Speed Cap on 2G NetworkIn 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.

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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.