BSNL 3G plans review

BSNL is offering following 3G prepaid plans for new customers in Andhra Pradesh circle. Vennela Match & Nestham plans are popular among these plans. For complete details of these plans, see the corresponding posts.

BSNL 3G General plan is available for new 3G connections as well existing 2G customers.

2G customers can migrate to 3G General plan, by sending M3G120 to 53733.

This plan is not recommended because Friends and Family offer is valid for only two BSNL numbers, Night calling discounts are also not applicable and no free monthly messages. One can go for the either 3G Vennela Super or 3G Vennela Match plan

Plan Details:

SIM Cost	:	Rs59/-
First Recharge Coupon	:	Rs120/-
Free Talk Value on FRC	:	Rs20/- *
Free Video Calls	:	100min(BSNL only) *
Free Data	:	500MB *
Call Charges:
Video Call
	:	Rs0.70/min(Local Any N/w)
	:	Rs1.00/min(STD Any N/w)
Voice Call
	:	Rs0.50/min (Local/STD BSNL)
	:	Rs0.70/min (Local/STD Other N/w)
Data Usage Charges	:	Rs0.02/10KB
SMS Charges	:	Rs0.40 per SMS(Local/STD)
Friends and Family	:	Rs0.20/min (Two Local BSNL Nos)
Validity	:	180 days

* Only for new 3G connections and valid for 30 days

The popular BSNL 2G nestham plan is now available for 3G customers also. Existing 2G customers can migrate to 3G Nestham plan without changing their SIM card.

Promotional benefits for new customers :

First recharge coupon cost: 30Rs

Free Talk value : 30Rs*

Free SMS : 2000*

Free video calls: 100min*

Free Data download : 600MB*

Promotional benefits for existing customers:

First migrate to General 3G plan: send M3G120 to 53733

Then to 3G Nestham with migration voucher: 36Rs

Free Talk-time : 30Rs*

Plan details:

Free SMS : 200 per month(Local)

SMS charges :

50ps / SMS Local(beyond free limit)

60ps / SMS National

Call charges:

BSNL Network(Local/National) : 1ps/Sec

Other Network (Local/National): 1.2ps/Sec

Video call charges:
Incoming: Re.1/Min

BSNL : 70ps/min (Local/STD)

Other : 1Rs/min (Local/STD)

Friends and Family offer applicable to: 5 nos(Local only)

call charges for BSNL F&F numbers : 10ps/min

call charges for other Network F&F numbers : 30ps/min
Roaming Charges:
Incoming: Re.1/Min
Outgoing BSNL: 1ps/sec
Outgoing other: 1.2ps/sec

Data usage charges: 2ps/10KB

*To be used within 30 days

BSNL added one more plan to its bouquet, Vennela match plan. It is available for both 2G and 3G prepaid customers in Andhra Pradesh circle.

BSNL cleverly combined all the existing plans to derive this plan. Free monthly messages offer which is missing from Match plan is included in this plan, as well as friends and family offer. One more good addition in this plan is reduced night calling charges, which is missing in vennela and nestham plans.

BSNL mixed all the existing prepaid plans, in good proportions, to make it more pocket friendly plan.

Plan Details:

=

SIM Cost:
2G	:	Rs.20/-
3G	:	Rs.59/-
FRC Cost:
2G	:	Rs.28/-
3G	:	Rs.24/-
Free TalkValue:
2G	:	Rs.28/-
3G	:	Rs.24/-
Free SMS	:	2000^
Free Data Usage:
2G	:	50MB^
3G	:	200MB^
Free Video Calls(3G)	:	100Min^
Voice Call Charges:
own n/w	:	1Paise/Sec(Loacal/STD)
other n/w	:	1Paise/Sec(Local/STD)
Reduced Call Charges(F&F)	:	5Nos(Within AP)
own n/w	:	20Paise/Min
other n/w	:	40Paise/Min
Night Call Charges	:	Within AP(11PM-6AM)
own n/w	:	20Paise/Min
other n/w	:	40Paise/Min
Roaming Call Charges:
Incoming	:	Re.1/Min
outgoing own n/w	:	Re.1/Min
outgoing other n/w	:	Rs.1.2/Min
Video Call Charges:
Incoming	:	Re.1/Min
outgoing own n/w	:	70Paise/Min(Loacal/STD)
outgoing other n/w	:	Re.1/Min(Local/STD)
Free SMS per month	:	100
SMS Charges:
Local/National	:	Re.1
International	:	Rs.5
Validity	:	Lifetime*

^To be used within 30 days; *Minimum topup of Rs.200/- for every six months is required.

