Chethan S

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Chethan S

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Chethan S September 1st, 2014 9:24 PM 45 COMMENTS

TelecomTALK Effect: Major Relief for BSNL Night Unlimited Broadband Customers

The past three months were worrisome for a large number of BSNL customers who were on night unlimited plans. We had first reported (in June 2014) about a possible drastic plan change that would take away the night unlimited part from the price plan i.e., customers would be charged for night usage albeit at a lesser rate. However, several BSNL circles / telecom districts failed to intimate customers on time... Read More

Chethan S August 29th, 2014 10:37 PM 93 COMMENTS

Is BSNL’s Broadband Strategy Hurting its own Growth and Driving Customers Away?

Since mid-July we have witnessed uproar at TelecomTALK against BSNL's move of unilaterally changing tariffs for night unlimited plans. Several BSNL night unlimited broadband plan customers received huge bills for the month of July. Those who normally pay less than Rs. 1000 were served bills several times higher, like Rs. 25,000. No one left any stone unturned in trying to convince BSNL about the latter's unjustified move and requested to... Read More

Chethan S August 28th, 2014 1:09 PM 21 COMMENTS

Hands-on Review of Idea 3G Smart wifi

Idea Cellular had recently launched a 3G Wingle branded Smart wifi. We at TelecomTALK got an opportunity to review the device at Hyderabad. The Smart wifi Wingle is an Idea branded Huawei E8231s-1 device (white colour). It supports up to 10 simultaneous Wi-Fi connections. In the Box The device comes in a neat small box. We particularly liked the string attached to the Wingle which also includes the cap and... Read More

Chethan S August 25th, 2014 9:14 PM 14 COMMENTS

Airtel Causes Major Confusion Amongst users, this time saying ICRA 3G withdrawn!

Over last weekend several TelecomTALK readers alerted us about an SMS from Airtel that stated 3G on roaming in ICR circles would be charged at 0.5p/10 KB. This means an Airtel user with 3G pack activated in any of the Airtel's 3G circles would have to pay for 3G usage if roaming in circles where Airtel 3G is available through ICRA. Even Airtel's website stated the same. As this seemed... Read More

Chethan S August 24th, 2014 6:27 PM 34 COMMENTS

Mapping Idea 3G Speeds in Coastal Karnataka and Hyderabad Regions

Over the past few days we at TelecomTALK had been reviewing Idea Cellular's 3G network. We assessed Idea's 3G on Idea's own 3G network in Andhra Pradesh circle (in Hyderabad) and in Coastal Karnataka where Idea 3G is offered through ICRA. The Internet speeds were measured using Speedtest application installed on Samsung Galaxy Y Duos with network mode configured to 'Auto' - GSM/WCDMA. Idea's 3G network was present in major... Read More

Chethan S August 23rd, 2014 12:08 PM 22 COMMENTS

What is Wrong with BSNL’s Redesigned Website?

Yesterday the twitter universe was abuzz with tweets about BSNL's new website. The new look is the result of a redesign using an off-the-shelf theme that costs just $27. At first sight the new look is just awesome and gives a boost to BSNL's image whose web properties often have dated looks as in 1990s. Back in 2013 we had suggested this to BSNL in one of our widely appreciated... Read More

Chethan S August 17th, 2014 10:13 AM 18 COMMENTS

Airtel’s Blooper: Uses Vodafone Connection to Demonstrate Airtel 4G

In what may be termed as a blooper in terms of advertising standards, Airtel's video used for 4G demonstration purpose uses an iPhone with Vodafone connection. The video uploaded in February 2014 has received over 13k views on YouTube so far and is also present in Airtel's official 4G page! Screenshots On YouTube In the video though Airtel is shown beside the signal strength indicator, under iPhone settings it is... Read More

Chethan S August 10th, 2014 8:11 PM 13 COMMENTS

What does Growth in Mobile Data Mean to Indian Telecom Operators and Customers?

Telcos around the world are witnessing huge data traffic volumes thanks to smartphone boom and growing adoption of OTT (Over-the-top) services by consumers. However, unfortunately for operators the data revenues are not showing the same growth trend. At the same time to maintain an edge they need to keep upgrading their networks - 2G to 3G to 4G! Commissioning network infrastructure that supports high speed data demands huge capital investments... Read More

Chethan S August 9th, 2014 12:10 PM 5 COMMENTS

Exclusive: BSNL to Launch Full, Extra Talktime Offers, Provide Extra Validity on Data STVs

In view of upcoming Independence Day and Festive Season, BSNL will be launching full and extra Talktime offers on top-ups plus provide additional validity on select data vouchers. Full Talktime Top-ups costing Rs. 100, Rs. 150, Rs. 250 and Rs. 350 will provide full Talktime to customers. Extra Talktime Extra Talktime will be provided on vouchers costing Rs. 550 (Rs. 575 talk value) and Rs. 750 (Rs. 790 talk value)... Read More

Chethan S August 8th, 2014 9:43 PM 32 COMMENTS

Airtel’s New 3G Data Pack to Cost 46% More in Kerala, Older Packs see Heavy Validity Reduction

TelecomTALK has learnt from exclusive sources that Airtel will be introducing two new 3G data packs in Kerala circle. In addition to this the existing 3G packs will see a heavy reduction in terms of validity. It may be remembered that Airtel uses ICRA to provide 3G to customers in Kerala and the 3G data packs used to cost 40% more during debut. Airtel New 3G Pack Details Old New... Read More

Chethan S August 7th, 2014 2:52 PM 35 COMMENTS

BSNL to withdraw all existing GSM Prepaid Plans except PYARI JODI & ROAMING Tariff PLANS

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has announced rationalization of prepaid mobile tariff by withdrawing all existing GSM Prepaid Plans except PYARI JODI & ROAMING TARIFF PLANS and introduced two new attractive plans as per market trend with lowest tariff in the industry with applicability of always full talk value on recharge. As per the official statement this move is done to make tariff structure simple and to avoid confusion in selection of Plan Vouchers,... Read More

Chethan S August 4th, 2014 11:52 AM 2 COMMENTS

Vodafone India Updates ‘My Vodafone’ Mobile App

Vodafone India has published an updated version of 'My Vodafone' mobile app. The updated version is currently available only in Google Play Store for Android phones but is likely to land in other app stores for iOS, Windows and Blackberry users very soon. What's New? Refreshed and lively interface for speed and convenience Quick bill payment and quick recharge without logging in All your account details at a single spot... Read More