I have been using the BSNL broadband connection in Bangalore for 13 months. I had subscribed for 256 Kps (Rs 750 rental per month) during August 2009. I had applied on 21st July and installation was done on 21st August 2010. Since I did not had a landline connection it took 2 weeks to install one and another 2 week to install the broadband connection. When I booked the connection the person told me that it would take 2-3 weeks to install because I don’t have a landline connection.
Since I was using my own modem installation charges were waived off (Rs 250). Still I was charged Rs 500 for installing the landline connection. I was charged Rs 500 (Land line) and Rs 750 (Broadband) as the initial deposit. I opted for the annual payment which means you pay for 10 month and get 2 month free (Rs 7500 + service Tax). Billing cycle is from April to March.
After the bad start with the broadband installation I am were happy to see the connection works excellent. Data speed are constantly high throughout the day and connection is never disconnected. In May 2010 Bsnl increased the speed to 512 Kps with the same rental which was excellent.
I keep my broadband on 24 hours a day and 30 days in a month and never it has disconnected while it is on mode. I download around 150 GB of data every month and never faced any issues.
I would suggest the connection to people who have patience for initial installation experience and value their hard earned money. Airtel might offers better customer service but BSNL offers cheaper and better connection. One of my colleague had very bad experience with airtel.
If you like good and hassle free connection then go for BSNL.
If you have any doubts then send me a message.
Cheers,
Rishabh