A Broadband Connection in Cochin, Kerala – Tata, BSNL and Asianet

I have decided to take a broadband connection after slaving so long under a dialup. I have not got it yet, but I have booked it(I have even payed for it). The connection I am taking is 128kbps, Unlimited bandwidth and unlimited time from Tata(VSNL). Since I don’t know who good the connection is, I will be testing it for 3 months – if it is good enough, I will move to the 6 months scheme.

I was told that I will get the connection in two day(by Monday – 28th Aug, 2006), but I have read just too many reports of this being an empty promise in the blogsphere. A more realistic deadline will be two weeks.

My options for a broadband connection were…

There are more options(like Airtel, Reliance) – but these were the ones that was most recommended in my city(Cochin).

Asianet

First I thought that Asianet was the best choice – but many of my coworkers who have this connection has been complaining about very slow speed. An advantage with this connection is that you get free cable – as the internet comes through the same cable that, well, cable TV comes through. So if you disconnect the internet and hook the cable to your TV, you get – cable TV. Series of tubes, people.

I don’t know wether this is legal – but I have heard reports of people doing this. Think of the effect this can have if you have a TV tuner card on you PC.

One major problem I have with this Asianet is its empty promises. If it promises free unlimited usage between 2 AM and 8 AM(off peak hours), chances are that you won’t be able to connect to the net at these time.

BSNL

This is considered by many to be the best offer – the charge is considerably less than Tata and you can have if you have the omnipresent BSNL land phone. The reports I have heard says that it have good speed. One problem I have heard about this is that it cannot be trusted – if you have heard an offer that says internet is free between so and so hours, don’t fall for it – you will end up paying thousands of rupees that month. A cousin of mine fell for this – and had to pay 7000Rs that month.

Experiences with BSNL and their Internet Connections

Tata

Tata Indicom or Dishnet DSL or VSNL is the connection that I have picked. Many in the blogsphere have complained about that you have to wait a long time to get the connection(ie. the time between you paying up, and they bringing the cable to your house). Another major issue some have with it is their poor customer support. These two don’t affect me much. This is India, people. Wake up and smell the Apathy.

Some online complaints…

I will let you know when I get a connection, Till then, I will be crawling the web using my trusted Reliance Dialup.

110 thoughts on “A Broadband Connection in Cochin, Kerala – Tata, BSNL and Asianet

  1. It was indeed a great help to see your comments. I am fed up withthe bsnl tel connection and am seriously considering the TATA option. I am told I need to enable JAVA script . Is that so ?
    What is your experience now that you have a TATA connection ?

  2. JavaScript have no connection to the broadband. This message is caused if you have disabled JavaScript and goes to a site which uses it.

    I still like the TATA connection – good speeds, full time connections – no big problems so far. However sometimes, I lose the connection for about 20 seconds – don’t know why – but not a big problem. More of an annoyance.

  3. Hey Binny,
    What do you think is the best internet service provider in Trivandrum? Seems TataIndicom does not have service in Trivandrum. I am looking for broadband connection that will be used maybe once or twice a week.
    Thanks

  4. I am thinking of setting up a small office in Cochin to start a new tech venture. Naturally, the number one thing I need is a good Internet connection. Your post on this is very helpful. Thanks.

  5. I currently have BSNL unlimited 900 plus connection and need to pay only 1000 a month(100 modem rent) but the problem is that it is awfully slow and at times never connects and the connection is never stable.I am fed up with this BSNL ‘Unlimited’ setup

  6. What is your opinion about reliance connection?
    Now they have come up with a new portable modem thing. They use the reliance towers and rends seem ok.
    It doesn’t need a phone or any other over head.
    Do you have any idea about it?

  7. @Jojo Jose
    I used Reliance for a while – not broadband, but dialup. It was OK – not all that fast – but enough speed was there.

  8. iam using Vsnl broadband ( 478 rs unlimited)in my office. no problems yet. enough speed while downloads and sending emails.i think VSNL is the best among other competetors.the speed differs With the PC too. iam using the latest upgraded PC.

