I purchased an Airtel Wireless USB Modem last week for a whooping Rs.5700. Practically, I had no other choice as I didn’t have Airtel’s DSL service in the area I live in and BSNL had a wait time of nearly 2 months. (when will the incumbent telecom service providers learn that service not provided on time is service lost). So, I bought the Airtel USB Modem and subscribed for the unlimited data plan (Rs.999 + taxes). My experience with the modem is as follows:
Configuration: The box comes with the required CD and installation of the software and the modem is a breeze. Absolutely no problems at all with the installation. It takes about 24-48 hours to get the SIM card activated, but once that is done there is no problem with the installation or modem connectivity.
One potential problem that I envisage with users having an USB based “Active Key” to connect to their VPN networks is that, they won’t be able to use both the USB ports for the modem and this leads to a significant drop in speed.
Connectivity: I have been using this modem for nearly 10 days and there hasn’t been a single instance when the modem has refused to connect or dropped the connection. So, as far as uptime and connection reliability is concerned, the modem is wonderful. Even on the move the modem operates without any issues.
Speed: Browsing seems to work reasonably well, but still far slower that what my 128Kbps DSL connection could achieve. But, so far browsing has been restricted to text sites and I haven’t even ventured into viewing videos on youtube etc. So, I don’t have much idea about how the browsing experience will be on media content.
The highest download speed I have managed so far is only 2.4KBps (19.2Kbps). I have tried using the modem at different times to check if there is significant difference in speed, but so far I haven’t been able to observe much difference. 2.4KBps is the fastest I have been able to get so far. This is as pathetic as it can get.
The wireless modem works on Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) protocol for data transmission. By theory EDGE should be able to support upto 236.8Kbps on the 4 Receiver (Rx) timeslots. Airtel provides 4 Rx timeslots and 2 Tx timeslots and theoretically 296Kbps (236.4Kbps Rx and 59.1 Kbps Tx) can be achieved (Airtel only allows for 5 slots to be active at any time). That is nearly 44Kilobytes/sec. This is tremendous speed and if even half of this is achieved then the experience can be really good. But, what I have got so far has not even been 10% of this speed. Actual data rates will be much lesser than the rates mentioned above as these rates include the security data, CRC’s and the FEC’s transmitted. So, even assuming that only 70% of the mentioned speed is what is possible for actual data transmission, the data rates that I have got are bad.
Also, when the software is installed and the connection is established, a box will pop-up near the system tray and say “Connected at 230.4Kbps”. Don’t get happy seeing this box as it is talking about the speed from the UART to USB. The serial port is operating at the max. speed of 115baud and I think they are using 2 bits per symbol for better speeds. (Baud is different from bit rate).
All in all, I would say that it isn’t worth nearly Rs.6000. Buy this modem only if you need connectivity on the move and there is absolutely no other option. Reliance is another provider who is offering wireless data cards/modem, but I haven’t been able to find much info about their service so far. And a couple of friends who use the Reliance connection have been facing connectivity issues. So, if connectivity is the biggest driver then this modem is a worthy investment. If you wanna just browse the web then I would suggest that you look for other options.
P.S: The browsing speed seems to be significantly higher in Chennai compared to Bangalore. One reason for this could be lesser number of people using Airtel in the area in which I live in Chennai as EDGE uses a shared connection. But, the download speed still hovers around 2-3KBps.
Filed under: Telecom
Thanks for the info, so knowledeably expressed!
Thanks for all the insight about Airtel USB modem. You saved me Rs.6000.
I have been using Reliance Sierra Card for more than two years. I am fully satisfied and the connectivity rarely failed.
The speed is 114 kbps.
I have been using the Reliance NetConnect datacard since the past 9 months. Its a PCMCIA based card. Speed is not that good esp when you go to youtube etc. but is quite fine for general surfing pruposes. However, I have not faced any issues related to connectivity or n/w availalibility till date.
FYI, Tata Indicom has also launched a wireless USB modem service recently.
Thanks for ur valuable information .. actually i plan to buy USB modem , but now i change my mind ..
currently i am using Airtel GPRS , ( mobile office ) its not good when u connet the u r mobile to PC , its damn slow that i have even seen , its max speed is 4 kbps ..( very rare ) some time even 0.5 kbps..
not even good for browsing. .
thanks
Raj
Hi .. please any tell the Howz the speed and perfomance ? of TATA Indicom USB modem ??
thnks
Raj
Chennai
i use a normal edge 247kbps enabled airtel mobile phone to connect to the internet via airtel gprs
buying the usb modem is a waste of money and i at a point thought the modem costed around Rs. 200 (but 5700 is nuts)
also will let u know that my phone connects at 900 something kbps which is the port speed but i think i manage to get more than 247kbps
my download speed is around 28kbps (34kbps max)
this isn’t the case at all times… i don’t know if airtel caps the speed or is it just traffic…
Hi, vishruth here
Airtel is working on EDGE technology and my question is weather we can use our EDGE enabled phone as our modem taking this as connection.
which will satisfy our need of mobility and also save a whopping 6000Rs on the modem since we can our phone as a modem.
