Emtel 3G/HSDPA

I AM typing this over an Emtel 3G connection from my Bluetooth phone. In theory, I should be getting 384 kbps, but the first test on Speedtest.net shows a maximum of 206 kbps with which I’m content — as long as I don’t have to wait for web pages to load, I’m happy.

The HSDPA (3.5G) modem, connectable via the USB port can reach 3.6 mbps (and it does, believe me you), would be better, but I can’t be bothered to confine my use of the computer to a location where the signal is strong enough. Instead, I position by mobile phone for optimal signal, then connect to it via Bluetooth. I’m not getting 3.5G, but that’s the price to pay for convenience.

Now, some plug for Emtel.

The HSDPA modem costs Rs 6,000, which is not too bad, given it is generic and can be re-used with other ISPs. The package that I subscribed to is the 5 GB one at Rs 1,500/month. Luckily, I don’t expect to exceed that quota.

Emtel’s marketing was top-notch. Ordering the modem and package subscription was just a matter of sending a fax to Emtel and arranging for a delivery date. The sale representative was accompanied by a technician when she delivered the modem personally, and the technician was quick to get everything up and running on a Windows XP laptop. But because I had a MacBook Pro that he did not have access to when they visited, I had to go to one of their showrooms to have it configured. The wait was quite long, as the showrooms always appear to be under-staffed or relying too much on sandwich students on work-experience placement. But, the important thing is that they were helpful and managed to resolve the problem.

Lastly, a tip. If the HSDPA modem double-flashes green, it means that the SIM is locked. I’d recommend unlocking it before disabling the lock permanently to ease things later. When the modem flashes blue, everything should work fine. If you are curious and want to know more, leave a comment.

Eddy.

Slooow

I AM in Mauritius. And, I know because the Internet connection is so slow!

I’m typing this over a Nomad 64 connection that was disconnected supposedly a few months ago. It is intermittent at best, but still allows me to check my e-mail and BBC News from time to time (I could have done without the news of England’s disqualification from Euro, though!)

Good news is, on Monday, I will be getting a new Emtel HSDPA connection courtesy of Access Cargo Ltd.

Eddy.