  9. well ……asianet unlimited at 256kbps is good! but the speed gets less during peak day time.but is the best when comparing to all other unlimited connections in kerala…. any of u people using tata indicom 1mbps unlimited connection??? 3600rs per month??? i am going for that connection….if any 1 has any experience with it.pls mail me… kapilsreedhar@yahoo.co.in

  10. I booked for a broadband connection with BSNL on 19.9.2007 through internet. On checking up I was first informed that due to some technical snag, orders are issued not to open the emails. Subsequently, after another 10 days when I contacted I am informed that there is delay and instructions are there not to process orders for broadband. I need the connection at Tripunithura. India has developed in the communication field, but not the BSNL Ernakulam Office and its staff. Can you please do something to fasten things and get me connection within another 5 days so that the poor bloody Indians will feel that there is real progress.
    M. Vijayan

  11. hi,

    i am looking for an ADSL connection at calicut. which one is working good there and how easy is that to get it connected. pls provide me the details or numbers for the offices working in there. it will be of a great help.

    regards

    sunil

  12. I have applied for bsnl broad band connection on last november. but not got till date. when contacted they said they are upgrading the system and I will get it within one week. No action till date

  13. I have recently relocated from Hyderabad to Cochin. IN Hyderabad, I used to use 900 plus of BSNL broadband. I must say, BSNL was superb. Rare disconnections, excellent speeds, and for me who downloads tonnes of movies and music using P2P networks, BSNL unlimited plan was a boon.
    Now, in Cochin I am a worried soul. I am getting mixed feedbacks of BSNL here. Wonder if Asianet or VSNL are good enuf for a high voltage user like me!
    WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST PEOPLE???

  14. I read the horrible experiences of many friends. I have also the same experience. I took an Asianet Dataline internet connection ie 128 kpbs. They will never in the world gives you the promised speed. If we complain, they will blame the customer’s computer. This is a continuing game. I looked for VSNL internet connection, but it is not popular and expensive. Now I heard that BSNL broadband unlimited is reliable. It will give the promised speeds and no extra bill. But if if it cuts off, then you can expect after a long time. I also heard that services are not upto the mark. Now I am using BSNL dialup and Asianet.

  15. I need to take a broadband connection in cochin. I would be using it mostly for voip calls and so would need good speed and reliable connection. Is there any providers which offers wireless connectiion with good speed? If not for wireless, which other connection would be ideal ?

  16. This is crazy. I live in the US and people here say that we know everything about computers and it is true but why is it that we cant find a way to increase the connection speed? I clocked my internet speed just before i wrote this and it was 22834KBps(22.299MBps) downloading and 735KBps(0.717773438MBps) uploading speed. I pay around 1600 rupees for that which is a great price when they sell 2MBps for 900 rupees from BSNL.

  17. Please mail me the cost details of Broadband Internet connections that can be used by me (only for homely use). I am staying in Ernakulam Dist. I am looking mainly at the costs inorder to avoid my present dialup connection. My phone bill is rising like Sensex. Hope u will do the needful.

  18. Hi,

    I am doing home based medical transcription work at Kakkanad, Athani. Here we got only VSNL connection. Asianet and Airtel are not feasible here. What to do to take another net connection here ? Because VSNL is not reliable. Please help me.

  19. Does anybody suggest a better net connection available in Eloor (Udyogamandal, Kochi) area sofar. I got a lot of advices, but dosent match each other.

    Could you guys help me to suggest a best available on in this region with you practical exp.

    Binny VA
    Could you give me you mail ID for any further communication if possible.
    Sudheer

  20. Hey Guys!
    I am usiing a BSNL Data Card It is very good.It has got a max speed of 2.4 mbps and only 550 Rent (If you are ownnig it) other wise 750 is the rent It Has Free Roming In All Over the State (2.4 Mbps is only available in selected cities) for more Details Visit Bsnl Web Sites

  21. Can you recommend me a WIRELESS broadband internet connection in kerala which works in Alleppey and Mavelikkara.

    Urgent requirement.

