Pathik Shah

It seems that DoT is forcing all ISPs to ban the major file sharing websites like Mediafire, Sendspace and Rapidshare.

This is the list of ISPs which have banned these websites so far.

MTNL Delhi
Airtel

Here’s what you see when you visit those websites.

Update: All the banned websites seem to be accessible now. Atleast on MTNL Delhi. Yayness!

The ban was due to some retards thinking that everyone was going to pirate the shit out of some lame movie called ‘Singham’. No one even knew that such a movie existed.

How To Change Mobile Network Operator In India Using MNP – Mobile Number Portability Tutorial

How To Change Mobile Service Provider (Carrier) In India Without Changing Mobile Number

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) was officially launched in Haryana today – 25/11/2010, by Communications Minister, Kapil Sibal.

Using Mobile Number Portability, you can now change your mobile operator without changing your mobile number.

How to Change Your Mobile Network Operator (Mobile Service Provider) in India using Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

1. To switch your mobile operator while still keeping your old mobile number, you just need to SMS PORT <your_mobile_number> to 1900.

2. An 8 digit unique porting code will be sent to you by your existing mobile operator.

3. Now, you need to file a new connection application with your mobile details and the the unique porting code to the new mobile operator you want to switch your mobile number to.

4. You will be charged Rs 19 for the porting code and your mobile number will be switched to the new mobile operator within 7 working days. Your existing balance and other offers won’t be valid on the new carrier.

Mobile Number Portability will be available all over India from January 20, 2011. All mobile network operators, including Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, BSNL, MTNL, Aircel, Loop, Tata Docomo etc will support Mobile Number Portability from that date.

More details about the whole MNP process will be posted soon.

Again!

Today – 16/02/2010, MTNL has upgraded the speeds of its unlimited broadband plans. It seems to be doubling broadband speeds every six months.

These are the new tariff rates for the new Broadband plans.

MTNL Triband Tariff Plans – 16/02/2010

Triband 512 KBPS Unlimited –  Rs. 599
Triband 752 KBPS Unlimited – Rs. 749
Triband 1 MBPS Unlimited –  Rs. 999
Triband 1.34 MBPS Unlimited – Rs. 1599
Triband 2 MBPS Unlimited – Rs. 3999
Triband 4 MBPS Unlimited – Rs. 9999

Awesome! Who said PSUs in India can’t be competitive. Suck on it, Airtel and Reliance. Muhahaha!

MTNL Triband Tariff Plans

MTNL has launched the 3G Jadoo service in Mumbai today, May 15, 3 months after it was launched in Delhi. (MTNL 3G Plans – Delhi)

It’s just a soft launch, the commercial launch should happen in June.

The 3G tariff rates are expected to be the same as in Delhi. Yea, they still suck.

MTNL 3G Plans – Mumbai

- One Time Activation Charge – Rs. 500
- Monthly 3G Rental – Rs. 599
- 3G Data Monthly Service Charges – Rs. 149.
- Download Charges – Rs. 5 / MB

There hasn’t been any official announcement by MTNL yet. Details will be updated as soon as they come out.

MTNL launched 3G in Delhi officially, on Feb 5, yesterday. So finally 2 years after the USA and many other countries, we have 3G atleast in one city in India. Time to rejoice…? No!

MTNL has priced 3G services so exorbitantly high, that no one except the upper echelon of society will be able to use it. So much for the talk about bringing mobile internet to the masses.

The 3G Jadoo service by MTNL is priced as (MTNL 3G Tariff Rates):

- One Time Activation Charge – Rs. 500
- Monthly 3G Rental – Rs. 599
- 3G Data Monthly Service Charges – Rs. 149. (Still not sure what it means.)
- Download Charges – Rs. 5 / MB

You can check out the detailed tariffs here – http://mtnldelhi.in/dolphin/tariff_3g.htm

These rates are complete BULLSHIT. After paying Rs. 599 / Month, you still have to pay Rs. 5 / MB for downloads. 99% Indians can’t even afford the basic rental, the per MB download charges are just killing. What’s the use of having a 3.5 MBPS download speed, if you can’t download enough without getting bankrupt.

Currently, I’m using the Airtel NOP plan, Rs 2 / day for unlimited downloads. The speed is decent – around 10 kBps and net around 3-4 GB a month with moderate downloads. MTNL 3G would cost me Rs. 599 + 5*4000 = Rs. 20599. Not to say, that if the speed is actually 3.5 MBPS, one would normally download much more. There is no unlimited plan, even, for say Rs. 5000. Even that would be relatively acceptable (Not really).

Sorry to say, but this plan sucks. I’m hoping Airtel or Reliance roll out 3G / EVDO soon and give us better and competitive pricing with atleast one reasonable unlimited plan.