In August, We shared a story on ‘Operators Cap Speed‘ and asked the readers to share the screenshots we got good number of response from the readers like to thank all for sharing the same.
In TT labs back in Kolkata we decided to do some R&D on this and have come up with this analysis for 2G data plans.
Speed capping can cause a big blow to the users who rely on GPRS packs to access internet for various reasons.These packs come at an affordable price, and 2G network is present on most places.
All tests are done with Huawei E1550 USB Data card, and a small piece of software called MDMA. Most screenshots are taken in and out of Kolkata.
This graph does not include MTNL, S Tel, Loop Telecom and Videocon as none of it is commercially available in Kolkata.
Check out the details below: (** in kbit/s)
What we found in our Analysis:
1. Airtel does not cap the speed for users as EDGE offers maximum 238 kbps and Airtel have the cap at 472 kbit/s as tested with 2G data plan & PAYG plan on 2G. You cannot hook to Airtel 3G unless you activate 3G.
2. I got 2 screenshots from BSNL. BSNL shows 240/64 kbit/s cap with 3G activated SIM & network selected ‘2G only’. But with 2G plan speed goes just 128/128 kbit/s cap, as seen in BSNL 2.
3. Uninor offers good and stable link and does cap the speed at 256 kbit/s and I generally get more than 25kBps download speed on IDM. Once Uninor capped the speed at 40 kbit/s which was rectified after some email conversations.
4. Reliance is pathetic, as it caps the speed at just 64 kbit/s for users using 2G packs. If you are using 3G, you will get 472/472 kbit/s cap on 2G network.
5. Tata Docomo caps the speed but it varies from SIM to SIM. My old Tata Docomo connection is capped at 128/128 kbit/s while Virgin Mobile shows 472/232 kbit/s, and new Tata Docomo connection shows 472/472 kbit/s.
Update on Tata Docomo SIm Speed Variation:- [It doesn’t vary from sim to sim, those customer using 3G handset before the 3G launch are capped to 128 Kps, and those who buy new sim and activate 3G will be configured to 21.1 MBps speed which will be only for the time being oe if customer activate the 2G pack then his speed will be reduced to 128Kbps only until he recharges with 3G sped up gradation to speed will not happen]
6. Idea gives 256/256 kbit/s cap on 3G & Netsetter users who are actually on Vodafone 3G network in Kolkata. This gives a perfect constant 32 kB/s download speed. But with 2G packs, speed cap is at 128/128 kbit/s.
7. Aircel and Vodafone do not cap the bandwidth for 2G users, but users can not hook to their 3G networks also, unless you activate 3G on your number.
Like to be a part of Team -TT to test data capping across India? For that you should have a Huawei data card for reference read this post if you have any questions or doubts do mail us we would be more than happy to help you.
neesha March 8, 2012 at 12:28 am
Hi guys am also a tech savvy girl, i am sharing my experiences with mobile internet (with little help from my bro) in chandrapur city-maharashtra
Devices i own Huawei E1550 3.6 Mbps unlocked, and Micromax 352g 7.2 Mbps, and ZTE Idea BLADE 7.2 Mbps
A..EDGE NEtwork- micromax modem results-browsing only.
tata docomo 10-25 KBps
bsnl 2-9 KBps.
idea 2g pack 6 -8 KBps
vodafone 2g 15-18KBps
relienace 2g 3- 15 KBps
airtel 5 KBps
uninor 12-20-26 KBps
B. 3G network-huwaie modem-browsing only.
idea 2g pack – 12-16 KBps, 3g pack 236-634 KBps (youtube)
vodafone 2g not allowed while in 3g mode , 3g pack – 123-341 KBps.
BSNL 2g pack in 3g mode 12-16-19 KBps, 3g pack 321 KBps – 423 KBps.
Note: 1.dont use huwaie 1550 modem for edge use only for 3g
2. MM 352g modem is good for edge as well as for 3g.
signal reception of huwaie is best (at laest two bars) while micromax not showing a single bar but (conecting to internet). this i checked for four months and still huwiae reception is good .
