Buyer’s guide: Best data cards in the market as of April 2015

reliance3G-wifi-datacardEven when a smartphone is the best choice for internet on the move, still data cards are used by many as a broadband replacement. As wireless internet like 3G and EVDO has become much cheaper than wired broadband, many now rely on data cards for the daily internet.

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Advantages of data cards

  • Portability: This is the prime reason why users prefer data card. It can be carried along to any places they go as the mobile network has wide coverage and offer free data roaming on many plans.
  • Easy activation: Unlike wired internet which require complex physical installation, data cards can get you online instantly after you purchase it.
  • Choice of provider: Changing your wired broadband provider is no easy task and may involve significant cost. But with an unlocked data card, changing provider is as easy as changing the SIM in your phone.
  • Low cost of ownership and cheaper plans: Compared to wired broadband modems, the cost of a data card is much lower at around Rs 1000. 1GB data on 3G is much less compared to wired broadband plans.
  • Voice call: Most data cards on the market now offer voice calling, SMS and USSD service right in the data card dashboard software.

Types of data cards

The data card market is primarily dived into two, unlocked open market data cards and operator locked data cards. With the entry of data card manufacturers like Huawei and ZTE, unlocked branded data cards with manufacturer warranty is now easily available for the buyers. Micromax, D-Link, Netgear and Lava also compete in open market data cards with their own offerings.