Test driving MTNLs 3G

Since the confusion over 3G spectrum auction continues unabated, I decided to obtain the MTNL 3G Jadoo connection to see for myself if there really was any “jadoo” in it.

Obtaining the connection itself was not so bad, once I had the right application form and had figured out  the documents they need (address proof, PAN number – it seems you will soon need a PAN number to be able to even breathe!) and the SIM was handed over across the counter after paying the activation fee in cash.

MTNL offers limited 3G coverage in Delhi and it at the moment covers only a large part the british built, government babu infested “New Delhi” – which of course offers not much joy to someone like me who works out of South Delhi and lives in Gurgaon. A few google searches let me not only get a list of coverage areas,  but I also found this  3G map of Delhi. Of course testing the 3G meant that I would need to be in one of this areas -  so I inserted the MTNL SIM in my Nokia E71 and drove to South Extension which seemed to be the closest point from office.

Here are my findings :

• My phone was able to switch automatically from GPRS / EDGE to 3G as soon as it found the 3G signal.
• Overall internet browsing experience on the handset was good with a noticebale  improvement in the time taken for images to load.
• A quick speed test at www.dslreports.com showed a speed of 170 kbps, as compared to the 60 – 80 kbps that I get over GPRS.
• Browsed a few more sites, and immediately noticed that the phone seemed much warmer in the hand than usual. The phone battery was definitely heating up.
• Did a skype to skype voice call (using Fring on my mobile). Though there was still a perceptible lag, I was still able to make a reasonable conversation.
• Radio streams from last.fm using Mobbler played without a hiccup.
• Connected the handset to my laptop and speed tests showed 250 kbps download and 150 kbps upload speeds.

I haven’t been able to try MTNLs mobile TV – the settings didn’t work and MTNLs customer care has not been of much help so far. Also I am keen to try out the video call over 3G but I guess I will need to find another 3G customer willing to experiment.

Overall, while the “jadoo” works, limited coverage area is a big limitation. Also, the tariff needs to be rationalized. For someone like me, used to Airtel’s unlimited data GPRS plan,  the Rs. 5.00 per MB  tariff may not work.

Tags: 3G, MTNL, MTNL 3g, Nokia E71