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Finally, a faster Net connection: The Hindu
Bangalore, July 07: For Indian users, numbering over 5 million, who use dial-up telephone connections to access the Internet, the `World Wide Wait` - their own excruciating version of the World Wide Web - may soon be over.
Bangalore, July 07: For Indian users, numbering over 5 million, who use dial-up telephone connections to access the Internet, the `World Wide Wait' — their own excruciating version of the World Wide Web — may soon be over.
Starting this month, a number of faster access options through telephone lines are being offered in most metros and, what is more, the connection to the Web is `always on': one need not dial up every time. The quantum jump in connection speed has been made possible because providers of faster technologies such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and the main private basic telecom providers have suddenly discovered that they are `made for each other'.
Consider these recent developments:
{bull} Dishnet, the Chennai-based pioneer of the DSL-based Internet access, has tied up with private telecom providers, Bharti Telesonic and Tata Teleservices, to deliver broad-band Net services through their basic infrastructure. As a result of these strategic arrangements, Touchtel (Bharti's fixed phone business) is offering ZipNet DSL services in all its circles — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana.
After initial charges of around Rs. 7000 (in instalments), Internet access will cost Rs. 1.50 a minute in the day time and half that at night. The basic package is priced at Rs. 950.
Unlike the current dial-up services, one does not pay twice — once for the telephone link and again for the Internet service.
{bull} The Tata-Dishnet partnership brings similar DSL-based connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Delhi. Their cheapest package costs Rs. 995 monthly.
{bull} Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), the Government telecom provider, has announced "Account-free Internet Dial-up" in its major circles. This means subscribers need not look for a separate Internet provider: BSNL will bundle both services.
While this may not be faster than the existing dial-up services, speed buffs can opt for the BSNL's Direct Internet Access Service (DIAS), an `always on' facility that it is poised for launch in at least one city in each of its 23 national telecom circles.
For home users, this service promises 128 kilobits per second speeds (KBPS) when Internet alone is being accessed and 64 KBPS when the phone is being simultaneously used for voice calls.
Both are faster than the currently achievable access speeds with a 56 KBPS modem — between 24 and 48 KBPS depending on the city. Monthly rental varies from Rs. 850 to Rs. 5000, depending on usage. These developments mean that for the first time, telephone users in some regions — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi — will have a choice of providers for the combined DSL-based voice and Net services. This may bring even more competitive pricing once BSNL too becomes an aggressive player in all its circles.
Other than the DSL-telephone way, Indian consumers who own a cable TV connection are already being offered Internet through cable by some providers such as Hathway, Asianet and SpectraNet.
Hitherto, the cost of a special Cable Modem — about Rs. 10,000 — has been a disincentive.
But in recent weeks, the Mumbai-based ZeeNext has begun offering cable-based Internet in some metros where the delivery is through an Ethernet card — costing Rs. 250 or so — rather than a cable modem.
However, cable operators are exploiting this technology only in pockets of high-density usage such as flats or housing estates. Whatever the technology, Indian consumers can finally look forward to more affordable Internet access at something like international speeds.
Consider these recent developments:
{bull} Dishnet, the Chennai-based pioneer of the DSL-based Internet access, has tied up with private telecom providers, Bharti Telesonic and Tata Teleservices, to deliver broad-band Net services through their basic infrastructure. As a result of these strategic arrangements, Touchtel (Bharti's fixed phone business) is offering ZipNet DSL services in all its circles — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana.
After initial charges of around Rs. 7000 (in instalments), Internet access will cost Rs. 1.50 a minute in the day time and half that at night. The basic package is priced at Rs. 950.
Unlike the current dial-up services, one does not pay twice — once for the telephone link and again for the Internet service.
{bull} The Tata-Dishnet partnership brings similar DSL-based connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Delhi. Their cheapest package costs Rs. 995 monthly.
{bull} Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), the Government telecom provider, has announced "Account-free Internet Dial-up" in its major circles. This means subscribers need not look for a separate Internet provider: BSNL will bundle both services.
While this may not be faster than the existing dial-up services, speed buffs can opt for the BSNL's Direct Internet Access Service (DIAS), an `always on' facility that it is poised for launch in at least one city in each of its 23 national telecom circles.
For home users, this service promises 128 kilobits per second speeds (KBPS) when Internet alone is being accessed and 64 KBPS when the phone is being simultaneously used for voice calls.
Both are faster than the currently achievable access speeds with a 56 KBPS modem — between 24 and 48 KBPS depending on the city. Monthly rental varies from Rs. 850 to Rs. 5000, depending on usage. These developments mean that for the first time, telephone users in some regions — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi — will have a choice of providers for the combined DSL-based voice and Net services. This may bring even more competitive pricing once BSNL too becomes an aggressive player in all its circles.
Other than the DSL-telephone way, Indian consumers who own a cable TV connection are already being offered Internet through cable by some providers such as Hathway, Asianet and SpectraNet.
Hitherto, the cost of a special Cable Modem — about Rs. 10,000 — has been a disincentive.
But in recent weeks, the Mumbai-based ZeeNext has begun offering cable-based Internet in some metros where the delivery is through an Ethernet card — costing Rs. 250 or so — rather than a cable modem.
However, cable operators are exploiting this technology only in pockets of high-density usage such as flats or housing estates. Whatever the technology, Indian consumers can finally look forward to more affordable Internet access at something like international speeds.