Oct 06, 2004 09:24 PM
10882 Views
(Updated Oct 06, 2004 09:24 PM)
This can be a really difficut choice, specially if you are new to the world of internet usage or computers.
Your descion will depend on certain factors which may help you decide if you should go for a dial-up internet service or a cable / broadband (BB) connection.
(1) Decide how much you want to spend every month on an internet connection.
The Tata Dial-up connection is currently (October 2004) offereing a scheme where in you get equal number of hours free on purchase of a new connection or a refill of your exesting connection. in a dial-up connection you will charges for the number of hours that are purchased from the ISP + you will need a telephone connection to use the services. So your telephone bills will see an increase.
As compared to this in a BB connection you will only pay a fixed monthly charge generally ranging from Rs. 250/- (private cable operators) to Rs. 1000/- Power surfer by BSES has excellent after sales service and they charge Rs. 3500/- for 3 months. However, for a BB connection you may have to pay an installation charge generally ranging from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 2500/-
(2) What will my average usage be, every month.
If you are an extensive user, say 4 hrs/day, then the BB connection is ideal for you. See this calculation below:
Firstly, for a Dial-up connection of 100 hrs, you have paid Rs. 250/-
Next, to utilize the 100 hrs, you have to use the phone for 100 hrs as well, right ? So your charges will be Rs. 1600/- Hence your total cost is Rs. 1850/- for 100 hrs
As compared to this you are paying Rs. 1000/- (on the highest side - ofcourse) for one month - unlimited acsess 24 hrs, no phone line needed as well.
(3) What bandwidth do I require ?
If your usage is just to surf the net, chat over yahoo, check e-amils etc then may be you would be satisfied using a dial-up. However, if you want to download music, videos, voice chat, long distance calling etc then BB is best suited. The difference is like driving a Fiat car viz-a-viz a BMW car.
(4) After sales service
Since most companies providing BB connections are area/location specific, after sales service is far better, as they are dealing with a relatively smaller number of connected customers. On the other hand dial-up connections are provided by large companies and they generally would take upto 24/48 hrs to rectify the problem, if they need to send a technician, else you can call up customer service (24 hrs) for assistance over the phone.
(5) Payments
Dial-up connection: 100% advance + telephone bill as and when you receive
BB : Installation paid in advance, some operators provide you with 30/90 days credit.
(6) Modem Requirements
For dial-up usage you need to have a dial-up modem, which costs approximately Rs. 500/- and the cost is borne by the subscriber
In a BB connection, the Lan card/modem is provided by the operator. Approximate cost is Rs. 750/-
And since you do not have to use your telephone for BB connections, your phone line is not busy, people can get in touch with you.
I hope this info will help you make a wise descion.
All the best n welcome to the world of Internet. See ya on-line !!!
Pls Note: I am a BB connection user, so you may feel I am favoring BB connections.