3, ZTE Blade reception is too bad i dont want to tell you neighter wifi hot spot working nor usb tethering. signals for ZTE only available on terrace. good joke of ZTE.
bluebird December 7, 2011 at 10:04 pm
bsnl has capped the speed in chennai ,saidapet area.so my der friends dont do the old trick
novicefreak1 November 28, 2011 at 3:17 pm
BSNL speed capped at 128-150 kbps (2g 98 rs. plan & selecting 3G mode)
However, BSNL restricts 2G users to access WCDMA mode. With very difficulty, I managed to get the phone hooked to 3G network.
BSNL 2g speed is pathetic…56kbps all the time.
In Hyderabad no CSC rep knows what 3G Combo data plan means!! Stange but true!!!
RAJ October 11, 2011 at 9:45 pm
I have used 2G GPRS in Madhya Pradesh with Vodaphone, Docomo and BSNL on Nokia and USB Modem Micromax 352G.
Vodaphone is excellent on Mobile handset Nokia 2G /EDGE enabled models, and also you can use the GPRS/EDGE on PC Laptop through the Nokia PC Suit connectivity option.
Secondly BSNL provided very good speed on Handset as well as Micromax 352G Modem, as we could open multiple browser windows, but the speed keeps fluctuating.
Docomo we tested is Gud on Mobile Handset Nokia X2, C200 and C201, but may be Vodafone has better network on 2G. Docomo 3G USB dongal has excellent speed as we could buffer a youtube video on full HD 1080 without any delay.
suvra October 7, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Reliance 2G Net is excellent…
suvra October 7, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Reliance Net is excellent…
DD October 4, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@speeddetails
How is the speed increases with just DNS change?
DNS is the Domain Name Server and ONLY resolves the name to its IP address.
Like IP of google.co.in is 209.85.148.104. As soon as this IP address is resolved,
there is no use of DNS until you need to resolve another name.
So changing DNS only speed up name resolving but NOT the actual connection.
bharathkumara October 4, 2011 at 9:48 am
i am also getting same speed using idea network with nokia 3110c mobile…
Ravish Koushlesh October 4, 2011 at 8:01 am
In Maharashtra and Goa..2g networks..after MNP and 3G launch
1) Vodafone is number one
2) Idea is second
3) Docomo is third
4) Reliance is 4th
5) Airtel at 5th
6) BSNL is worst (2G without UMTS)
speeddetails October 3, 2011 at 5:34 pm
to speed up your internet connection
you need to change your dns server in windows 7 or xp.
all people of a operator are using same dns server so you cant speed up your connection.a mobile user is not able to change dns server.so all mobile users of a operator using same dns server and its result you will never get good speed.
some operators have not their own dns server.
use given dns server for speed up your internet connection.
google-public-dns-b.google.com
Level 3 Communications
8. 8. 4. 4
8. 8. 8. 8
NEUSTAR
156.154. 70. 22
156.154. 70. 25
Level 3 Communications
4. 2. 2. 1
4. 2. 2. 2
4. 2. 2. 3
4. 2. 2. 4
4. 2. 2. 5
4. 2. 2. 6
OpenDNS, LLC
208. 67.220.222
208. 67.220.220
Doc VMMC October 3, 2011 at 4:54 pm
means 3g speed at cost of 2g?
are the operators so foolish?
VMMC October 3, 2011 at 4:18 pm
can i use bsnl 2g sim. and hook to 3g speed thru my 3g datacard?
can i use 98 rupee 3gb plan and still surf at 3g speed?
Rohan Singh October 3, 2011 at 12:47 pm
U can use 3G network only after activating 3G. And if u activate 3G & want to use 2G packs then u have deactivate 3G first or ur balance will be deducted.
DD October 3, 2011 at 7:51 am
Hi,
Very good analysis, indeed. But, you said…
“Airtel, Aircel and Vodafone does not cap the speed but you can not hook to 3G network unless you activate 3G”.
I am a little bit confused here, so, how can I use 2G plan and still hook to their 3G network to get the speed? Or is it not possible? If so, what is the use of including it in the analysis.
Please provide details about the procedure you used for testing.
