Choosing BSNL Broadband Internet

BSNL DataOne is one of the largest providers of broadband internet in India. Their tariff plans are also quite reasonable and speeds are not bad. BSNL has lots of plans to choose from and you can definitely find an internet plan that suits you. Most importantly, BSNL Internet plans are cost-effective.

BSNL DataOne Broadband plans and Tariff:

There are variety of plans to choose form. Refer to the BSNL website for a detailed description of each of them.
The link is: http://www.bsnl.co.in/service/dataone_tariff.htm

What is the best broadband plan from BSNL?

Assuming you are a residential user, we suggest you go for ‘Home 500‘ plan or ‘Home UL 750‘ plan. If you download a lot of stuff from the internet, go for a limited plan where night time usage (0200-0800 IST) is free and you get speeds upto 2mbps. If you are less bothered about speed, take the ‘Home UL 750’ plan that is unlimited usage at 256 kbps speed.

Further, if you do not want to fall into wrong billing and stuff, take unlimited plans. BSNL does the billing mistakes 3 out of every 10 times. And getting things sorted out with BSNL bills are the toughest job in the world.

The Customer Care at BSNL DataOne:

BSNL customer care does not exist! Keep it in mind before you go for a connection with BSNL. Any technical glitch may disable your internet connection for days, weeks and even months. Make sure you know basic troubleshooting of LAN cables and modems. Problems do not occur frequently on BSNL Broadband though.

How fast will be my BSNL Broadband?

The speeds vary within +-10% of what you are paying for. In most occasions, it is on the negative side. However, there are instances when BSNL provided 10 times the speed paid for. You should be lucky enough to get that chance.

Almost all limited plans have speed upto 2mbps. So a limited plan with night-usage-free can help you download lots of things from the web during the free-hours.

What if I need to change my plan later?

There is a minimum hire period of 1-3 months in most DataOne plans. You should be able to get your plans changed after that. Apply for a plan change minimum a week before the billing date. The change will be done on the next billing cycle.

How do I apply for a BSNL Broadband connection?

Go to the nearest BSNL office and fill the form. Give them Identity proof, address proof and PAN Card details. Give the initial deposit money too. Choose the plan you want on the form and also choose what type of modem you want. Finally get your application receipt and wait for few days. Sometimes they give connections in 2 days and sometimes it takes as long as 6 months.

Known problems with BSNL Broadband:

Internet takes long time to connect: Possibly this is the problem due to the less-responsive DNS servers. See how to change BSNL Broadband DNS servers.

Incorrect usage amount in bills: This is very common. You need to go to their billing department and talk. Usually gets sorted out in next bill.

USB connector does not work: If your modem supports USB conneciton, BSNL Broadband starter CD does not contain the USB drivers needed for that modem. Ask the technician to setup the USB connection or give you the drivers. You can later install the driver yourself.

Nobody picks up calls at the customer care numbers: No body sits there. Do not call.

Getting lots of wrong-number calls on the BSNL landline: The technician must have connected your phone to some neighbour’s used line, instead of a free one. Track the neighbour and raise a complaint. It will get sorted tomorrow.

Any other information you want on BSNL Broadband, feel free to ask.