For a couple of weeks or so, there have been reports that Airtel is testing its’ 3G network, but we couldn’t connect to its network, or rather, Airtel didn’t want us to be connected to 3G as yet.
Today morning, on a lovely Boxing Day in Mumbai, I somehow managed to connect to its 3G network tinkering few things here and there on my Galaxy S phone. As far as the speed goes, you can see them in the images:
An Okay-ish speed of 1.75Mbps download and 1.46Mbps upload.
Remember that this is only the speed of HSDPA network (with a maximum speed of 3.2Mbps), which most people render as 3G any way.
There is another high speed HSPA+ network with a maximum speed of 21.1Mbps, which obviously gives multiple times more speed than HSDPA. You will need a compatible phone or Data card to enjoy such speed.
Galaxy S supports a maximum HSDPA speed of 7.2Mbps but I’m sure that when I tested this, I was on a 3.2Mbps Airtel HSDPA network.
Few Notes
The IMEI is blacked out in the second picture for obvious reasons
During testing, only Data network was active; Calls and USSD codes weren’t allowed. This may sound stupid, but this is indeed possible.
airtel 3g speed in mumbai
1). What is the cost of datacard and which brand ? 2). What is the cost of unlimited plan ? 3). What is the average speed & any kind problem ?
There is no match between Airtel and BSNL, in terms of speed. I think 3G Airtel will prove a leader among other companies.
I have 3g mobile and see airtel in UMTS mode. Please guide me how to do so. Im also using airte 98 rs mobile office plan
I stay in Hyderabad too, how did you get to 3G network? I selected UMTS in nokia 5800 and nothing happened, when I tried to go back to Auto mode, even then at least normal EDGE signal too vanished. I had to switch off and On to get back to edge
1.75Mbps is impressive for me not just ‘okayish’. Idiot BSNL Evdo hardly gives 1Mbps in my area
Airtel is the best. It said 3G will launch by end of the year, so only 4 days left now.