  22. hi binny..
    nice to read your comments..i have recently relocated from alleppey district to kakkanad..somewhat very near to your place. so i was in a search to which connection should i pick, basically for voip and remote login..what’s your opinion.? after inquiring bsnl , i was told that broadband connection is not feasible.
    any comments on this are greatly appreciated..thanks:)..

  23. I had a VSNL broadband connection for a long time. In Kakkanad their service is very poor. So I am no longer using it. My friend also suffering a lot with VSNL connection. Their minimum charge per month is Rs 450. I am looking for another provider.

  24. i am in Bangalore, and was looking for a connection at my Kochi home, so that I can work from home sometime. Everyone here says good about TATA, but in Bangalore TATA is considered worst – as long as it works ok, response for customer calls not good. Airtel gives assured support ( i think a call is attended within 4 hours ). I have BSNL in bangalore, which again is good as long as it works, and it goes bad rarely. I dont think I can expect same in Kerala, with the built in lethargy malayalees have. qn. Is airtel giving good service there ?

  25. i think asianet will be the best in the area of Haripad & muthukulam. they have lower plans with high speed (rs.199/pm @2mbps speed) & (rs.399/pm @64kbps, unlimited)

  26. the best alternative is BSNL.The various plans and speed are given below.

    1.DATAONE-Broad band connection .the speed varies from 256kbps to 8Mbps.the unlimited plan is monthly 725.no rental phone is required

    2.data cards
    a: NIC: speed is limited to 144kbps,unlimited,monthly 250/ only

    b: EVDO: speed is limited to 2.4Mbps,unlimited,monthly 550 only

    for more details contact me between 9.30 am to 7.00 pm .the mobile no: is 9447535500

    thanking you
    joji

  27. hi guys, i’m coming kerala and need a high speed internet. So here joji posted about BSNL connection any way thanks joji. I will contact you soon

  28. hey help me plz
    I need a broadband connection in cochin
    But i cant afford rate more than 400
    I dont need a unlmited connection But i need enough speed
    plz mail me about the plans other than bsnl plz…….
    Tata, Reliance, Asianet, Airtel etc.

  29. I am a victim of Asianet Internet connection. I have taken asia net connection (Vow199

    plan)along with a modem(Webstar) 1 year back. I curse myself for the moment I took such a

    decision. There was always cable reverse signal (according to them) for them. To use internet

    for 3 days in a week, I had to call their customer care minimum 8 times, by waiting long time

    in the queue. Then the next step is to take leave for a day to wait for them and get it

    rectified. Next 2 days it may be working and after that the same cycle repeats. Finally I had

    to disconnect this, for that I was suggested to send a mail to their customer care. But there

    was no response and I was getting the accumulated bill. Fact is that they don’t care the

    customer, and there is no link with their accounts section and customer care section. We need

    to collect the phone number of each section and contact them. You can guess how much mobile

    bill we need to pay to explain each time the whole history. I just can’t explain my bitter

    experiences with Asianet in a single page. Let me point out how they cheat customer’s…
    1] False promises
    2] Bad installation and low speed
    3] No co-ordination with their different sections.
    4] Even if you request for disconnection,they will not take action and you need to pay the bill
    5]For each requirement need to visit their office
    6]Take leave and wait for them for each service failure.

    In short it is trap. Beware of this… Please don’t go for an internet connection, if you are

    planning for Asianet….

  30. I’m now using Reliance Net connect.it’s good.Speed is 115.2Kbps.But I need a high speed broad band connection for my job.My place is Kedamangalam, Paravoor.but here no chances of getting Airtel or BSNL. Can anybody suggest a good broad band connection feasible in our area.

