Ramchi

TRAI never addresses consumer related issues. Normally, any controlling authority must protect its citizens rights first. Let me thank Airtel and no one else for providing affordable internet/WAP service. As I mentioned earlier all GSM providers are already ready for 3G transition; it is just TRAi which is still not able to make any decision. Obviously, GSM providers can not implement a technology which is not approved by TRAI. CDMA is the technology which is handset dependent. GSM has over come that long back so transitiion from the customer's point of view is not that difficult. Providers like Reliance must be wondering how to engage themselves stripping the capabilities of 3G compatible phones instead of addressing customer centric issues.

TRAI is an useless body is beyond any one's doubt. I did not say Reliance and TATA are against 3G licences instead they did not like this to be opened up for many providers. They just wanted exclusive rights for very limited number of providers[in simple terms, two-three]. Btw, mine is not just just internet via PC alone, it includes unlimited WAP browsing as well.

Sympathy is reserved! I pay Rs 250 PM not just for WAP browsing alone! I use this for my Internet connection thru my PC with no Upload/Download cap attached to it. This plan is available for any new customers as well in my area. I do use RIM Postpaid Joy499 plan. Whenever I use RWorld I get charged heavily! I do not see this as free, atleast for me. As far as RConnect is concerened just forget it. I think the topic is all about how TRAI is sitting its fat ... and not moving a little bit in addressing customer issues.

I have already talked about Airtel GPRS service in one other thread (thread reads something like 'bring down RConnect charges'). I use UNLIMITED GPRS thru Airtel for Rs 250 PM which includes browsing WAP sites including Yahoo & MSN Mail/Messenger services. If some one charges like Rs 10, 000 for 100 MB download/upload, does not matter which technology they use, they will run out of business. Happily for me, I do not have to worry about any of these right now as I am able to use my Airtel GPRS service without having to worry about upload/download caps. It may not be the fastest but it serves my purpose for sure and the most cost effective. Too soon you have started smiling back at yourself.

SexyGurl, I do not care whether is it an international or local provider so long the policy benefits the customers eventually. Most likely I will not use 3G or EDGE facilities for video streaming [even if it is available] instead I would use it for broadband internet connections. I do not use Rworld as it seems really expensive even to use its limited facilities [like PNR Status]. I have used WAP services over Airtel GPRS connections and I was able to send messages in Yahoo Messenger & MSN Messenger thru my mobile phone which was not charged extra. I can practically login to Y! or MSN Messenger from any where in the country over my mobile phone and start sending messages or even emails.

What I am talking about is GSM Phones are ready for new technologies. GSM providers may be contemplating going for EDGE Networks when there is a better options like 3G. Since TRAi is sitting ducks not taking any decision to open up the spectrum GSM providers are just doing the waiting game. I use both CDMA and GSM phones. In my area there is no EDGE network available and I can not comment on the video dowloas thru EDGE networks. GSM providers focus more on the customer support, expanding its network capabilities, improving its Networking technologies etc instead of wasting its effort on removing features from handsets!

It is shear stupidity to argue that ‘price is what customers are willing to pay’ when we have only limited local providers that too who can manipulate authorities and work together in blocking new entries! Customers do not have a choice here. In this case there are two types of customers, one wealthy set that can use these services does not matter what the cost is and others just can not use it. This was exactly like 10-15 years back in India. Even in US this was the case when Sprint PCS [CDMA provider] was ruling the mobile subscriptions. They even block new technologies [including GSM] which makes the customer to choose different providers without having to invest on handsets. TRAI or any Government authorities must facilitate price competition instead of blocking new entrants thru stingy measures. Only GSM entry made sure that a customer in villages can also use mobile phones with its prepaid schemes. Reliance has dropped all its promotional schemes [with postpaid cheques for its handsets] when it entered the market because many people were unhappy with its billing and so on… Reliance does not allow handset makers to go ahead with new implementations and even look at Nokia 6255, they have stripped down its features just because it pleases its boss; so that he can make more money. Here customers do not have a choice. Only controlling authorities can make sure that fair practices are followed in favor of customer NOT the other way around. If Microsoft alone can decide on matters, it would not have allowed Java VM in its browser. Believe me, when 3G network is installed across the country, all CDMA users will migrate to GSM because CDMA handsets are already light-years behind. Even the entry level GSM phones contain following features, 1. EDGE/3G 2. Camera wit Video 3. Bluetooth 4. Expandable Memory and other list of other options.