This 3G prepaid plan is available in Andhra Pradesh circle from 17-07-2010.

2G to 3G migration :

First Migrate to 3G general plan: send M3G120 to 53733, then to 3G vennela super plan, with migration voucher Rs140/-. Free Talk value of Rs125/- is offered.

Plan Details:

SIM Cost	:	Rs59/-
First Recharge Coupon	:	Rs139/-
Free Talk Value on FRC	:	Rs50/-*
Free Video Calls	:	100min(BSNL only)*
Free Messages	:	2000*
Free Data	:	200MB*
Call Charges:
Video Calls:
	:	Rs0.70/min(Local Any N/w)
	:	Rs1.00/min(STD Any N/w)
Voice Calls:
	:	1ps/sec (Local/STD BSNL)
	:	1.2ps/sec (Local/STD Other N/w)
Friends and Family Charges	:	Rs0.30/min (Five Local BSNL Nos)
Night Calling Charges	:	Rs0.20/min (9:30pm-7:30am, Local BSNL)
Free SMS	:	250 Local SMS per month
SMS Charges:
Local	:	20ps/SMS (after free limit)
STD	:	60ps/SMS
ISD	:	Rs5/SMS
Data Usage Charges	:	Rs0.02/10KB
Validity	:	Lifetime**

*only for new 3G connections, with 30 days validity;

** Minimum top-up of Rs200/- is required for every six months.

For further info, call 1800-180-1503 or 1503 from BSNL.

BSNL offers free 50% extra 3G data usage

BSNL is offering 50% extra data usage on 3G RCVs Rs.403 and above till 31st March 2012.

Also get RCVs 1253(5GB), 1800(10GB) and 2250(15GB) at reduced prices Rs.753, Rs.1263, RS.1575 respectively till 31-03-2012.

BSNL increases 3G Data tariff

The Telecom operators in India are these days in consolidation mode. Now the focus shifts from new acquisition to enhancing ARPU from users. Reluctantly, the customers will have to face the burnt on account of increased tariff. It all started with AirTel announcing tariff by 20 % in its freedom plans and other operators soon followed.

Now the state run PSU , BSNL too has decided to follow the suit and will increase 3G data tariff by 100% . BSNL has decided to increase the data usage rates for usage beyond free ,in all postpaid and prepaid plans , from existing 2p/10KB to 4p/10KB. This is the increase of 100% . Though in percentage term it looks big , but the 3G data charges of BSNL are still the cheapest in the market. It comes out to be Rs.4/MB while AirTel is charging Rs.15/MB and Vodafone Rs. 10/MB. It means that the pricing for 3G of BSNL and MTNL was fallacious.

Now BSNL has realized that the 3G data rates were not logical in view of high payouts for spectrum and seeing the competition rates and has thus decided to enhance the rates. The company has rationalized the 3G prepaid and postpaid data plans and increased the data rates and reduced some freebies.

• Data rates beyond free usage in all postpaid and prepaid plans increased from 2p/10KB to 4p/10KB.
• The free bundled data usage offered along with 3G data card reduced to 200 MB valid for 30 days.
• Postpaid plans Rs89, Rs. 189, Rs1819, Rs2720 and prepaid RCV Rs.2000 are withdrawn. These data data plans were offering huge free data for low price for ex. Rs.2000 RCV offered 22GB of free data.

After revision the free data usage in these plans have been reduced, for ex. RCV Rs.100 used to offer free usage of 250 MB which has been reduced to 225 MB.