  31. Reliance Wireless Internet Connection with connection speed of 256 kbps ?? Does this sound convincing enough considering the background history of the Reliance Family starting from dhirubhai Ambani !!!! Hardly anyone has forgotten their 501 mobile Scheme wherein from the very first month the bill amount used to read Rs.48,000/- only for local calls made within kolkata.
    And now, about 3 weeks ago , once again this sophisticated cheat company had managed to convince me by installing their wireless connection for Rs.2820/- (modem charge included ) , with the promise that the average connection speed will not be less than 100 Kbps at peak hours . Phew !!! The connection speed does not even exceed 20 Kbps. Their Enginee Mr.Subankar (ph: 9339481089) had also stated that he has a friend in J.U. who will install one software to increase the speed to 256 Kbps but that remains a distant dream till date. Reliance is carrying out this Fraud business through unauthorised Agents like in my case ” QUEUE” which is an electronic shop situated on the foorpath of Selimpore Road .(ph: 9330862248) . Its time people realised the business tricks of this infamous House . Shame on the AMBANIs …..

  32. Hi all, I need a broadband (above 256 kps) internet in Trivandrum city.Which ISP is good?What about Reliance net connect?Please advice

  33. Hi all,

    If you got a BSNL landline connection at your home, go for the BSNL broadband Home 500 Combo plan.

    You will get 1.5 GB free data transfer at 2 MBPS speed (as advertised) and 175 free phone calls for Rs. 500 and each extra 1 MB would be charged at 90 paise per MB and each extra phone call will be charged as per normal landline rate. The speed is reasonable for me though you may not get 2 MBPS. If you stick to the limit as far as data transfer and phone calls are concerned, your monthly will be Rs. 500 + 62 (educational cess, higher educational cess & tax) = Rs. 562 -/-

    There is a free data transfer between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m., which will not be counted to your data usage.

    There is also another plan Home Combo Plus for Rs. 600. For this plan, data transfer limit is 2.5 GB and free calls is only 50.

    You can either purchase the ADSL Modem ( I bought it for Rs. 1200) or take it on rent from BSNL for Rs. 100 per month.

    1. plan 500. 2am to 8am free .no monthly rental for telephones.175 free calls.1.5gb free.0.80 for addiional iMB use.

  34. TATA/VSNL has the worst customer support you’ll find, i am a freelancer and have missed atleast 3 deadlines because of these A******.
    we call up the Cust. support, those noobs have no idea whts going on, u get a complaint number and a ETA of 6-24 hours, u call after 24 hours(because issue hasn’t been resolved) , they will tell you that the issue has been resolved and closed (lol.). eventually it became part of my everyday routine to raise a complaint.
    then i finally decided to move on to BSNL.

    TATA FTL…

    1. Do airtel have good coverage in Kochi.. when we see call their customer care first time …they would say that they have coverage and after few hours they will ring and tell that sorry that they do have coverage only till the previous lane in this place etc etc…

  35. hi, I’m coming for a one month vacation and I’ll be staying in Trichur and Palghat. Can you please tell me the best internet provider. I can go for it. I prefer to use the USB dongle where I can take it anywhere I want.

  36. Hi

    Can anybody tell me about the VOIP facility available in Kannur area. I need a US number through this facility so that my contacts in US can reach me at a local call rate.

    1. hallow i am vajpai from uae can you tell me which internet connection is cheeper and convinient for me. it it is your plz let me know the price and attractieves
      my house in kerala thrissure district venkitangu panchayath

  37. Asia net Cable tV is very poor,may better than local operators if any (asia net puchised)
    Why
    I have lost 2 computers and one TV
    by using the ASia net net work
    by the electric surge
    No proper surge protecton intheier cable line
    complined for compensation to the chittoor road office
    no reply

  38. i am using bsnl broadband fairly well. The plan is home combo plan. We can use 1.gb free. no phone rent and there are 175 free calls per month. more over 2 am to 8am it is free and unlimited. you can check the usage at any time. i dont know how ur cousin got so much amount

  39. Did you get any feedback. I am also looking for broadband wireless connection (VSNL or Relliance). Coould you help me with how much will be the cost of the modem and the monthly rent or any other charges if any.