Thanks and regards,
DD
speeddetails October 2, 2011 at 3:08 pm
speed details of networks are given below.state:jharkhand modem:micromax mmx310g
downlink upload signalstrength towerdistance
stel 302.6kbps 512kbps 48 .7km
airtel 233kbps 472kbps 47 .05km
aircel 213kbps 256kbps 47 .o5km
tatadocomo 128kbps 156kbps 85 .5km
bsnl 56kbps 56kbps 79 .8km
bsnl3g[
not activated only network selected]
24kbps 24kbps 98 3km
bsnl3g 3.6mbps not tasted 98 3km
if the singnal strength number increase it means you have a poor network.
in no service it show maximum signal strength number 125.
sandip October 2, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Sivj
hey don’t disclosed this type of tricks in public area ..now coming days they block it this tricks.if u want to share just give hint and details sent it through mail.
Amit.G October 2, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@Rohan Singh
Good information
sandip October 2, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Hello everyone..after starting 3g netwok airtel and Reliance 2g speed cap goes down. here i give u a short data of download speed with idm.
Before 3g 2g speed After 3g 2g speed(in 3g mod)
1.airtel 25-30 kbps 8-12 kbps
2.smart 35-45 kbps 8-15 kbps
3.aircel 20-25 kbps 8-10 kbps(on 2g mod)
idea gprs is quite okay, on 3g mod i get avg 20kbps speed and bsnl i get avg 15 kbps.The main reason behind the speed capping on 2g network that operators force to the customers to take 3G connection or Recharge.I will not surprise if they stoped their gprs service on 2g network in feature.
Pradeep Shinde October 2, 2011 at 2:14 pm
In Mumbai and Maharashtra all operators – Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, MTNL/BSNL etc have capped their speed to 128 kbps. I have used all of them. Its unfortunate that these same operators give excellent speeds of 256-472 kbps in kolkata and many other circles but not in Mumbai & Maharashtra. Because of the adjusting and soft nature of Maharashtrians, these operators are taking us for granted. Sad
We must do something so that these telecom operators don’t take us for granted!
Rohan Singh October 2, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Airtel Bangladesh has already EDGE+ I.e Evolved EDGE network with the help of Ericsson & Huawei. Huawei was the first company to test EDGE+ network in China with practically download speed reaching upto 560 Kbps. After Huawei Rim is the only company interested in EDGE+ .
Now the problem is Handset vendors don’t want to make E- EDGE phones unless there ‘s a market for them , and
operators don’t want to upgrade their
EDGE networks unless there are
handsets to use them .
Somebody has to start either it’s operator or handset manufacturer. It can be done just by software upgrade. So handset vendors should come up with EDGE+.
Sreejith October 2, 2011 at 12:40 pm
As i was using bsnl 3G for six month, i was satisfied, buttttt, now a days signal come and goes every time . I cant acces 3G. I am very much disappointed
Amit.G October 2, 2011 at 11:51 am
Im used to get a consistent 272kbps on my E52 with Idea 2G. Earlier i used to enjoy this speed throught the day but now since many users have ported to idea the consistency has dropped. I only get it during morning and noon hours.
RDB October 2, 2011 at 11:43 am
@sayan
mail to care[at]uninor.in with details of your problem.
@Rohan Singh
T24 or Virgin GSM is using Tata Docomo network. And Tata Docomo 2 (check the pic)is actually Virgin GSM & T24.
@kiran.h
if network does not support EDGE class 33, what is the use of having that technology on mobile handset!
teletalk October 2, 2011 at 11:37 am
i use data card e1550 and idea sim with 2g plan and i get 30kbps download speed(using internet download manager
) in gujarat
Saurabh October 2, 2011 at 11:31 am
I know that they have spent thousand crores to get 3G spectrum but 3G is available in big cities and towns and not everywhere. So E-EDGE will be a boon for such users and as I said before it will help both parties. It has been 11 months since Tata started rolling out 3G but no 3G in my town which has numerous mobile/datacard internet users due to unavailability of other options. Whenever I call them tey say wedon’t have plan till June 2012 in your area. Only Idea is present and they’ve got a huge response from users here. My cousin who has Idea franchisee told me that he sold 1250+ 3G Netsetter within these 2 months after launch and his SIM card sale also zooms like never before. Even Tata & BSNL and Vodafone(which is about to launch 3G in next 2 weeks) customers are porting to Idea. Idea’s strategy of focusing on semi-urban area and towns is working for them. But it’s not the same with other operators who still not preferring smaller towns. Better they provide 3G in cities and E-EDGE in small towns/villages. It will help them save tremendous amount of money which they spend on setting up 3G infrastructure.
