Buying Guide: Data Cards

India got the taste of wireless broadband when CDMA players rolled out evdo based data services.

Tata Photon+ and Reliance Netconnect+ was either of the choice for people who are always on the move. Later BSNL and MTS also joined the EVDO bandwagon. EVDO is mostly offered via USB modem.

Though EVDO services are getting cheaper these services have few glitches for end users, like:

1. The modem comes operator-locked and there is no easy solution to unlock – that means when you buy it it’s your lifetime investment. If you like to change operator, buy another device.

2. EVDO connections don’t allow recharge of 1X plans.

With the roll out of 3G/HSPA services from PSU and private GSM operators, there is a sudden increase of demand for 3G modems. Using unlocked 3G/HSPA modem means you have complete freedom to choose any GSM operator as these modems are backwardly compatible, i.e. supports 2G network (GPRS/EDGE) also.

3G modems mostly come with these specs:

Downlink: HSDPA -3.6Mbps; HSPA – 7.2 Mbps.

10Mbps, 14.4Mbps, 21.6Mbps

Uplink: 384kbps, 5.76 Mbps

Plug & Play over USB 2.0 High speed

Doubled as pen drive with support of 2/4/8/16/32 GB microSD.

Advantages of unlocked 3G Modems:

• You can use 2G operators also
• GPRS/EDGE network is present in almost everywhere in the country – never out of internet.
• You can change operator by changing the SIM
• Easy transition from 2G to 3G and vice versa.

Some operators already launched 3G data cards:

Operators	3G Data Cards
Airtel	Huawei E1731- 7.2Mbps Huawei E153 – 3.6Mbps
Reliance (Unlocked modems)	ZTE MF190 – 7.2Mbps @ Rs. 2500 Huawei E173 – 7.2Mbps @ Rs. 2500 ZTE MF668 – 21Mbps @ Rs. 4499
Aircel	Huawei – 7.2Mbps @ Rs. 3499
Tata Docomo	ZTE MF632 – 7.2Mbps @ Rs. 1999 21Mbps @ Rs. 4000
BSNL	Teracom – 7.2Mbps @ Rs. 2000 Teracom – 3.6Mbps @ Rs. 1600
MTNL	iLemon/Teracom – 3.6Mbps @ Rs. 1799 iLemon – 7.2Mbps @ Rs. 2590
Vodafone	Vodafone 3G Stick Huawei K3565 – 3.6Mbps @ Rs. 1600
Idea	Idea Netsetter Huawei E1550 – 3.6Mbps @ Rs. 1600

** Note: the prices of 3G data cards are falling down. So expect changes in the price.

Till now only STel did not launch 3G data cards. STel who has 3G licences in 3 circles did not roll out 3G commercial services in any of the circles.

Indian 3G Data cards:
Micromax has a good portfolio of 3G data cards – 300G, 310G, 350G, 351G, 352G. Each one has different form factors. Micromax 300G and 310G was earlier sold with Airtel and BSNL.

Beetel, a part of Bharti group also has 3G data card product line. Some of Beetel modems are rebranded ZTE MF170, MF180, MF190, MF631. Beetel also has some own branded modems.

Recently Lava Mobiles entered the data card market with 720G (7.2Mbps HSUPA modem), which was shared on Telecomtalk. I guess soon other desi companies like Maxx, Lemon, Karbonn may come up with such products. Another desi company VisionTek launched 82GH (3.6Mbps/384kbps) modem some times back.

Olive Telecom already showed off World’s first Multi-mode, Multi-band modem. This modem is to support 14.4Mbps HSPA category 8 and 14.7Mbps EVDO Rev B network.

Interestingly there are many other internationally accepted brands which make 3G data cards, like Nokia, Maxon, Novatel Merlin, Option Globetrotter, Alcatel, Sierra Wireless and Sony Ericsson. But officially they are not available in Indian market.