  40. Planning a visit to trivandrum for 2 months. Can someone tell me whats the best temporary option for 2 months broadband at home?
    Also a bit about usb broadband that can be connected to laptop.
    thanks in advance
    jayan b mindsport@hotmail.com

  41. Want to take a broad band connection at perumbavoor. What is the best option available there other than BSNL

  42. I have tried pretty much everyting. They are all bad. But relatively, I think BSNL is better and cheaper. If you download movies etc, take the one with the night unlimited. You get about 1.5 mbps and there is no limti on downloads between 2 AM and 8 AM. I also understand that they are going to come with new cheaper unlimited plans 512 kbs and 1 mbps that would be reasonable if you have a lot of downloads. I also used to have the 256 kbps unlimited from BSNL. It was pretty good. If there is service problem, it takes 2-3 days to fix it.
    ASIANET DATALINE IS THE WORST. FREQUENT DISCONNECTIONS, SLOW SPEED, STUPID SERVICEMEN AND HIGH PRICE, UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO HACK THE MODEM AND MAKE YOUR LIMITED INTO UNLIMITED. OTHERWISE, DON’T TAKE IT. THEY WILL GIVE YOU HIGH BP. ASIANET IS THE WORST SERVICE.

  43. Also, they say Airtel is good. I have a connection in Bangalore (but only BSNL in Cochin) and they are very good. No disconnections and very fast service. I hope they are as good in Cochin. They now have very attractive unlimited plan which is the cheapest in the market (BSNL says they will beat it soon)

  44. I came to Tvm, Kerala for a period of few months.Had a horrendous experience with Reliance internet connection.I deposited the initial amount,Rs 500 and they were very prompt in collecting the cash!!
    After that no trace or sign of anybody!Whenever you call,there is no answer/If you go to the office,there are loads of college goers,always chatting on mobiles,who apprently are the Reliance staff.Anywayafter ,25 days of no response,they informed me that in my area,connection is not available.They took 25 days,to realise that!!!
    Anyway,I took back my deposit,and took another connection with no worries!!!

  45. hey man u r wrong..the best broadband connection available in kerala is asianet..since it has got a good customer care support & also the speed offered by asianet is soo high that other providers cannot give..in a 2mbps asianet connection i get 600kbps download speed.in controrary the 2mbps bsnl will give a speed of maximum upto 2oo kbps only..the plans offered by asianet is soo good..

  46. I have a complaint about my land line connection from bsnl ,somany times I have given complaint to the telephone exchange but there is no responds from their side. How and where can I give further complaints.Avaiting for your kind advice.

  47. @ Pradeep,
    There are some 10 customer care numbers given on the telephone Bill. try calling all of them. If you are lucky (that’s a big If) someone will pick up atleast one number. Then you must say” i AM REALLY ANGRY AT YOUR SERVICES, i HAVE CALLED ALL THE 10 NUMBERS IN YOUR BILL FOR THE LAST 45 MINUTES AND NOBODY PICKED UP AND I HAVE TO GIVE A WRITTEN COMPLAINT”. The moment they hear ” written complaint” they’ll get things fixed…else they willl drag it for ever. BSNL’s customer service is the worst i have encountered till date because nobody ever picks up the stupid phone !! Unless you are really rude to them, they wont respond. So get pissed and start dialling 🙂

  48. I shifted to Tata indicom’s 1100 a month plan. A 100% satisfied customer. They activated the connection the day I ordered. That too with just a phone call. Didn’t have to write any written request nothing. So far the customer care has also been amazingly personal and efficient. I would recommend Tata Indicom to all those who are being abused by BSNL !!!