BSNL 3G existing rates which will get changed from 16th September and the above rates will get effective are as given below:

Samsung 3G Tablets – Galaxy Tab 750 & Tab 730 now available

In a LIVE Webcast, electronic major, Samsung today announced launch of two 3G enabled Tablets in India. The newly launched Samsung Galaxy Tab 730 and Galxy Tab 750 running Android 3.1 OS are priced at Rs 33,990 and Rs 36,200 respectively. Company informed that Galaxy Tab 750 to be available by the end of this month, and Galaxy Tab 730 will be made available in mid of next month.

With just 8.6mm thickness, Galaxy Tab 750 features 10.1 inch (WXGA 1280×800 pixel) display and packs a 1GHz Dual Core processor and 1GB RAM. It also offers Touchwiz UI , 3MP rear and 2MP front cameras for video calling , 16GB Internal Storage, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3.5mm headset jack. Galaxy Tab 730 is having same features and specs with 8.9 inch display.

These Samsung Android Tables are also bundled with Vodafone 3G Services. Vodafone will give 3G data usage up to 2GB per month for six months at Rs 3,000/-.

BlackBerry Bold 9900 now available

In the month of May this year, during Annual BlackBerry World conference, RIM announced their two new Bold series devices. The BlackBerry Bold 9900 with plenty of features is now available in India. Research-In-Motion (RIM) the makers of BlackBerry has today launched this slim, attractive and feature packed touch and type device in Indian market. The Front Page ad in Times of India describes its features and detailed specs. The device built on a new performance-driven platform offers NFC Support and provides connectivity to 3G and 4G network for internet access. The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is powered by a 1.2 GHz processor running BlackBerry OS 7 and Liquid Graphics High resolution touch screen. The device also provides a high performance 720p HD recorder. The price is yet not confirmed but some online stores are offering the device at a price tag of Rs 31,500. Detailed specs summary is presented below.

Key Features:BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930

• Bold 9900: HSPA+ support
• Bold 9930: CDMA/EVDO support
• 1.2 GHz processor
• Blackberry 7 OS
• Capacitative touch
• QWERTY keypad
• Liquid Graphics touch screen display
• 2.8 inch – 640×480 display with 287 dpi
• 5 MP camera
• 768 MB RAM with 8GB inbuilt memory . Expandable memory for for 32 GB
• NFC ( Near Field Communication)
• HD Video recording at 720p
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• 1230 mAh battery

Reliance internet dongle ‘Netconnect+’ now at Rs.1299/-

Reliance Communications is offering its EVDO based data services and has reduced entry cost of its internet dongle (USB dongle). Reliance today announced reduction in the prices of its Netconnect broadband device from Rs 1929 to Rs 1399. Earlier the cost of EVDO Data card was Rs 1599 and Rs 330 for First Recharge Coupon (FRC). Now the new rates for internet data card will be Rs 1299 and Rs 100 for FRC. Similarly, Netconnect 1x customer MOP has also dropped to Rs 999. Reliance EVDO data Card branded as NetConnect Broadband offers wireless internet service at 3.1 Mbps download and 1.8 Mbps upload speed. Their EVDO network covers 500 cites of India. Customers to get CDMA 1X speed at 154 Kbps in non EVDO cities. Reliance Communications is aggressively expanding in Andhra Pradesh and has added more than 100 sites in the last one month. The High speed Datacard of Reliance Communications has the largest reach in South India.

Control mini racing car from anywhere with Nokia N8

Nokia has launched a road show which lets the Nokia N8 users know the possibilities they can enjoy with their Nokia smartphone. The road show was started with Bollywood actor Gisselle Monteiro in New Delhi where Nokia showcased how users would be able to enjoy mini racing by remote controlling their mini racing cars through Nokia N8.

This was just a showcase of what the users would be able to do and is not available currently in the markets. Nokia has worked with Bangalore based developers Divum and the first project includes an app running on the Nokia N8 that lets consumers control mini model cars through WiFi and motion sensing.

Nokia is also running a competition called, "Invent the future with Nokia", inviting entries from consumers for their ideas on what they would want to control with the Nokia smartphone. The winner's idea will be actioned in real-life - and they will get to work with the developers.