Sivj October 2, 2011 at 11:31 am
pls give detail description…
kiran.h October 2, 2011 at 11:31 am
@saurabh
Sorry it is upto 560kbps not 400kbps Because even HTC sensation is class 33 enabled phone & this phone also offers upto 560kbps on edge network
kiran.h October 2, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Saurabh
U can try new Nokia phones which are EDGE CLASS 33 Enabled, these phones support EDGE speed upto 400kbps & upon that since they are multislot u will get better speed even in peak hours. E6,X7,700,701,600 are class 33 EDGE enabled phones..
varun October 2, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Keshav Jha
Mr. Jha I am using sony ericsson C510 supports max 3.6mbps but with vodafone 3G in delhi while connecting my phone with usb to laptop I got 4.8mbps speed, chkd by http://www.speedtest.net. How it is possible. I am confused!
Arun October 2, 2011 at 11:08 am
I never get speeds more than 64kbps here for EDGE on airtel
kiran.h October 2, 2011 at 11:03 am
@Saurabh
Yes ur rite, EEdge offers upto 1mbps practically, but i dont know how many operators have adopted this technology… They might not adopt this in full swing since they have spent a lot fpr 3G spectrum & definitely want return.
Ankur Mhatre October 2, 2011 at 10:55 am
What about MTNL ? Anyone ?
Keshav Jha October 2, 2011 at 10:33 am
Great work….
Arka Chatterjee October 2, 2011 at 10:20 am
How can I hook to their 3G networks?
Arka Chatterjee October 2, 2011 at 9:58 am
SUPERB analysis. but, I personally using TATA DOCOMO.I am satisfied with it’s 2G speed.I am doing net with micromax MMX352G and getting speed: sent data:130kbps(approx) and receive data:305kbps(approx) in the peak hours.there are no variation of speed for old/new sim.I am from kolkata circle and the diagnostics showing the Signal strength: 77.
As it’s 3G service does not lunch till now and I cannot hook the 3G network of Aircel/Smart/Vodafone, I dnt know,what is better for 3G.
sanju October 2, 2011 at 9:48 am
for 2g go for aircel/vodafone ….others are irritating ..
Sourav Chatterjee October 2, 2011 at 9:42 am
Mr. KALPESH BEFORE COMMENTING PLEASE READ THE ARTICLE CORRECTLY.ITS TITLE ITSELF SAYS “Speed Cap on 2G Network”.
THAT MEANS IS IN “2G MAXIMUM UPTO EDGE NETWORK IS SUPPORTED WHICH CAN DELIVER MAXIMUM SPEED UPTO 256kbps ONLY”.
HERE THE ARTICLE SAYS THAT IN 2G EDGE NETWORK ALSO OPERATERS ARE CAPPING/LIMITING THEIR SPEED , AS THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING FULL SPEED UPTO 256kbps. OK
AND BEYOND/GREATER THAN 256kbps SPEED CAN BE CALLED 3G SPEED. AFTER THAT ITS 3.5G (HSPA), 4G SPEED AND SO ON IT GOES LIKE THIS.
AND 2Mbps THAT YOU ARE TALKING CAN ONLY BE SUPPORTED BY 3.5 G ( HSDPA/HSPA NETWORK ) ONLY..
I HOPE ITS CLEAR NOW.
vijay October 2, 2011 at 9:38 am
what about analysis in maharashtra and goa circle?
Rohan Singh October 2, 2011 at 9:24 am
Nobody gave t24 screen shots ..
Rohan Singh October 2, 2011 at 9:17 am
I have been using Uninor’s GPRS & it’s awesome but their daily limit of 200Mb is ridiculous. Aircel is the only one giving unlimited data with fluctuating speeds. My Docomo is giving really poor speed but better than Reliance. I will give virgin GSM a try.
