised, shown dreams and fed peanuts, as far as broadband internet access for Home users is concerned.

Then came DataOne.

I chanced upon ads in a few newspapers, when this service was launched. Further reading revealed that it would be an ADSL connection. I quickly applied for a BSNL phone line, since I was using only a Tata Indicom WLL phone at that time. The phone line was installed, simultaneously; I applied for a DataOne connection, and then the wait for it began. Sure enough, all good things in life take their own sweet time to arrive and this was not an exception. They finally arrived after a month's time and installed the DSL connection in less than an hour.

Now for the technicalities:

This is basically an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscribers Line) connection; Where the Download speed is several times higher than the Upload speeds. BSNL folks install a small device called 'splitter' that filters and separates phone and internet signals, so that the two can function simultaneously.

This connection does not require the user to dial-in to connect, it is ALWAYS ON. I opted for outright purchase of the DSL modem that is charged at Rs 2000. You would require a Network Card installed in your computer. That is ok, since most recent PC's feature one built-in, or quick trip to the computer store should get you a fairly decent network card for Rs 300-350. The DSL modem I received is a 'Huawei SmartX MT880'. It is a DSL modem + router. It receives a Public dynamic IP address from the service provider and allocates a private I.P address to my computer; No PPPoE software is required to be installed in the PC. However, the router functionality can be disabled, if required.

Data throughput and performance, more or less meets those claimed by BSNL. I had opted for the 256Kbps plan at Rs 500 monthly rental. My connection averages 240-260 Kbps. It feels like driving on a highway, compared to city road that my old connection was. Sustained Download speeds average 25-27K. Until June 30 2005, there is no limit on data download and upload, after which the standard extra rates would come into play.

DSL technology has its limitations and one such limitation is distance. 18,000 feet (5,460 meters), any further than that from BSNL's exchange/service location, and availability is doubtful. In addition, BSNL's quality of customer/technical support is doubtful.

Overall, I am quite satisfied with the performance of DataOne and recommend it to anyone looking for an upgrade from lesser forms of internet access.

Vinayak.

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Some useful links:

For details from the service providers mouth, visit: https://bsnl.co.in/service/dataone.htm

For an update on DSL technology, visit: https://computer.howstuffworks.com/dsl.htm

To test the speed of your internet connection, try: https://toast.net/performance.

BSNL has finally hit the target. Of providing a reasonably priced internet access for all classes of people. I got my connection of DATA ONE on 1st of April (no april fool joke ok). The usual telephone guys came in without having much knowledge of what to do. Just the basic installation. Then came the trouble of configuring the user & password which then started of a journey. A journey called INTERNET. And believe me though there are hickups like in any journey, the experience so far has been great.

I have the HOME 500 plan which offers 1GB of data transfer. The internet speed is highly fluctuating and during peak hours dont be surprised to get even around 4-6kbps of data transfer, though most of the time I get around 20-40kbps speed. It is fair enough for a home user.

The connectivity is basically a ADSL connectivity. That means broadband over copper & data & voice at the same time. You can simulatneously use internet and speak and receive phone calls over the same line. This is a great boon to single telephone line homes where earlier the phone would remain busy when we surfed the net. For subscribing to DataOne you need to have a BSNL landline connection.

The CUSTOMER SERVICE department is the BEST least to say. They answered all the queries and even visited the house and checked for any help. Further in the intial period they also inquired about the broadband service quality.

At present even though they have given email ID it doesnot work dont know why. Also there is no facility to check out Account Usage & change passwords etc. They say it will be done soon as currently all subscribers are allowed unlimited transfer.

The basic cost of installation is also reasonalble. 2000 for the modem(if you purchase)+500 installation cost + 1or2 months advance depending on your scheme. If you go in for rentals then you have to pay around 100 as monthly rental.

Its the cheapest in terms of pricing & being a govt agency, you need not run around them for getting wrong bills as in case of some private cos.

All in all I have had a satisfying and great experience. Will keep all posted on any new developments.

I've got the BSNL DataOne BroadBand (Home 500) Plan installed and it is just GREAT ! I've had it since a month now. Initially they had said you could just register over the net on their website and it would be set up. I did register but did not get any response from them.

Later I was told that I had to submit a physical signed form at their Customer Service Centre which I did. They were very pleasant and said that it would get installed in a day or two and to my surprise the second day they came over and had it up and running in 15 minutes flat. Of course you need to understand the prerequisites first -

1. A BSNL Telephone Land line connection (obviously !) If you don't have one you can register for one and get it in a few days time. They even waive off the registration charge for the land line connection as a special offer.

2. A PC of course

3. A PC with a LAN card (not a dial up modem card !)

4. A telephone line going up to your PC.

5. A electrical power socket to plug in the ADSL modem.

If you have all the above (like I did) it takes all of 15 minutes for them to set it up for you. ( I feel that the Rs.500 non refundable setup fee is not really justified) since anybody with a basic knowledge of computers can set up the same. They provide you with a POTS splitter from which your existing phone is connected. This ensures that you can use the phone (both incoming and outgoing) even while you are connected to the net.

The only thing is that the ADSL modem is a cheap Chinese Import and does not have a USB interface. You need to have a LAN card. The latest modems all have a USB interface which you can just plug in to your USB port on your PC and also do not need an independent power source.

Performance - Just great so far. Got connected within 10 - 15 seconds almost every time, Great speeds, I've clocked 300 Kbps plus consistently (you can check this out by going to some ADSL testing sites)

Cost - Fantastic - For the Home Plan (I've outright purchased the modem so would be paying Rs,500 + taxes per month) I didn't have to make any payment at all! The will bill you for the installation charge / modem etc on your next phone bill cycle (in my case some 3,100 Rs or so)

Plan - Great ! Free access 24 x 7 - Unlimited usage till June (for those registering before Mar 31st) after that it is 1 Gb limit and every extra Mb is Rs2 / Mb. Now 1 Gb is quite a lot even though it includes all downloads/uploads, even the pages you browse, the mails you download and other downloads.

Take my case - I am definitely a power user and do a lot of downloading / uploading on a daily basis - I average around 20 Mb / day whereas 1 Gb means almost approx 34 Mb/day ! So unless you are downloading a large number of MP3 songs on a daily basis - this is more than enough for a normal user. All in all beats all other competitors in terms of tariff plans/ performance/bandwidth offered. Just go for it .

I have been using the BSNL- Dataone since it's inception in January 2005. To say in one word it is the 'best'. The connection never fails and the speed is simply amazing!The price is very cheap compared to other Internet providers. The home plan for 256 kbps is just Rs.500 p.m +Rs.100 towards modem rental. First time you have to pay Rs.3306 towards:

1. Installation charges - Rs. 500

2. One month advance rental - Rs.500

3. Cost of modem - Rs.2000 (in case you opt for outright purchase of modem)

4. Service charges - Rs.306

No telephone charges. The download & upload limit is 1GB p.m. Rs.2 per MB over this limit. But as a promotional offer BSNL has waived the extra charges till June 05. So it is unlimited till June 05! You can purchase the modem at Rs.2000 also. In that case no rental charges for modem. But the modem does't seems to be of good quality. It is china made. I have checked the speed with some websites and the rating is more than 270 kbps!

I recommend the internet users to go for this BSNL- Dataone and enjoy the lightning speed.