Telecom operators are upping the ante in the dongle space by launching devices that enable data downloads of up to 21.6 mbps, with Idea Cellular becoming the latest to join the bandwagon. The speed is more than double the present 9.8 mbps connectivity available over dongles in India.
Operators such as Bharti Airtel (21.6 mbps) and Tata DoCoMo (21.1 mbps), the telecom brand of Tata Teleservices, have also launched these dongles.
Idea Cellular, the country’s third largest mobile operator, recently launched a 3G Wi-Fi dongle offering a download speed of up to 21.6 mbps and 5.76-mbps upload speed. The device, introduced in its 11 3G circles, can connect as many as 10 devices (laptops, handsets and tablets) at the same time.
“We realise the need for reliable, high-speed and convenient Internet access for small office and business professionals in semi-urban pockets of the country,” said Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer at Idea Cellular.
Last week, Bharti Airtel introduced its high-speed dongle in the Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai circles, with plans to launch it across circles in a phased manner.
“We are betting big on data, as data is obviously exploding. There is an increasing demand for data in the country, and we are looking at catering to this space. We believe speed is the value…,” said Ashok Ganapathy, Hub Chief Executive Officer (Mumbai, Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat) at Bharti Airtel.
India is not a total stranger to 21.6 mbps connectivity as many smartphones can access up to that speed. However, the actual download speed would be much lower and would vary depending on the number of users connected and network traffic among others.
“More than speed, these dongles are about mobility and convenience as it can be connected on multiple devices such as laptops, tablets and handsets. Moreover, the convenience of a single internet bill is also its selling point,” said Ritesh Ghosal, head (brand marketing) at Tata DoCoMo.
Tata DoCoMo had launched a dongle with a download speed of up to 21.1 mbps for its GSM 3G users in November 2013. The device was introduced across its nine 3G circles.