This review is about DATAONE broadband connection that I got recently from BSNL.
Brief Intro:
BSNL is currently offering Broadband connection through the ADSL technology. ADSL stands for Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line, which means in simple terms that the download speed will be higher than the upload speed.
ADSL is best suited for HOME and SOHO users as we very rarely want to upload.
Things you need for BSNL broad band:
Minimum requirments from customer end:
1. Pentium computer, 64MB RAM.
A NIC card(Ethernet Card) with drive software.
An existing telephone line from BSNL ( you can even apply for new line with broadband if you dont have an existing line).
CD rom drive (Needed coz the bsnl guys bring the dialer software on a CDrom).
USB option is not available currently with BSNL, all they provide is modem’s with Ethernet card slot.
How to apply?
BSNL offers registration through online or calling the toll free number 1600 424 1600. I strongly recommend that you visit your nearest BSNL customer support center to get the form and fill it there itself.
I registered online on 26th december 2004 and got my connection on 26th
April 2005. Lotz of reasons were given for the delay, which included my telephone exchange at north chennai. I made numerous visits to BSNL office to know about my broadband status and I got different answers every week. Ok that was a sad story and let that be with me.
Finally..... Finally.....i got this connection on 26th of April...but guess what was in store for me??....I was not able to connect for 4 days because I got ERRor NO. 678.
I had a bsnl person and a guy to install the modem on my computer. The BSNL person made sure I did not have parallel connections which could hamper my speed. But the guy who accompanied had no clue to the Error No. 678. I was able find that out when I talked with him.
The top level engineers(JTO broadband, A.E of my exchange) at BSNL were doing their bit to get me connected, but invain I still got the error.
I worked as a broad band support person, and it was bit weird that I had this problem for 4 full days, I followed the usual steps I recommend for my customers to get pass the error.
1. switch of modem and compter for 2 minutes.
unplug all wires at the back of the modem.
restart the compter and switch the modem on and plug back the wires.
create a new connecion and try it.
But later I was able to get connected when a port at my exchange was reset. But if you do get the same error I recommend the above steps.
Connection Speed is Awesome at 256 kbps, dowload rate is 30KB and above. I have downloaded 5GB of data of the 10 days of my connection.
You can also check your connection speed at https://testmy.net website.
For technical Support contact couple of Assitant Enginners at this number in Chennai: 28225555 between 10a.m.-5pm I suppose.
The 1600 424 1600 number is f*??%g waste. They are there to just register you, later ask them about ur registration date, they say they dont know!!!. No technical help is provided at the tollfree number!!!.
Anybody facing connectivity issues do post ur doubts in the comments section, we will discuss and try to resolve it soon as possible.
Thanks and Regards
Robert