My question is why is airtel selling modems and not announcing that you can enable internet at the speeds of which it is claiming.
@Vishruth, You can use your phone as the modem.
What you need to do is to install the Nokia PC Application suite and then using that connect to the Internet. I am not sure whether EDGE will be available if you use this method,but you can surely use GPRS. But, I have generally felt that the speeds that you get with this method are much slower than the USB Modem.
sir
i have also got this usb modem, but un fortunately i have lost this modems CD. can you please help me by sending the exe file of airtel edge modem manager.
thank you in advance. my id is – nadeemjagran@gmail.com
Dear all…
. This overpriced, under-performing, uncool device deserves nothing more than: B-
I liked the idea of the Airtel USB EDGE modem… but my experience with it is that it hardly gives the speed even the humble nokia 6681 gives, when used as a modem. This is in calcutta. The 6681 gives 16+ KBps… the modem 4-12 kbps (some peaks). also the device is advertised as Class 10 EDGE… but the documentation for the modem (in the sales package) says Class 12 – well that should translate to better speeds… but unfortunately isn’t so… Also the build quality of this Chinese made modem leaves much to be desired.. and the fact that it (optimally) occupies two USB ports (thru a Y cable) makes it cumbersome for travellers with a laptop – as also the loss of an extra port. In all.. not such a good deal – the bulkiest of all the contenders in the portable wireless field… and perhaps the slowest (though with the highest potential/theoretical data rate… Get yourself a good nokia with EDGE or/and G3… and save urself the money and the hassle… better yet, with the phone in your pocket, you can even connect wirelessly to ur bluetooth enabled laptop
and BTW, the ancient N 6600 does 2-4 kbps – consistently on the same network… just a thought…aramki, but that phone – a capable if dated smartphone, with a quality build, costs about the same as the cheap plastic AirTel USB modem!! lol!
Hai,
I have used both airtel BB internet speed 256 kbps and also BSNL, both have a good download speed, I put in my own router cum modem wireless which connects my three coumputers via wireless ie WIFi, also i have a hp handheld PDA which is also WIFI activaed, I work in a building which is double floors each floor about 6000 sq ft. I get almost the same download speed anywhere in teh building. I use Buffallo modem cum router-G it is very good. it is worth the cost may be within Rs. 3000/-
Hi
I have been using Tata Indicom USB modem for the last ten days and the speed is not good.Very inconsistent and youtube not at all possible..Can any one tell me where do i get a good trvael router which can directly connect to USB modem? the modem is Sungil SCX-1080. Some INDIAN brand equivalent to the CRADLEPOINT PHS300 interms of features will be good..
As mentioned in the P.S. by author, I guess the speed depends on the number of people using AIRTEL in the area we live and moreover on the signal strength.
Many time when i was downloading files through torrents using this Airtel USB modem, the download speed reached 30 Kb/s. Yeah it is mostly during the off peak hours when i watched that speed. BTW I live in PORUR chennai, where BB is yet to come and the cell phone usage is significantly low when compared to the interiors of chennai.
I wanted a LAN in my house. Hence I tried connecting this USB modem to router by buying a USB A female female adapter and a USB A male to RJ45 ethernet cable. It did not work. I guess when connected to PC, the USB modem is withdrawing its power from USB port itself, whereas when I connect the same USB modem to wireless router via RJ45 ethernet, it is not able to withdraw the power from the wirless router.
Any pointers of how to connect the Airtel wirless USB modem to Belkin wirless router.
TIA
Please suggest me a best USB Data Card – Chennai. Should I go in for 1.Reliance 2.Tata Indicom 3.Airtel. I need to have reasonably good speed & connectivity.
hello friends,
I have been going through all the forum to find the best wireless internet service in terms of speed.
My need:
To use internet to have Voice Chat using Skype.
Question:
I would like to know if speeds of 2-3 KBPS is really enough just to have a clear voice chat over the internet using any wireless connection(Aritel/TATA/Reliance). I stay in Chennai.
Thanks
AIRTEL GPRS,SAMSUNG E250,USB PROBLEM, TATA INDICOM INTERNET CONNECTION FREE HELP 09895799401
hi,
pls can you help me for airtel, i am geting for airtel broadband connection with wireless so how can i configuration for modem becouse i am getting problem with CCTV Connection. i like to check for internet throw of my cctv live for other side to internet inter for ip address and open to cctv connection
India is still backward companies their are incapable to provide broadband internet in all areas.
i like to buy a new wireless modem for my laptop.is tata best in speed.
sir ,
where is buy this modem . is indian airtel work ?
arunbene@gmail.com
i am use airtel gsm card & that card connect to the pc via sim card modem, but i am where purchase sim card modem in pune?
plz solve my problem & reply me on my prasad3589k@rediffmail.com this e-mail id.
thank you
i used sony ericsson k750i (gprs and no edge)with airtel mobile office the download speed is 6kbps max.
also tried on sony ericsson w810i (with edge) on aertel mobile office result is no diffrence from above
Now using Relince USB Modem the download speed is 17kbps max(signal quality is only 4 bar max. bcoz i am in village) some times my signal goes to zero level and will not get back.