Users are able to actually control the remote controlled cars through WiFi and motion sensing using an app on Nokia N8, and the best part is users can control the cars through Internet irrespective of where they are located. Consumers will also be able to meet the developers behind the app, Divum, and get a sneak peek into their next project with the Nokia N8.

Announcing the competition, Viral Oza, director, marketing, Nokia India, said, "As a leader in mobile technology, innovation is always at the centre of what we do. Smart devices are one of the three key focus areas for Nokia, according to our global strategy announced earlier this year. We believe that smartphones will continue to evolve and enable consumers to communicate with a host of other gadgets & do a lot more with their devices."

!dea suggests new 3G advertisement

!dea Cellular has taken a route and is sticking to it in its promotional campaigns. It has been quite some time, since Idea cellular embarked on the theme of providing telephony solution to some social issues in ‘ What an Idea Sirji Campaign’ starting from ‘Caste War’, ‘Education for All’, ‘Democracy’, ‘Walk When You Talk’, ‘Use Mobile, Save Paper’, and ‘Break the Language Barrier’ and now it is ‘ No Abadi, No Barbadi” because people are ” 3G Pe Busy”.

Most of the students of my time who have read biology would recall that one of the reasons cited (in school textbooks) behind over population especially in rural India is lack of entertainment avenues. Due to absence of power and no Tv, people especially in rural areas indulge more into conjugal entertainment leading to extension of family. Idea Cellular’s latest campaign on 3G hits on this point and claims on lighter vein that 3G entertainment can control population inflation.

The ad is full of humor and shows Brand Ambassador Abhishek Bachchan explaining to a friend that the root cause of over population in our country is the unavailability of entertainment options for people. He suggests Idea 3G and its many innovative applications such as – Mobile TV, Gaming, Video Calling, Social Networking on Super Fast Internet – that offer non-stop entertainment to help people stay connected and entertained.

The ad leaves a message that there will be ‘No Aabaadi, No Barbaadi’ because people will be ‘3G pe Busy’. The mood of the ad is light and humorous, yet with a strong connect with a larger audience, as it features people from various parts of the country, reacting similarly once their only source of entertainment i.e. TV is shut down due to a power-cut!

According to Mr. Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, IDEA Cellular “Idea brand campaigns have always celebrated Champion ideas which have the power to change the society and the way we live. This time, the Champion idea is 3G which has a strong entertainment appeal, and has been designed to resonate with the larger audience, on a critical subject that looms large on the country. On the other hand, it also promotes some of our 3G based mobile applications. We have planned a 360 degree communication program to promote the campaign and drive awareness.”

So far , !dea cellular ads in What an Idea Sirji series have done fairly well in grabbing attention and engaging the customer. On the back of successful campaigns. Idea Cellular has gained maximum in post MNP scenario and also has highest percentage of VLR active numbers.

Comparison of 3G prepaid data plans

In Andhra Pradesh Telecom circle, Aircel, AirTel and !dea are offering 3G services in addition to state-owned BSNL. BSNL is the first mobile operator started offering 3G services followed by Aircel, AirTel and !dea.

Vodafone has also launched its 3G services by linking up with !idea and AirTel. Vodafone is offering 3G data services at 2G data rates up to 2oth July. Hence 2G data packs are applicable for Vodafone 3G. Normal 2G data rates are applicable now and 3G tariff will be announced later.

Here is the list of available data plans for prepaid mobile customers of Andhra Pradesh.

Recharge(Rs)	Free Data	Validity
10	20MB	1 day
25	50MB	3 days
50	100MB	7 days
203	500MB	30 days
403	1GB	30 days
606	6GB (1GB day + 5GB night)	30 days
716	2GB	30 days
1102	10GB	30 days
1500	15GB	30 days
3000	35GB	30 days
2500	12GB	180 days
5000	30GB	180 days

Recharge(Rs)	Free Data	Validity
7	8MB	1 day
22	25MB	3 days
92	100MB	30 days
202	250MB	30 days
602	1GB	30 days
975	2.5GB	30 days

Recharge(Rs)	Free Data	Validity
9	10MB	1 day
60	65MB	3 days
99	100MB	30 days
198	250MB	30 days
450	600MB	30 days
750	2GB	30 days

Recharge(Rs)	Free Data	Validity
8	20MB*	1 day
48	100MB*	3 days
103	200MB*	30 days
200	500MB*	30 days
450	1200MB*	30 days
599	2GB*	30 days
650	2.5GB*	30 days
750	4GB*	30 days
850	6GB*	30 days
1250	10GB*	30 days
2501	12GB	90 days
5000	30GB	125 days

*with double data offer, till 31st December 2011.

