I took a reliance prepaid connection, after getting frustated by MTNL service in Navi Mumbai area in june 2004. While deciding I weighed value for money, technology, and network as main parameters. As everybody knows superiority of CDMA technology over GSM and other prevalent technolgies it was a easier choice, only botheration was there was’nt much choice in CDMA network providers. Only other player with repute was TATA and was moving very cautiously. With the CDMA2000 technology you can use your phone for internet usage hasslefree. Although the charges are very high 50paise per min. while I am writing this. Reliance network is wide spread one compared to any other CDMA or GSM provider with no roaming charges for a reliance connection. I had a good experience while on tour to shirdi and visiting neighbouring town of mumbai and navi mumbai. In Shirdi, Sangamner my friend was frustrated by Airtel service, which can not activate his roaming request in time. While the same experience was shared by my brother in Lonavala, and vasai. With a mega plans to cover 85% india in 2005, I hope the situation improves further for reliance. Still they dont have a good network along national highways and railway routes. Reliance billing system and backend support is a big problem area, although I had the experience once with RConnect usage rest for normal network usage it is blissfull. Customercare support is irresponsible, peoples in position are not approachable. For prepaid there aren’t any hidden charges and much better than anyother service provider. RWorld facility was free till April 05, and has many good applications.
Update on 25 Sep 2009
It is five years since and I am a big happy customer of reliance CDMA. Over the period the company has changed hands from one brother to other. There is not much activity or dynamism in plans or handsets. But service is reliable. I am spending only 200 bucks a month and happy for that.
Only complaint now is CDMA lacks latest and featured handsets. I may dump CDMA connection for a WCDMA in near future after number portability and spread of 3G in india.
Till then happy calling on Reliance CDMA.