Internet Connectivity in India

India has the world’s third largest online population, with over 100 million internet users accessing the internet over mobile phones, laptops and desktops on a daily basis. Over the years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of broadband connections in India with over 12.01 million Indians owning a broadband internet connection. Although several private internet service providers have entered the broadband market with their own loops and gateways, BSNL/ MTNL has continued to rule the market with its huge copper infrastructure spread across India.

If you are coming to India on business, you need not have any worries about internet connectivity, as India now offers several options. You can stay connected to the internet with wireless data cards, experience 3G internet on your mobile phone or go in for an unlimited high–speed broadband plan.

Stay online in India with wireless data cards / USB sticks

You are in India on business and you plan to stay for as long as 3–6 months. You know that finding a Wi–Fi connection on your laptop may not always be possible, especially if you are constantly on the move. If Wi–Fi is not your cup of tea, you can always invest in a wireless data card or USB stick, which can help you stay online wirelessly anywhere in India at anytime. Take your pick from the top five wireless data card connections in India:

1. Tata Photon Plus

   The Tata photon plus USB data card has a superior in–built coverage and operates at a frequency of 800 MHz. As you travel, you can enjoy free all–India roaming in more than 100 Indian cities. The ’Receive Diversity’ with dual antennae features helps in stronger signal reception. The downlink speed is 3.1 Mbps, while the uplink speed is 1.8 Mbps. This data card has a dedicated spectrum for data services. You can choose from plans based on usage, time or unlimited internet. Tata photon plus has a dedicated customer care center to help you. To know more, visit http://www.tataphoton.com/default.aspx

2. BSNL Data Card

   Now you can get high speed internet anywhere with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) data card. Unlike other service providers, you can rent the BSNL data card for a low fee of Rs 150 per month. Since there are BSNL CDMA towers all over India, you can be sure of unmatched coverage even in remote areas. You can discontinue the data card at any time and get your security deposit back. The data card has a retractable antenna and offers a speed of 153.6 kbps. To know more, visit http://www.bsnldatacard.com/

3. Reliance Netconnect

   With a seamless coverage over 500 cities, you can experience a speed of up to 3.1 Mbps and make uploads at a speed of 1.8 Mbps. You can experience unmatched internet connectivity even in remote locations. The Netconnect USB stick is ideal for video streaming, video conferencing and heavy file transfers. To know more, visit http://www.reliancenetconnect.co.in/

4. Airtel Wireless data card

   Airtel has a widespread presence across India and a dedicated customer support. With their superior Edge network, you can experience superior internet browsing. The data card combines both EDGE and GPRS in a single PC card package. Airtel offers attractive device prices and tariff plans. This device is very easy to setup and use. To know more, visit http://www.airtel.in/wps/wcm/connect/airtel.in/airtel.in/home/foryou/mobile/wireless+internet/

5. Vodafone Connect USB stick

   The Vodafone Connect USB stick offers high-speed internet connectivity through the Vodafone EDGE network and can work with your existing VPN software. The USB stick is very easy to install supports SMS and can keep you connected to the internet as you travel through India. You can choose a tariff plan that suits you best. To know more, visit http://www.vodafone.in/internet/pages/usbstick.aspx

Experience 3G internet on your cell phone in India

Another option to staying connected anytime, anywhere on your business visit to India is to get a mobile phone with a prepaid/postpaid connection in India. Now all you would need to get online would be a Blackberry / Smartphone and a cell phone connection. With 3G internet in India, you can make video calls, watch live TV, update your Facebook status, download heavy files or play games, all at lightning speed. Several leading cell phone service providers such as the following offer both 2G and 3G internet, of which BSNL offers the most economical 3G internet services.

• Airtel 3G
• Aircel 3G
• Vodafone 3G
• BSNL 3G
• Tata Docomo 3G
• Idea Cellular 3G
• Reliance 3G

Get unlimited high–speed broadband internet in India

If you are planning to stay in India for a long period of time, then you can opt for a broadband internet connection. With high speed internet, you can download software/ files within seconds. You can get an unlimited broadband plan in India at a very affordable cost. Here are top ten internet service providers in India providing broadband internet. They are ranked on the basis of quality of service, internet speed, cost– effectiveness and internet connectivity.

1. BSNL broadband
2. MTNL broadband
3. Airtel broadband
4. Hathway cable broadband
5. Tata Indicom broadband
6. Reliance broadband
7. You broadband
8. Sify broadband
9. Asianet DataLine broadband