• BSNL & !dea have more number of plans compared Aircel and AirTel.
• BSNL & !dea are offering plans with more than 30 days validity.
• BSNL's cost per MB is varying from 50paise/MB (10Rs/20MB) to 8paise/MB(3000Rs/35GB)
• Idea is currently offering double data till 31st December-2011, current cost per MB is, highest- 40paise/MB and lowest-12paise/MB
• Without double data offer, Idea's cost per MB is, highest- 80paise/MB and lowest-24paise/MB
• Aircel cost per MB is, highest- 87.5paise/MB and lowest 38paise/MB
• AirTel cost per MB is, highest- 90paise/MB and lowest 36paise/MB
  

Conclusion:

BSNL and !dea are offering more number of data plans to choose from, and also at less cost per Mega Byte compared Aircel and AirTel. With Idea's double data usage offer it is second best provider to choose. BSNL is the best among all, with the lowest data rates.

Aircel offers iPhone 3G S @ Rs.3333/-

Aircel, the fast growing Pan India telecom operator in the country in a latest move has now chosen to offer iPhone 3GS 8GB at upfront payment of just Rs. 3,333 and customer can pay the rest in interest free 5 EMIs.

The 6 months interest free EMI option (including upfront payment) is available for Aircel subscriber having HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank credit card with zero processing fee. The payment of EMI is completely governed by the HDFC or ICICI banks as the case may be, For details on the terms and condition on the EMI scheme, the customer is advised to get in touch with the bank directly.

What’s more, Aircel’s also introduced exclusive money back plans, wherein subscriber can recover up to 100% of their iPhone 3GS cost over a period of 2 years. With these plans, you get a fixed discount on your monthly bills. This, when totaled over 2 years will add up to the cost of your iPhone 3GS.

Apart from the EMI scheme, iPhone 3GS 8GB is also available as a full payment of Rs. 19,990 at all leading stores as earlier we shared on TelecomTalk. Aircel customer can call on 121 or send an SMS “IP” to 5800 000 (Toll free) and fix an appointment to get a personalized demonstration of iPhone 3GS at the nearest Aircel Store.

Aircel iPhone 3GS Money Back Plans :

Vodafone partners with !dea & AirTel for 3G services

Vodafone Essar has signed agreements ((ICRA) with leading telecom operators Bharti AirTel and IDEA Cellular for 3G Roaming services.

With the 3G Intra Circle Roaming Agreements (ICRA) Vodafone, AirTel and IDEA Cellular now can offer commercial 3G Mobile and Data services to their subscribers with Pan India coverage (except Orissa circle) or including the telecom circles where they currently don’t have 3G spectrum and licenses.

Vodafone has mutually tied up with IDEA Cellular and through the ICR Arrangement providing 3G services to its customers in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (West) telecom circles.

Similarly India’s largest Mobile Service provider AirTel launched 3G service using IDEA Cellular’s 3G network via ICRA in Gujarat.While IDEA Cellular will offer 3G services in New Delhi, Kolkata and some other circle, via Vodafone’s 3G Network.

AirTel 3G mobile services now extended to Tirupati, Nellore, Kadappa

Bharti AirTel has today announced the launch of its 3G services in the temple cities of Andhra Pradesh Tirupati, Nellore & Kadappa. With this now the AirTel customers in these cities can enjoy the power of 3G and access service like Video calling, Mobile Tv, High speed data on mobile etc. Also the AirTel 3G customers from other parts of county visiting these cities will have seamless 3G connectivity. AirTel had already launched its 3G services in other major cities of Andhra Pradesh viz Vizag, Vijayawada, Warangal, Guntur, Karimanagar, Rajahmundry and Kakinada.

