Thread: Should I switch to MTNL?

I know this has been asked a lot of times, but I can't get the answer for a few questions so I'm making a new thread.

I previously thought of MTNL a few years back but then moved to Airtel and I was happy with it till they decided to change my plan from 649 UL to 749UL (2mbps 8GB FUP). It sounds good but it's not, my speed gets throttled every month on 29th regardless of my usage! So, I'm thinking of switching to MTNL.

I have a few questions, +rep to those who answer

1. How's the service? Frequent disconnects? Monthly downtime?

2. I'm thinking of getting the 999 1mbps plan, I do not need a wireless modem since I have a wireless router, so how much do they charge (monthly?) for wired modem?

3. I've read some posts, where people say that the torrent speeds are not good and the connection disconnects / resets after every 6 or 7 hours, is that true?

4. Your overall experience with MTNL?

I would be highly grateful, if you could answer the above questions!
Some more details:

Residence: - North Delhi
Usage: - Medium to Heavy downloading. I need the connection switched on 24x7.

Thanks in advance!

Dear I am using 4 lines of mtnl broadband in my office since 3 years. and there is no problem at all. the speed in very good and downtime is very low.
I suggest you to go for it.

Originally Posted by gastly

I know this has been asked a lot of times, but I can't get the answer for a few questions so I'm making a new thread.

I previously thought of MTNL a few years back but then moved to Airtel and I was happy with it till they decided to change my plan from 649 UL to 749UL (2mbps 8GB FUP). It sounds good but it's not, my speed gets throttled every month on 29th regardless of my usage! So, I'm thinking of switching to MTNL.

I have a few questions, +rep to those who answer

1. How's the service? Frequent disconnects? Monthly downtime?

2. I'm thinking of getting the 999 1mbps plan, I do not need a wireless modem since I have a wireless router, so how much do they charge (monthly?) for wired modem?

3. I've read some posts, where people say that the torrent speeds are not good and the connection disconnects / resets after every 6 or 7 hours, is that true?

4. Your overall experience with MTNL?

I would be highly grateful, if you could answer the above questions!
Some more details:

Residence: - North Delhi
Usage: - Medium to Heavy downloading. I need the connection switched on 24x7.

Thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by Manoj Saini

Dear I am using 4 lines of mtnl broadband in my office since 3 years. and there is no problem at all. the speed in very good and downtime is very low.
I suggest you to go for it.

Thanks for the reply.
Can you answer my other questions too? Also, which area is your office in?
Thanks again.
Also, it would be great if anyone else can answer my questions

1.
Wef 1st Jan 2012
Check this new plan
Broadband
2.

Better to buy an ADSl modem. ( see bottom of page )
( Initial charges by MTNL works out to about Rs 600/= plus Monthly rental )
http://mtnldelhi.in/broadband/triband_tariff.htm

3.
Mention model/make/number of Wireless router you have.

M

1. Cool thanks for the info, but it has FUP. My usage is higher than 20GB

2. Hmmm, I'll think about getting a new modem.

3. I have a Buffalo WCR-GN router, it's only a router not a modem.

PS: Another quick question, I don't have a MTNL landline, do I have to get it installed to use the broadband service? Any extra charges for the landline installation or telephone?

You may delete the FUll quote. ONLY adds to the misery of scrolling the page.
Usually done , when original post is responded after a number of replies.

Yes you need a telephone line also. Tariff plans may exempt from rentals, after initial installation.
Buy ADSL Modem and also ADSL Splitter.

Removed the quote hehe, sorry.

Thanks for all the info. So, I have to apply for the telephone line also, bummer. Also, can you please tell your views about MTNL? Like Manoj said, he hasn't experienced any downtime. But my friends (living in another area) have experienced downtime issues. I'm spoilt by Airtel, no disconnection in 3 years hehe.

PS: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions! I +rep'd you but it said I had to spread some rep around to +rep you again :/ duh.