My personal favorite brand is Huawei, as its generic dashboard comes with many functions but Huawei itself does not sell 3G devices in India. Either you buy one from Reliance (E173) or get one from online reseller.

Online resellers generally offer 1 yr warranty with the product, but before you buy it check all details. They also give replacement of the faulty products if returned within 7 days of purchase. And beware of fraudulent online sellers.

There are two types of unlocked modems – either unlocked by someone or factory unlocked. Currently online resellers import the modems from abroad and unlock and sell. In that way you can get Huawei, Nokia and other brands. Before you buy such modems from online resellers

Dashboard software

This is an important part of the 3G USB modem, if you like to use the modem just like a mobile phone. With the dashboard you can make and receive calls’ send; receive and save SMS; change settings, send USSD, contact, call records etc etc. When you upgrade your modem’s firmware it is expected you will get generic dashboard.

In general dashboard of ZTE modems do not support USSD, which is very essential for balance check. To check USSD from the modem, you have to close the dashboard and open MDMA.

Tata Docomo 3G data cards come with a stripped dashboard which does not support calling and SMS facility. Micromax modems do not offer calling facility with their dashboard.

Wireless Routers – If you like to connect multiple PC/laptop/tablet

Olive Nexus V-R9 (Multiple Connectivity Options- EDGE/3G/1X/EV-DO USB modem, Data-enabled tethered cell phone, Ethernet -ADSL, Cable, WiMAX ) priced at just Rs. 2990 at Olive online store.

Micromax 400R – unlocked 7.2Mbps HSUPA router. Price Rs. 5000

Tata Docomo 3G WiFi Hub – dual mode HSPA ((7.2/5.7 Mbps)) & EVDO (3.1/1.8 Mbps) – MRP Rs.5999 [locked with Tata Docomo SIM & Tata Photon+ RUIM]

Vodafone R201 (Huawei made) (7.2Mbps downlink and 5.7Mbps uplink) – MRP Rs. 5500 [Locked with Vodafone SIM

One of Our Guest writer is also selling unlocked 3G modems at http://www.3gdatacard.co.cc/ The modems are completely unlocked and special discount is also provided to TT readers

Source : http://telecomtalk.info

Extension of PPF Scheme up to Post Offices with sanctioned strength of 2+1 (‘A’ class post office) w.e.f 1.7.2011

SB ORDER NO. 7/2011

F.No.32-01/2011-SB

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi-110001, Dated: 25.05.2011

To

All Heads of Circles/Regions

Addl. Director General, APS, New Delhi.

Subject: - Extension of PPF Scheme up to Post Offices with sanctioned strength of 2+1 (‘A’ class post office) w.e.f 1.7.2011.

Sir / Madam,

The undersigned is directed to say that PPF Scheme was introduced by the Government through PPF Act 1968 and was initially made operational through designated bank branches. The Scheme was introduced up to Head Post Level w.e.f 1.1.1979 and further extended up to LSG Post Offices w.e.f 1.7.1988. A review has been undertaken in this office to expand its operations to other Post Offices and it has been decided to expand the operation of this scheme up to ‘A’ class post offices i.e where one SPM and 2 PAs are sanctioned

2. The scheme will be made operational in such post offices w.e.f 1.7.2011. It is pertinent to mention that the scheme is a centralized one under which second set of data is to be maintained in SBSO at HPOs like savings account and all functions like Opening of account, registration of nomination, Interest Calculation, Sanction of Loan, Sanction of Withdrawal, Closure Sanction etc. are to be done at HPO level.

3. It is requested to circulate this letter to all Head Post Offices and ‘A’ Class post offices along with sufficient copies of all related forms/ledgers so that no one can find it difficult to make the scheme operational. It may also be ensured that working strength of such post offices may not become single handed at any point of time. Copy of PPF Rules framed by Min. of Finance under PPF Act 1968 and PPF operative rules given in POSB Manual Vol-I are enclosed for circulation to such post offices.

