Buying Guide: Data CardsIndia got the taste of wireless broadband when CDMA players rolled out evdo based data services.

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Tata Photon+ and Reliance Netconnect+ was either of the choice for people who are always on the move. Later BSNL and MTS also joined the EVDO bandwagon. EVDO is mostly offered via USB modem.

Though EVDO services are getting cheaper these services have few glitches for end users, like:

1. The modem comes operator-locked and there is no easy solution to unlock – that means when you buy it it’s your lifetime investment. If you like to change operator, buy another device.

2. EVDO connections don’t allow recharge of 1X plans.

With the roll out of 3G/HSPA services from PSU and private GSM operators, there is a sudden increase of demand for 3G modems. Using unlocked 3G/HSPA modem means you have complete freedom to choose any GSM operator as these modems are backwardly compatible, i.e. supports 2G network (GPRS/EDGE) also.

3G modems mostly come with these specs:

Downlink: HSDPA -3.6Mbps; HSPA – 7.2 Mbps.

10Mbps, 14.4Mbps, 21.6Mbps

Uplink: 384kbps, 5.76 Mbps

Plug & Play over USB 2.0 High speed

Doubled as pen drive with support of 2/4/8/16/32 GB microSD.

Advantages of unlocked 3G Modems:

  • You can use 2G operators also
  • GPRS/EDGE network is present in almost everywhere in the country – never out of internet.
  • You can change operator by changing the SIM
  • Easy transition from 2G to 3G and vice versa.

Some operators already launched 3G data cards: