I had opted for the 3G Data Card and a post-paid connection from Idea Cellular in Mumbai in Jan’13 after their franchisee staff assured me of ’excellent’ 3G network in Mumbai. Also, the bundled offer of Idea 3G Data Card (Huawei 303d can go upto 7.2mbps speeds) was quite tempting. However, I NEVER got 3G network (WCDMA / HSPA) on the Idea NetSetter program and only got the much slower 2G network of EDGE.
Complaining to the Idea Store or their Customer Care has not helped either. In fact, after a month of struggle I recently realized that Idea Cellular doesn’t even have a 3G service license in Mumbai and has an ’informal’ tie-up with Airtel for the same, which I understand is illegal as per Dept. of Telecom. I am surprised that even TRAI has not taken cognizance of the fact that telecom operators like Idea are offering services for which they don’t have legal sanction.
In summary, I would like to forewarn all prospective 3G subscribers in Mumbai (and perhaps other circles) NOT to opt for 3G network from Idea Cellular or other telecom operators not having a license to do so. In fact, only four operators have legitimate rights to do so - Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, and MTNL. I have not opted for 3G from any of these so won’t be able to comment on their service levels, though I have read on MS and elsewhere that MTNL offers good 3G connectivity, but it may depend on one’s location in Mumbai.