I have to disconnect the device connect again to get the signal back. this is the only problem i am pacing now.
[...] permalink hi, just for insight: Airtel Wireless USB Modem Weird Musings [...]
Could anyone tell me the best Wireless wireless connection?
Which is better Airtel USB, Reliance or Tata Indicom?
why doesnt BS nl take care to give quick , prompt and carefull service ? this will solve all problems as far as speed is needed, as because bsnl bb cables are present in almost all towns I am really upset about hearing airtel usb modem speeds, i was planning to buy one, but now , can any body let me know , is it a really very bad in speed in terms of watching youtube ?
i was planning to get a usb modem to browse the net.but now after going through the reviews i have my doubts if this will be helpful for a graphic designer.
can any one suggest if wireless modem or cards be used and be satisfied with the investment made towards it.
is it advisable to use wireless for up loading graphics.
please anyone suggest.
Since the cellular network is still on 2G, there is no point having internet on mobile phones. You will have a stunning experience, if the cell operators upgrade their 2G networks to 3G. Also, big screen mobile phones is a must for thrilling experience.
I am using iPhone on a 3G network provided by ATT and i stopped browsing internet on my laptop. I browse internet, play youtube videos and games all on my mobile phone.
Just wait for 2009, India too will have 3G network.
Thanks
sri
i want to purchase a U.S.B modem & i am not know whose best. plz suggesion me.
Hi Roopak,,
Did you get installation CD,if you get please forward the link to my id psksenthilkumar@gmail.com
Thanks
Senthil kumar
Bangalore
9740206257
I also have the similar device. All I wanted to know now is my installation CD is broken and I have got my laptop reformatted. Now I need to download the software. Is it available from the net to download. I contacted Adonis which is the company that does the servicing, but haven’t got the link till date. Can any one help me immediately. Please send in the link to cnithya@visteon.com
Hi nithya,,
Did you get installation CD,if you get please forward the link to my id psksenthilkumar@gmail.com
Thanks
Senthil kumar
Bangalore
9740206257
can i use airtel wireless usb net connection outside india??pls suggest me the rates of using it…
is airtel or reliance or tata indicom better in speed and connectivity..
Hello ! i have been using Airtel usb modem with unlimited plan indicating 236kbs but it very slow according to the indicated speed, and its download speed is 0.5 to 4.5 kb/s, so please suggest me how to increase the speed.
Hi,
Im shifting to bangalore next week. Cud u suggest some affordable internet options fer my laptop please.
I need it primarily fer browsing purposes only.
Wud be a great help fellas!
Thanks
HI Friends,
plz give some idea ,which wirless modem connection is best speed,less issue and best cost .i’m waiting for ur good reply
HI Friends,
plz give some idea ,which wirless modem connection is best speed,less issue and best cost .i’m waiting for ur good reply
by
karthick
9629214811
shrikaarthick.g@gmail.com
hi frnds, i have been using this bsnl gprs in assam[tinsukia ]
frm a yr. i get browsing speed of 256.4 kbps and my download speed is 4-10 kbps at morning and night[after 10 pmj] and 3-7 kbps at noon & also i would advice u 2 go for a tata indicom photon plus. its browsing speed is 2-3 mbps never less than this and download speed is 600-876 kbps, i have used it
By siva
I HAVE NOKIA 7210 SUPERNOVA HANDSET & AIRTEL MOBILE OFFICE SETTINGS ,BUT I NOT CONNECT TO MY COMPUTER FOR INTERNET,I FACE A PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM IS ‘SUBSCRIPT TO PACKET DATA FIRST’ MESSAGE. PLEASE,SOLVE MY PROBLEM IN FULLY
sir i want to know about airtell usb boardband iwant to purchase it i am from himachal.what is the cost of it &from where i can purchase it .what is the monthly charges give me complete detail about it
Hi friends,
Im using same Airtel USB modem which was purchsed 3 years before,I lost my Driver software. If anyone have software please send me link.
my id is psksenthilkumar@gmail.com
Thanks
Senthilkumar
Bangalore
9740206257
i want to buy the wireless broadband of airtel please send me the details of it with its different costs having different plans please send all the information related with it clearly in my gmail account.
i want to buy the wireless broadband of airtel please send me the details of it with its different costs having different plans please send all the information related with it clearly in my gmail account.
my id is
dhanraj4ukumar@gmail.com
sir
i have also got this usb modem, but un fortunately i have lost this modems CD. can you please help me by sending the exe file of airtel edge modem manager.
thank you in advance. my id is – nadeemjagran@gmail.com
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i have also got this usb modem, but un fortunately i have lost this modems CD. can you please help me by sending the exe file of airtel edge modem manager.
thank you in advance. my id is:boopathi.5555@gmail.com
thank you
Boopathi raja
Bangalore
9686587038
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