Airtel 3G customers can enjoy the benefits of 3G speeds on the device of their choice – be it their mobile handsets, laptops or tablets. 3G services can be enjoyed seamlessly as AirTel provides its customers with timely updates and alerts on their data usage – helping them control their expenditure on 3G. The company has also introduced a first of its kind ‘internet usage calculator’ available online to help customers analyse their current internet data usage and choose an AirTel 3G plan accordingly.

To know more or join Airtel 3G services – customers can call 12134 (tollfree) or SMS ‘3G HELP’ to 121.

Aircel launches 3G dongle

Aircel launched its high speed broadband Turbo 3G Dongle services. Aircel’s 3G enabled USB stick (Huawei make data card) will provide wireless broadband speeds up to 7.2Mbps and uploads up to 5.76Mbps. The 3G Enabled USB Stick is available at Rs. 3499/- and now you can also carry your data along with Aircel 3G internet data card which supports microSD up to 32 GB. Aircel is offering three postpaid plans to customers ranging from monthly charges from Rs 505 to Rs 1275. EMRI Plan 505 offers 650 MB and plan 750 will offer 1536 MB, whereas plan 1275 is unlimited plan. Apart from being unlimited, plan 1275 customers will get speed 7.2 Mbps compared to other two data plans @3.6 Mbps. In the first month 3GB data will given at 0 rental and double data for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Bill cycle of 505 and 750 dongle plan.

Aircel 3G Dongle – Postpaid Tariff Plans

Plan Type	EMRI Plan @ 505	EMRI Plan @ 750	EMRI Plan @ 1275
Monthly Rental	Rs 505	Rs 750	Rs 1275
FREE Data	650 MB	1536 MB	Unlimited
Data Speed Component (default speeds for 3G Video)	3.6 Mbps downlink x 1.8 Mbps uplink	3.6 Mbps downlink x 1.8 Mbps uplink	7.2 Mbps downlink x 3.6 Mbps uplink
Tariffs	(in Rs./min)	(in Rs./min)	(in Rs./min)
All Local / STD	1	1	1
All STD	1.5	1.5	1.5
SMS
Local / National / International	1/1.5/5	1/1.5/5	1/1.5/5
National Roaming/ISD	Normal Tariffs	Normal Tariffs	Normal Tariffs
2G GPRS	10 Paisa/10KB	10 Paisa/10KB	10 Paisa/10KB

• In the first month 3GB data will given at 0 rental and double data for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Bill cycle of 505 and 750 dongle plan.
• Single and separate discount package required
• Only 3GB for first month (650 MB,1536 MB discount from 2nd months onwards).
• 2nd, 3rd and 4th Bill cycle to give double data discount for 3G Dongle 505 and 3G Dongle 750 plans.

Aircel 3G Dongle – Prepaid Tariff Plans

The call charges for the prepaid dongle are as follows:

Facility	Tariff
Local call (Rs. Per minute)	1
STD call (Rs. per min)	1.5
Local SMS (per SMS)	1
National SMS (per SMS)	1.5
International SMS (per SMS)	5
Inbuilt Free Data (30 days validity)	3 GB
International calling / Roaming	Base PPM Tariff

The Prepaid Recharge denominations:

Recharge Amt (INR)	Volume (MB)	Speeds	Throttling at	Validity
505	650	3.6 Mbps downlink x 1.8 Mbps uplink	NA	30 days
750	1536	3.6 Mbps downlink x 1.8 Mbps uplink	NA	30 days
1275	Unlimited	7.2 Mbps downlink x 3.6 Mbps uplink	5GB	30 days

• Prepaid FRC – JK: Rs. 3/-, Chennai & ROTN: Rs. 4/-, Other circles: No FRC
• Double Data on first 3 recharges of Rs. 505 or Rs. 750 dongle plans
• Prepaid Recharges allowed – Dongle recharges 505, 750, 1275; TUs as mentioned below
• Charges after exceeding limit / Overage charges: 1.5p/10kb
• Default rate for 3G data: 3p/10kb