Currently it is one of the best options you can have for Internet connection (atleast at Noida where I live).
I am subscribed to it for the past 3-4 months and am mostly happy with it. Before that I had Hotwire and Sify.
As compared
Sify was pathetic, but Hotwire was good. The only problem with it was the local cable operator which provided not so robust last mile connectivity.
My current plan is Unlimited 128-256 connectivity for which I pay 999+10.2% tax (All inclusive including the modem charges).
Airtel uses DSL technology to provide the connectivity. You will need an modem to get connected. This is a decent modem from Beetel that is easy to use and configure. It is 220BX ADSL2+ Modem having good features. One of the best feature it has is dual port for connectivity to the PC - USB as well as Ethernet. So if you have a single PC/OS with Windows and no problem installing drivers for the modem then USB is good. And if you have non Windows PC, or multi boot PC, or do not want to install any software then the Ethernet is a good option.
In Ethernet mode, you can either use PPPoE connection to dial directly from the PC to connect, or let the modem dial to connect. In former case all the traffic will come to the PC and you will be in it full control from PC itself, in later case you will be behind the NAT of the modem and you will need to configure your modem further to let incoming traffic come to your PC. From security point of view later is better, and if you have not much need of incoming traffic then it is also convenient as you will not need to dial from the PC.
Installation
Installation was quick, people came over here the very next day and did all the installation etc. And by next day I was up and running.
Speed
Speed is suppose to be 128-256kbps (16-32kBps), and most of the time I get speed around 22-23kBps, depending on the time and site connected too.
Update: 20 June 2006
With some sites I got download speed of 27kBps. More over they double the speed at night (1030 PM - 630 AM) for home users.
Quality of Service
This criteria is also fulfilling most of the time for general use, but I do get disconnections in between (atleast my VPN connectivity). If the disruption is major then you need to switch off the modem, wait for 10-15 seconds and then switch it on again. Then only you get to log in again and continue.
Update: 20 June 2006
The problem of disconnection was due to the faulty modem. After it was replaced I hardly get any disconnections and the connection is quiet solid. I use the net almost 8-10 hours a day and have seen disconnection very few times only.
Service
Problems are addressed within few hours, and I have not yet had any major issues with them. Once I had lot of disconnection problem, at that time the engineer came and upgraded the Modem firmware. After that this problem has gone down.
Update: 20 June 2006
I was facing some problem of disconnection for some time initially. It came out to be the modem issue and it was replaced promptly (that too two times).
Change Of Plan
Change of Plan takes some 4-5 days. I had changed my plan once and the same was done within 4-5 days. No major issues faced during this.
Billing
Since I have taken the Unlimited Plan I have not much issue with the billing. Check drop boxes are at many places, but I normally use the cash deposit.
Value Added Service
I was expecting some value added service along with teh Broadband like Online Gaming, Movies/Songs on Demand etc. Till now they only provide Songs download service. You can purchase songs and download directly to your PC for Rs. 7-9 /song, but I have not tried it yet.
-ve
Few Value Added services (they are saying more is in pipeline)
You get lot of wrong numbers on the phone (as Airtel land line is frequently changed)
Automated callers selling caller tunes and other ’’Dhamaka’’ Airtel offers on the landline
+ve
Connection works fine all day without any disconnection.
Service is OK. Technician visit quick and try to do whatever they know. Most of the time solves the problem.
Phone can be used while the connection is ON. Both incoming as well as outgoing works fine. Didnt have any issues with this.
Technical and Other Details
Modem
Beetel 220BX ADSL 2+ Modem, supporting both USB as well as Ethernet. I have used both. Ethernet needs no extra software installation, but USB needs some drivers that comes with the installation CD (or can also be downloaded from their support site as given below).
Phone Filter
A filter is installed on the line for parallel use of the Phone without any disruption.
Wiring
Wiring all done using wall mounted channels inside the room, and PVC pipes out side. Rest of the wiring till their exchange is underground.
Site for technical Information and downloads
https://speed.touchtelindia.net/
Here you can check connection speed, play some games, download firmware and drivers.
Regards,
Akhilesh Singh
https://akhilesh.in
Date: 30 Jan 2006
Last Updated: 20 June 2006