I bought the BSNL EVDO connection last week. The procedure was pretty simple-
a. fill the form
b. attach a photo
c. attach an ID and address proof
Voila! within two hours I got moi EVDO USB dongle. At a monthly charge of Rs.850(which includes Rs.200 as rent of the device) its definitely a bargain for me, reason being the fact that the EVDO enabled BSNL tower is just over 100m from moi place :). EV-DO comes with an unlimited plan only which is, coincidentally my favorite choice as well :D.
Coming back to "Evolution-Data Optimized" or "Evolution-Data only", abbreviated as EV-DO or EVDO, EV, and blah blah is a standard for the wireless transmission of data through radio signals, typically for "broadband Internet access". Yes, you heard me correct, "Wireless broadband". It uses multiplexing techniques including code division multiple access (CDMA) as well as TDMA.
In simple words, EVDO is the answer to people on the move, ranging from Business executives, IT professionals to students(that include me ! :) ). The most striking statement about it would be the fact that EV-DO devices provide typical speeds of 50-150kBps and 500-800kbps upload completely "wirelessly". EV-DO routers can make it possible to share it with other users as well. EVDO can provide all the features that the cable broadband can provide :).
It allows realtime streaming and viewing of videos from sites like Youtube, basic operations viz, email, file transfers etc. My eyes swelled with tears watching Barso re Mega video streamed live for the first time since I bought it:).
As wikipedia says, In India, EV-DO services are provided by Tata Indicom, BSNL and Reliance. Essentially a USB device, it comes at a wide price range. EV-DO services, with all its pompous outshine, suffer the drawback of being unreliable in rural areas(i.e, in areas without 3G enabled towers), though I haven't tried it yet. But still since it supports available CDMA signals or 2G signals, one needn't worry about being isolated from civilisation completely!! EV-DO service is highly efficient in our Metros and major cities, including Thrissur. So,if you are a person like me who's suffering with cuthtroat download limit wala broadband connection, this is your right choice buddy!Enquire about the tariffs at your nearest ISP office and go grab one !!!
:)
P.S: 1.Thanks to wikipedia.org and evdoforums.com for providing the technical information I included here.
2. Thanks to ubuntuforums.org and bsnlevdoclub.com for their help in configuring and troubleshooting the problems I had while running it under Ubuntu.
9 comments:
I am eagerly waiting for this 3G service. I asked Kannur exchange 4 months back - they hadn't even heard of it. Will try again now.
You mentioned EVDO enabled towers - does that mean that while we travel, we may get disconnected even if we have BSNL coverage?
My knowledge in this regard is limited, but as far as I have come to know, The internet access shall be present at a slower rate( an experience comparitive to using GPRS facility on a 3G phone).. One may have to reconnect/redial if u are passing through a no-signal area.
Hey i liked your evdo blog. Nice and informative. But U still didnt specify how much u pay if u buy the device at once and also the unlimited plan cost.One more thing. Seems like u blog a lot.Have you ever got paid from this Blogger.
Can I use one in Calicut and Thrissur? Or is there some problem with roaming?
How much speed do you get near to GEC?
yea... u can use it both at calicut and thrissur.. there are 5 EVDO supportive towers in thrissur. the nearest one to our college is at Patturaikal, yet you manage to get a speed of 60kBps in average. In Calicut there are 8 EVDO supportive towers (i think so).
I also heard that BSNL has launched inter-state roaming facility for BSNL EVDO connections.(Not sure although!!)
@Paulson
Thnx for visiting my blog :). The prices have been hiked all of a sudden now. The device price is 3500 now. It was 4000 or so when it was lunched and then came down to 2000.
And I haven't got paid by blogger. I blog for pleasure, whenever I get time to do this, that's all.
@Aswin
The range varies for sure when u use it on a train or bus. EV-DO enabled towers are being currently set up by BSNL. IT would take some time to access full speed wireless broadband all over.
And they have started South India roaming as well. As per the officials, National roaming is under consideration as well :)
Nearest tower to college is at Poonkunnam I guess(Patturaikal is not supported?). You get fair support for EVDO for about 6-7kms outside Thrissur town.
its awesome. i use a wired broadband connection from BSNL only. its also unlimited plan(which is very necessary).. its supposed to be a 1mbps connection. but sadly enough, i get only 30kbps of both download n upload speeds. n d price comes to around d same range, 800+.. der r problems with d connection as well. so maybe, i shud try dis.. nice work bro.. enjoy ur new internet experience.. :-)
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