Net Access still a difficult task

Pune: Sandeep Kotrekar is a manager working in a private IT company. He wanted an internet connection on shifting to his new flat two months ago. But this proved more tedious than purchasing the flat itself. “No internet service provider (ISP) was available, as my flat is close to the National Defence Academy. Citing security reasons, officials there objected to laying the cable. I managed to get a connection only after coercion and interruption from bigwigs,” he says.

Sandeep is not the only one who is facing a problem logging on to the net, as various parts in the city are faced with similar constraints of poor accessibility. While major ISPs are in the open sweating it out, customers are feeling the heat. Tata Indicom recently launched the wireless USB modem connectivity, followed by Reliance Infocom, while Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched its IPTV service on a broadband platform. Hathway, which provides internet through cable, has also offered to give modems free, while Sify has slashed rates. There are some small players, like You Telecom, which have a presence in selected areas.

If this sounds like the war of the ISPs, it is not true. Those who approach these providers for connections have their own stories to tell. One who wants to get a BSNL connection has to get a landline phone first. The waiting lists of both, the telephone and the net connection, are a test of patience. Some other ISPs might be ready to give a connection, but the speed, customer support and billing of these companies have disconcerted many.

While admitting that a waiting list does exist, Ramesh Mahajan, public relation officer of BSNL, says, “There might be a few problem in some parts of the city. We are unable to provide service to new townships and colonies, where our infrastructure is not available. But we have given access to those townships where we were intimated in advance.” A representative from the Hathway company said, “We provide service to those customers where our network exists. Where it is not feasible, we hand over the service to other cable service company. Problems arising thereafter are taken care of by the respecive company. But that happens with any other ISP.” Officials from Tata Indicom and Reliance Infocom did not respond despite repeated calls.

PROBLEMS GALORE
• Low wireless access:
Only few ISPs have wireless internet facilities in the city, many of which falter in the fringe areas. Those providing internet through mobiles pose a problem when the call traffic is high. Coverage strength is also a problem.
• No cable:
Internet through cable is speedy enough, but many areas, especially sensitive zones, do not have the cable network for access.
• Immodest modems:
Those going for USB modems have to shell out Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for the apparatus. The amount is not recoverable after the service is discontinued. A customer is therefore forced to find a willing buyer.
• Low customer support:
Small companies often do not have adequate customer support facilities. There are complaints from customers of automated responses and non-availability of officials to cater to calls.