Saurabh October 2, 2011 at 9:13 am
2G is still preferred by majority of mobile internet users(Mobile+PC access) because of low cost and unavailability of 3G+Its High Cost. If telecom operators start upgrading their 2G/EDGE network to latest release 7 (Evolved EDGE standard (3GPP Rel-7). which can practically provide 600Kbps it will benefit both the users and the operators. They don’t have to spend on 3G infrastructure at places like small towns and villages where mobile internet users are less and can’t afford 3G because of its high cost. Also benefit those who use internet for mostly surfing and downloading at times. But the question is the availability of Evolved EDGE devices.
SANJIB BANERJEE October 2, 2011 at 9:07 am
my bsnl 2g sim with 98 recharge (3 GB in 30 days) and select 3g network in capitel 3g data card — torrent download speed 90-120 kBps. and modem display show 620- 2400 kbps. and songs.pk download speed 150 kBps.
but my maximum download speed in torrent is 160 kBps.
sayan October 2, 2011 at 9:01 am
rdb, can u plz share what kind of email conversation u have with uninor to uncap the speed? Plz share, as we have to do the same here in our home town..
sayan October 2, 2011 at 9:00 am
rdb, can u plz share what kind of email conversation u have with uninor to uncap the speed? Plz share, as we have to do here in our home town..
sayan October 2, 2011 at 8:57 am
aircel always has a very fine gprs service in kolkata.. But in rest of west bengal circle, it is pathetic, only bsnl & airtel are the king there in gprs service
Saurabh October 2, 2011 at 8:56 am
It can be hilarious for those who don’t know how much speed EDGE can handle. As per the latest Evoloved EDGE releases, EDGE or EGPRS network can handle 2Mbps(Theoretically) and an end user can get upto 1Mbps. In India 500Kbps is already achieved practically. I also get around 400-420Kbps many times on Aircel/Vodafone EDGE(200-275 constantly) on my Huawei K4505 and it also surprises me as K4505 technically can handle 236.8Kbps max. on EDGE. I also got 400+Kbps while downloading on mobile on N73 ME which can provide max. of 296.6Kbps. I don’t know how? Maybe advanced systems are used at backend which can provide higher speed irrespective of devices at user end. AIrcel speed capping in our town is 472Kbps and Vodafone is 2Mbps on EDGE. 3G not available yet except Idea/Airtel. Don’t get surprised if you start getting 1Mbps in future on EDGE with 32-512QAM methods. Soon there will be devices out here with 1Mbps downlink support. Those operators which are still using 8PSK methods are providing 256-320Kbps max. on 8 (5+3 or 6+2) slots depending on various factors.
SUVAJIT October 2, 2011 at 8:47 am
Its fake….. I use AIRCEL… speed is almost inbetween 70-120kbps(surfing)….
Amit.G October 2, 2011 at 8:12 am
Here if you use 2G packs in 3G network then the speed will be capped at 15KB/S For Idea airtel and docomo.
Amit Deb Biswas October 2, 2011 at 7:50 am
i get 15-30kBps with vodafone.
Amit Deb Biswas October 2, 2011 at 7:48 am
I also get 5kBps with uninor network on my nokia n72 using uc broweser while i get 15-30kBps. Any solution plz tell me.
AKS October 2, 2011 at 6:27 am
Reliance has speed capping on GPRS/EDGE.So i do not recharge it with any pack now and use it for free…so guys do u wanna teach them a lesson….first download and install ultrasurf and use APN as rcommms and connect.after connecting start ultrasurf it will use port 9666 to connect to internet. Use IE or Firefox to browse and download. It works in 3G mode also with gud speed but after constant downloading speed gets capped around 360 kbps – 480 kbps….this trick is working in all over INDIA……njoy.
RDB October 2, 2011 at 12:56 am
@kalpesh
it means that though your speed is not capped, your speed will fluctuate a lot as network gets low and high traffic.
Kazz October 2, 2011 at 12:54 am
awesome analysis..
kalpesh October 2, 2011 at 12:45 am
7. Aircel and Vodafone do not cap the bandwidth for 2G users, but users can not hook to their 3G networks also, unless you activate 3G on your number.
Wahta does this mean??
We can go to 2Mbps with vodafone 2G ???
Its Hilarious..