This issues with the approval of Secretary Posts.

Yours faithfully,

(Kawal Jit Singh)

Assistant Director (SB

No Tax Return upto 5 lakhs

'People earning up to Rs 5 lakh need not file IT return'

New Delhi, May 31 (PTI) As many as 85 lakh salaried tax payers with an annual income of up to Rs 5 lakh will not have to file income-tax return from now onwards, a finance ministry official said.

"No income-tax returns would be required for salaried persons earning up to Rs 5 lakh per annum. We would notify this in first week of June," outgoing Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes Sudhir Chandra told reporters here.

The scheme would be applicable from assessment year 2011-12 onwards.

This means that the salaried persons eligible under the scheme would not have to file returns for the financial year 2010-11 in 2011-12 (assessment year).

However, such tax payers would have to file return if they want to claim refunds, Chandra said.

Source :PTI

Disciplinary Authorities - Penalties specified in Rule 11

Courtesy : http://90paisa.blogspot.com/

(1) The President may impose any of the penalties specified in Rule 11 on any Government servant. 

EXPLANATION - II. Where a Government servant belonging to a Service or holding a Central Civil post of any Group, is promoted, whether on probation or temporarily to the Service or Central Civil post of the next higher Group, he shall be deemed for the purposes of this rule to belong to the Service of, or hold the Central Civil post of, such higher Group. 

16. EXPLANATION - I . For the purposes of clause (c), 'probationer' means a person appointed to a Central Civil Service on probation. 

(c) in respect of a probationer undergoing training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Adminstration the Director of the said Academy shall be the authority competent to impose on such probationer any of the penalties specified in clauses (i) and (iii) of rule 11 after observing the procedure laid down in rule. 

(b) where a Government servant who is a member of a Service other than the General Central Service or who has been substantively appointed to any civil post in the General Central Service, is temporarily appointed to any other Service ro post, the authority competent to impose on such Government servant any of the penalties specified in clauses (v) to (ix) of Rule 11 shall not impose any such penalties unless it has consulted such authority, not being an authority subordinate to it, as would have been competent under sub-rule (2) to impose on the Government servant any of the said penalties had he not been appointed to such other Service or post ; 

(a) except where the penalty specified in clause (v) or clause (vi) of Rule 11 is imposed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General on a member of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, no penalty specified in clause (v) to (ix) of that rule shall be imposed by any authority subordinate to the appointing authority; 

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this rule- 

(b) if he is serving in any office, by the head of that office, except where the head of that office is lower in rank than the authority competent to impose the penalty under sub-rule (2). 

(a) if a serving in a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, by the Secretary to the Government of India in that Ministry or Department, or 

(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (4), the power to impose any of the penalties specified in Rule 11 may also be exercised, in the case of a member of a Central Civil Services, Group ' C' (other than the Central Secretariat Clerical Service), or a Central Civil Service, Group 'D', - 

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-rule (1), but subject to the provisions of sub-rule (4), any of the penalties specified in Rule 11 may be imposed on - (a) a member of a Central Civil Service other than the General Central Service, by the appointing authority or the authority specified in the schedule in this behalf or by any other authority empowered in this behalf by a general or special order of the President ; (b) a person appointed to a Central Civil Post included in the General Central Service, by the authority specified in this behalf by a general or special order of the President or, where no such order has been made, by the appointing authority or the authority specified in the Schedule in this behalf. 

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Post offices to get ATMs soon in Tamilnadu

10 lakh postal savings bank account-holders are expected to benefitChennai GPO is one of post offices where the Postal Department will set up an ATM.


