A Few Tips on Choosing Internet Connection...... . Review on Choosing a DSL Provider

Just a few tips for u ppl, before chosing a broadbad internet conection :

Generally broadband speed comes in a multiple of 64 ( 64, 128, 256, 512 and so on..)with units KBPS meaning kilo bytes per second. So a speed of 64 kbps literally means that, a data transfer of 64 kilo bytes is expected in that speed, but practically its seldom the case. A 64 kbps generally gona give up a download speed of 4 to 5 kbps on an average and a 512 kbps speed around 25-30 kbps.

This speed hardly matter on general surfing, if u r just shifting from one website to another, then a 64 KBPS and 512 KBPS’s speed difference is gona to be a matter of few seconds (at most). But if u r downloading a music file of say 4 Mega Bye (4MB), then download time for it on 64 kbps will be around 15-20 mint and on 512, its gona b less than 5 min. So, choosing a rite connection for u is like ‘different strokes for different folks’

If you want to have a home connection (single user connection) , then a speed of 64 kbps will be sufficient for you, unless u don’t require some consistent heavy downloads. And unlimited plan for 64 kbps comes on an avg of rs. 500 by different ISPs.

Some tips on choosing plans :

·     if u use internet seldom , less than an hour per day, just check mails, don’t require regulars downloads, then its better to go for a volume based plan, that starts from abt 4MB and gona cost u abt 250 (this is an overall avg. approximation, can vary here n there)

·     if u r moody, or unsure how much u gona use the net, sometimes u don use net for weeks and some times u chat 10 hrs on net, then its better to go for hourly based plans. It require a min amt of abt. 150 rs. and, after it, u r charged for no of hours used (Not many ISP gives this plan, but some do )

·     But if u don’t want to fall in all those calculations , best is to have an unlimited connection. Its starts from abt 500 and u need to worry abt how many hours u have used or how much download is left.

Tips on choosing speed:

·     For a single user, with average consumption, ordinary downloads, a 64 kbps speed is sufficient, its OK to surf @ 64 KBPS.

·     If u require frequent downloads – music , videos, screensavers, etc, and find it hard to manage in a 64 kbps speed, then u can opt for 128 kbps. Its more than enough for a single uses. If u r pro, and just don’t want to compromise on download time, then u can opt for 256 or even higher.

·     For multiple use, u have to opt for a speed of 128 or higher, sending on no of systems and about of downloads needed.

Now something abt Choosing ISP. I have a cyber café and I have experienced quite a few ISPs. What I have found out is that there is not much of a difference between any of them. I ve experienced Airtel, Tata (VSNL), BSNL, InCable, some local cable connection, and also checked other’s connection having Relicance, Sify and so on... What I have discovered there’s no one who you can rate no 1 , 2 or 3 undisputedly, its all about your personnel experience, if some ISP worked for u, u think its good, and if it doesn’t, u write it off. But honestly, I don’t think there’s much of a difference in any one of them, be it speed, customer cares or charges or any other aspect,   at the end of the day, its all personal. So I think its better to concentrate on choosing the rite plan for u - ISP, is not a big deal – there are certain pros and certain shortcomings – they are always going to be there – and the sooner we accept it the better.

So u can choose any ISP, and just be honest to the circumstances, I often think, we go harsh on Vendors, I sincerely believe they are doing there bit – in fact the kind of professional change I have experienced in past 5 years in Indian Market as a whole, has been very encouraging. But then, u know, If it doesn’t work for u, then it really gets very hard to persuade someone thru logic and reasoning…..

Hope this revu is gona help some of u ppl in some way.

Have a gud day, tc ppl….