    A big thanks to binny for his timely Advice

  49. Hi mate,
    I will be coming on this 20th to Thrissur for 6 weeks vacation. Could any of you please suggest me which is the best option to have a broadband at my home for this short period. I prefer to use wireless high speed broadband connection. I can bring wireless modem router along with me.
    Prabi
    Australia

  50. Hi mate,
    I will be coming on this 20th to Thrissur for 6 weeks vacation. Could any of you please suggest me which is the best option to have a broadband at my home for this short period. I prefer to use wireless high speed broadband connection. I can bring wireless modem router along with me.
    Prabi
    PERTH, Australia

  51. i need a unlimited internet connection in cochin.which is the less charge ,high speed and good quality pls give advice

  52. i want inter connection,broadband or dsl, just for chating purpose, which is the best provider with reasonable package, my location in kerala is TIRUR, Post, Purathur,Malappuram Dist, pls advice

  53. Asianet is the worst internet connection in Kochi. Poor speed and customer support. I would suggest

    1. Airtel
    2. Reliance
    3. BSNL
    4. Tata Indicom

  54. Hi, I would like to know if there is a wireless broadband connection facility available in Karingappara area in Tirur, Malappuram District ?.

  55. Please advise me how i can get a usb most cheap one for the use in Laptop-Is it Reliance/BSNL/Asianet (range Rs 200-300 pm How does it work throughout or night time any concession please help

  56. Please advise me how i can get a usb most cheap one for the use in Laptop-Is it Reliance/BSNL/Asianet (range Rs 200-300 pm How does it work throughout or night time any concession please help.In Thrissur District

  57. Hello All:

    New to ernakulam area. Looking for broadband connection in error/irumpanam area. This is around choice school area.

    Was told by BSNL that they cannot provide dsl broadband in this area. No cable line or something like that.

    Asianet also said it is not “feasible”

    My last options are tata indicom and reliable. I also heard of Airtel.

    Please suggest what is best option in irumpanam/error area?

    Thanks

  58. Hai guys, i want to tell u one thing seriously. From my opinion i prefer Asianet. I am from TVM. The best and the best. I had taken 475 plan. The best plan from asianet. Bcoz i just download 1Gb from a period of 15-20 mins. Night 2-8 is free unlimited. And max download speed is 750kbps. Can any of u guys can tell which provider gives that much speed ??? huh

  59. I am availing Broadband facilities in my Tel. N0. 04842701279. The net connection went dead seven days back. But it was not set right till today on 8-07-2010. As instructed by the BSNL authorities, I have contacted the Tel. No. 04842700200 several times. But the authorities, hesitated to response. This is pathetic on the part of a Govt. owned organisation

  60. Asianet is the worst Internet providers. They gave an offer that they will give the connection within 5 days. But this is the 10th Day and still I’m calling them n crying for connection. After 7 days of delay and calls they’ve put some cable into my house. After 10th day when asked for the connection they said they don’t have the modem with them n will have to wait for 3 more days. Till this day they never took a strain to give call back. THANKS & REGARDS TO ASIANET AND ITS HEADING PEOPLE!!!!!!

  61. Please advise me how i can get a usb most cheap one for the use in Laptop-Is it Reliance/BSNL/Asianet (range Rs 100-pm How does it work throughout or night time which is the best in Alapuza ( Pulikunne camPus)

  62. i have a bsnl landline connection now i need a internet connection. please help me is bsnl combo plan suitable

  63. am looking for internt connection, nd was so into bsnl combo pack at Thopumpadi.bt am confused. Nd am having a desktop nt a laptop. So should i go for it. Or look into wat asianet or tata offrs. SOMEONE REPLY SOON.

  64. i need a internet connection kerala thrissur
    chalakudy. i have allready mobil connection
    (BSNL&VODAFONE) how to get detail ?

  65. Using Reliance broadband for the past 2 years. Initially I had some problems with connectivity. Now they have installed a distribution server near my house and mine is first connection from that. So no issues even during heavy rain and thunder. Using 600Kbps unlimited @715Rs net.

    http://twitpic.com/1nck8l

  66. Hello, I intend to spend a month in Kerala. I will be using my laptop in Kanjirapally and was hoping if you could suggest a good USB Boradband provider which I can subscribe to connect to the internet using a USB dongle. Many thanks.

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