If only one player buys out the spectrum then Indian consumers will be at the receiving end. Indian government is already heavily taxing Indian citizens thru sales tax, service tax, excercise duty, other taxes for which citizens are not even getting the basic things correct. If Tata or Reliance keeps the license then Indian consumers will be taken back to socialistic era where only rich people will enjoy the fruits of technology and common people will be left out. Government can easily recover the spectrum cost thru various means. Ultimiately, consumers should be able to use the technology at affordable cost. Tata will definitely charge its customers heavily if they buy out the spectrum at Rs 1500 crores and not only that, it will block others from entering the market and blocking the resources. People need not go for Vodaphone and other providers if Reliance or Tata is confident of providing cost-effective solutions for Indian customers. Why do you think people migrate to GSM providers from CDMA? Reliance and TATA are worst in terms of taking care of their customers because of their corrupt background.

Many players were involved in laying Fiber Optic cables. Reliance might have started the mass appeal as far as mobile phones are concerned but GSM operators never stopped the technology from progressing. I am not really familiar with how the telephone networks are operating, how revenues are shared across different providers etc…but as an end user I see lots of flexibilities with GSM operators. Many GSM operators are matching Reliance atleast on one segment like ‘Local calls’ or ‘Intra Circle’ calls. Whereas, Reliance price policy is very rigid as we can see it from RConnect charges. I am hearing that Reliance and TATA are against opening up the spectrum [for 3G Networks] for private players at affordable cost. This itself is a clear indication that these guys are really pissed-off seeing others competing on equal grounds. Clearly, these two providers are shaken by the fact that international players will be able to beat them fair and square on technology offerings to Indian customers at affordable cost. World is moving towards Video Conferencing, Mobile Broadband at 1 GB rate etc…whereas our TRAI is struggling to add customer base with its broadband policies like 1/2 GB cap on usage etc…TRAi is another useless Government Body just like our BCCI where people spend more money [in Crores] on Meetings and Conferences than addressing real issues.

I am NOT supporting state owned power companies and their attitude. They also will eventually wound up from the business if they do not rise up to demands. The competition is driven NOT only by Reliance or TATA, alone. Multiple players are jumping in and that’s why you see price fall. Reliance and TATA are nothing but extended version of State run enterprise where no one takes responsibility but only one person takes all the profitability. These companies enjoy patronage from state governments thru corrupt practices. TATA is one example of useless existence thru license Raj by not allowing competition. TRAI is simply facilitating an environment where quick progress is hard to achieve. They totally ignoring consumer's voice in this respect. I feel Reliance and TATA are not there for competition instead they want to monopolize Mobile business and corner Indian consumers with their useless Indian stuffs. They hardly survived international competitions at global levels and their success is only thru back-door entries and not thru technological inventions or consumer friendly business practices.

TRAI is totally useless. All their expected initiatives are already implemented in many countries. TRAI is merely repeating their suggestions. They do not have the will to accept queries from the consumer forums. TRAI is another beuracratic mess which slows down telecom reform process. Only in India strange ways of billings like STD, FWP/FWT, Mobile, 200 KM/500 KM/50 KM, intra circle, pulse rate etc...There is no standard approach in billing and there is no unified numbering system across the country across all providers. Importance is given in identifying the provider (thru your number) than identifying the area or the owner of the number. I think corrupt TRAI people are getting paid by Reliance & TATAs so that Indian consumers are get stuck 50 years back. As always, Indian consumers **** their thumbs.

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EGO-Pocket PC "LOOKS' good but I do not see memory expansion capabilities. No 3G capabilities though Tata Network seems to be already 3G compatible. Still probably long way to go as far as hand sets are concerned.