CHENNAI: The Department of Posts will soon set up automated teller machines (ATM) in Chennai GPO and eight head post offices in the city and surrounding areas for its savings bank customers.
Officials of the postal department said that steps are being taken to earmark sites measuring 80 sq. ft. at the post offices. The eight HPOs are: Anna Road, T.Nagar, Mylapore, St.Thomas Mount, Park Town, Ambattur, Avadi Camp and Tambaram.
Post Master General (Chennai City Region) M. S. Ramanujam said that measures are under way to computerise the transactions of the savings account as part of the department's move to provide core banking solutions. The civil work for establishing the ATMs would begin in about two months. Customers would be able to make use of the facilities by the end of the current fiscal.
Nearly 10 lakh account holders in the nine post offices are expected to benefit from the 24-hour ATM facilities. Once the facility is in place, customers need not spend time waiting at the counters to withdraw cash. With the postal banking services popular among senior citizens, the ATMs would be immensely beneficial to them.
This would also help in cutting down the transaction cost for the department. The Department of Posts is in the process of floating tender seeking bids from ATM equipment suppliers as the facility is being introduced in various postal circles in many States.
Officials of the postal department said that the ATMs to be installed in the HPOs could also be eventually used by the customers who hold accounts with banks. The facilities would be governed by the guidelines prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India.
Such ATM facilities would be set up in the nearly 100 head post offices across the State. The department also plans to extend the service in other post offices across Tamil Nadu in a phased manner depending on the customer response, the officials added.


Source: The Hindu & http://aipeup3tn.blogspot.com/

Computer Awarness TEST

Q1.   Which of the Following is not real security and privacy risk:

a. Hackers b . Spam c. Viruses d. identity theft

Q2. Who is known as father of computers

 a.  Lord Wellington   b.  Charles Babbage  c.  Jack Kilby  d. Bill Gates

Q3   ROM stands for ?

  a. Random Only Memory   b. Readable Only Memory  c. Read Only Memory  d. Random Other Memory

Q4 In the first generation computers Built between ( 1945 -1956) What was used for calculations

a. Transistors  b. Integrated Circuts  c. Very Large Scale Integration d. Vacuum Tubes

Q5  Kilobyte equals to how many bytes ?

a. 1000  b.1024  c.100  d.1008

Q6  Recycle Bin is a ?

A Folder on desktop  b. File on a desktop  c. Folder in my computer  d. file in my computer

Q7 UPS stands for ?

a United Power Solutions b. Uninterrupted Power Supply  c. Uninterrupted Power Solution

d. untied Power Supply

Q8  The Number System based on "0" and "1" only is known as

a. Binary System b Barter System  c. Number System d. Hexa Decimal System

Q9 Which of the following is an advantage of using a Local Area Network (LAN)?

a. Protects against virus infection b. Shared resources c. Data Security d. Prevents Computer  misuse

Q10   Server is a ?

a. Multimedia CD b. Personal Computer c. Multi – user Computer  d. Integrated Data Management

Q11 What is Internet ?

a. network  of  all computers in a company not connected to web

b. Network  of all computers in a company not connected to web

c.  Global  Network of  computers 

Q12  Which of the following is not an integral part of computer

a. CPU  b. Mouse  c.  Monitor  d. UPS

nfpemavelikaradivision.blogspot.com 

Q13  RAM stands for?

a. Revolutionary Access Memory  b. Relational  Access Memory c. Random Access Memory

 d. Rotational Access Memory

Q14 Computer with the help of mouse or keyboard are

a.  insert  b. instructions c. Guides  d. Input

Q15 For sending and receiving data from and to other computers around the world through telephone lines, we need

a. FAX  b. Modem c. Scanner d. Hub

Q16 Brain of the computer is also known as the name ?

 a. Monitor  b.  Keyboard  c. CPU   d. Mouse

Q17 MS Excel is used for ?

 a. Letter writing  b. Spread Sheet Calculation   c. Presentation  d. Painting

Q18  WWW means 

a.  World Wide Web  b. World wider web  c. World widest web 

Q19  . Which operation is not performed by computer
a. Inputting b. Processing c. Controlling d. Understanding

Q20 14. Dot-matrix is a type of

a. Tape b. Printer c. Disk d. Bus