I also had Airtel BB. The difference is , Airtel ensures the line is 24/7
functional, to avoid service calls and have minimum field staff !
whom they employ on contract Basis. If a particular service Technician gets repeated calls, his services are terminated. The technician gives his Mobile number to contact him Directly!! ( At least in Chennai)
BSNL/MTNL being GOI PSU , the staff are full time employees.
( And franchisees try to give better service to keep visits to minimum. )

BTW MTNL/BSNL have almost 70% to 80% of Broadband users in India.
Airtel has about 10% share.
(% might have changed now ,due to use of cellphones 3G network etc )

@gastly,

Airtel, Reliance, etc. have new infrastucture especially when refering to underground wires, etc. MTNL/BSNL still have older infrastructure.

(It is rumoured that Mr. Pramod Mahajan curtailed CAPEX by MTNL/BSNL in order to give Reliance a window to "catch up". This was told to me by the local SDE of BSNL and we know what this means.)

Anyway. I cannot say anything about MTNL as MTNL and BSNL are completely exclusive. But having been a BSNL customer for 5 years, I expect something similar with MTNL. This is how BSNL is:

• When the connection works, it is fantastic. When down, it really tests your patience. Things "seem to have improved" over the last two years.
• 3-4 years ago, I used to download "stuff" from internet. I used to have 2 mbps/2.5GB/NU plan then. The connections used to be stable. Nowadays, I only buy genuine stuff (I used to buy originals even then but there used to be "downloads" too). I used to get good speed.
• I have found that maintaining "good relationship" with the local exchange folks and linemen helps a long way. Never shout at them or insult them. I always pay them bonus during Diwali and a Rs. 50 tip if they visit my home. This is what keeps the machinery "well oiled".
• In last 4/5 years, I have had downtimes four/five times. A couple of them were pretty bad - the first lasted nearly four weeks and the other two weeks. What I discovered was that calling 1500/Call Center does not really work. Going to the exchange in person works. Now I even have the cell numbers of the BSNL folks.
• I always used to switch on torrents during the NU period (2 AM to 8 AM) when the download was unlimited. I had configured the torrent application and router rebooting accordingly (check articles).
• Today I have the UL750 plan that gives 512 kbps, unlimited usage. This works very well for me.

I hope I have answered most of your questions, albiet from the BSNL perspective.

Now I would like to ask you something. You say that Airtel does not work for you because speed gets throttled around 29th of the month? Is this a reason enough for change? Do switch by all means if you wish but keep in mind the old saying about "known devils" and "unknown angels". If you have an MTNL telephone line at home, try two connections for a couple of months before discarding one in favour of other.

Dear my office is located in malviya nagar new delhi.
here i get the download speed upto 200kbps. it is really high and sites open only on a click. if you are in this area, don't think too much and apply for a connection.
If you need an ADSL modem or wireless router on very cheap rates you can contact on 9136529706. They provide the Beetel wifi router 450TC1 with complete accessiories(splitter, adaptor and cables) for only rs.1050.

Originally Posted by gastly

Thanks for the reply.
Can you answer my other questions too? Also, which area is your office in?
Thanks again.
Also, it would be great if anyone else can answer my questions

Originally Posted by just4kix

Now I would like to ask you something. You say that Airtel does not work for you because speed gets throttled around 29th of the month? Is this a reason enough for change? Do switch by all means if you wish but keep in mind the old saying about "known devils" and "unknown angels". If you have an MTNL telephone line at home, try two connections for a couple of months before discarding one in favour of other.

Thank you very much just4kix for answering my questions! The reason why I'm unhappy with Airtel is because my billing cycle starts on 17th and on 29th my speed gets throttled. I get 10GB FUP and I don't download much atm, so it's nearly impossible for me to download 10GB in just 12 days. I complained, but they just gave petty excuses and even erased my data usage from their website so I couldn't check it.

I'll use your advice and get MTNL and keep Airtel for a few months to see how MTNL works

Also, thanks Manoj and essbebe!