Currently I run my internet errands on an Idea netsetter. I am looking to change it. When ever I tell them that my speed has gone pathetic, some wise guy (mostly gals) tell me that since the subscriber base has increased, it will naturally give you slow speed.

I started using internet in 1997. My Management college boasted an internet connection in its brochures then. It arrived a year late though. Now, our college Director was an ex Indian Institute of management – Bangalore guy. He had accumulated years of experience from his yeomans service in that great institution. Like all good management babus, he would keep every facility under the cushion below his arse. It would be handed out to his favorite students as a carrot. But, I was not in that category. I was simply a fighter. So, when I walked into his office and mentioned the word “internet,” he instructed his secretary to had me over the username and password.

I went on the 3rd floor where the computer lab was, located the PC with a modem and I was connected to the internet highway. It was fluke. The modem dialed, it got connected and I opened Netscape and typed in hotmail.com. The page loaded, I clicked register, the registration form opened, I filled in my particulars then submitted. Alas!, it had disconnected. I spent next 2 hours connecting it. Fortunately, the Directors office never complained of their choked phone line.

Now, in 2010, I still get frustrated with internet. You will find shiny yellow, green, red colored brands advertising fastest internet speeds. Buy one of them and you will know.

To the best of my knowledge, MTNL and BSNL offer the best speeds, but, if you get a problem, it could take days together to set things right. Ofcourse, the line mechanic would ask for his chai paani incentive. This is the best option if you have an back up. Another problem is that if your area has power cuts.

The worse of the service is TATA broadband. My opinion, don’t go anywhere near them. I had experience with them three times. Sify, Hathway are good only in certain pockets. Vodafone is truly British, all the clerks in their customer service centers are direct descendants of Queen Victoria. I had a sim card from their predecessors Orange. Then it became Hutch. Now Vodafone. Finally I gave up.

Other than BSNL/MTNL, I would recommend Idea, Reliance and Airtel to you. Out of the three, Reliance could be the best, but the moron who mans the smelly Dombivli West branch is too much. Its better to avoid him and settle for some other company. Idea guys have some soul left. Atleast they will hear your complain.

I am on an hunt for my next connection.

Hope 3G will bring in a change.