After reading posts here I do not think Ambani is adamant instead I feel customers are really adamant by enriching his pockets. If customers cheat themselves saying that we have to pay premium, this and that etc… not only Ambani even any idiot can cheat Indian consumers. I feel, based on my experience, Reliance Rconnect is a very ordinary service and does not worth Rs 1500 per month (even for unlimited usage). Clever customers are moving to Airtel instead of deceiving themselves by saying no mobility, how great Ambani etc…. You have two choices: one is continue the loser existence by making Ambani Billionaire or behave like a smart customer change your service provider. This is a very hard world and Ambani will not give you any discounts for telling nice things about him here;

EGO-Pocket PC is there but not sure about the price. It lacks 3G capabilities. I don't see expandable memory .

Great deal from Tata Indicom. I think, customers will go crazy for this. I am not sure about coverage, call quality etc... in Tata lines. One good thing I hear is this TATA Indicom connections are already 3G enabled. If this is correct then Tata Indicom can offer high-speed internet connection as well in the future. Their calling rates are (for Postpaid) bit expensive but for prepaid customers without having to pay monthly rental for two years with total recharge value will definitely push customers towards this plan. Especially new customers. Also, I could see Tata Indicom phones may not be operator specific unlike Reliance ones. If this is also be the case going for Tata Indicom plan will make you an abosolute winner. Only issue is hand-set options for advanced users.

" VoIP will put a huge hole through their pockets" There is a point. But in the future people most likely will NOT use landline for their main communication purpose. Mobile phones have replaced landlines in a big way. But what is the use of having 256/512 Kpbs speeds with 2-GB data cap? Dial-up itself is sufficient for Indian customers. Why they are misleading customers by saying it is broadband etc...?

Nokia seems to have problems with restarting. My Nokia 6600 used to have this problem but I had to literally hand-fight with them before replacing the same. Technicians in Bangalore could not resolve the problem after 3 months of holding my phone. Quality of Nokia phones is e major concern. I do own 6255, so far I have not come across this problem.

It is really stupid people talking about Broadband with Download/Upload Cap. It can never work that way. There is no way people can use internet based on the size of the content. It is plain truth that Rs 250 Per Month broadband plan is almost unusable except for making phone calls using the landline.

RConnect speed may vary depending on various parameters I believe. 1. Region or Place where you live 2. The plan you take. I do have Rconnect though I have not signed any specific plans with Reliance and I am getting very poor connection speed yet in comparison with Airtel GPRS it may be good [but Airtel GPRS charges me Rs 250 per month]; still the speed can not replace DSL or Broadband connections. There is an unlimited package available in Rconnect costs Rs 1500 Per Month but I am hearing some credit limit restriction which might pose some practical issues. Unless you need mobility plus internet connection together, going for Rconnect may NOT serve your needs and it may be bit expensive as well.

I have been using Nokia 6255 for more than 2 months without having any major issues. But for some reasons Nokia 6255 is not recognizing my Bluetooth headset which is Sony Ericsson HBH-65. I have already used this Bluetooth headset with my other Nokia GSM phone 6600 but NOT with Nokia 6255. Are there any compatibility issues with this Bluetooth headset? Any input in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Mukul ! Thanks for your input. It really helped. I forgot to reset my headset because it was more than 1 1/2 years since I did this. Now this is connecting to my Nokia 6255. The issue is resolved now. I thank all those who have contributed here.

As I mentioned this case is not available in Indian market so far (to my knowledge) in US markets it is costing around $5-$6 plus shipping thru ebay. There are 2-3 variants with different materials and colors as well. Goto www.ebay.com under US region then type 'Nokia 6255 Case' you can see plenty of results. I hope Indian market will also be floaded with 6255 cases sooner.

I have got a perfect cover for Nokia 6255 thru my overseas connections. This cover exactly fits the phone in all aspects. You may have an impression with this cover that phone can not be completely folded but you will over come this issue as well if you use it for sometime.

Thanks for your input. Fyi, this BT headset (SE HBH-65) works fine with Nokia 6600. But I could not connect this device with my other two mobile phones 1. SE Z600 2. Nokia 6255. When I search for new pair devices in these two phones they do not recognize the headset. But when I press hard on my BT headset it is automatically connecting to Nokia 6600. I have even deleted this connection in Nokia 6600 and switched off Nokia 6600 then tried to connect with other phones which did not work. I tried the above just in case there is a conflict. I have to try pairing with other BT headset devices then only I can decide which is actually giving problem?