(A successful model !)
Abstract:
I am sharing my experience with a cost effective solution for Internet Access that is being used by my batch for last 5 months in our hostel rooms. I find this scheme useful as an alternative temporary solution for Internet access specially for those student who find it difficult to wait for some permanant solution from the Institute/University.
Earlier, in March this year, we decided to test Reliance-FWP service and kept us refrained from publicizing this alternative until we got some good results. Now, I can say that this Reliance India Phone connection not only outperforms our expectations but also fulfills our usual requirements in a graceful way!
How we do it:
Infrastructure: 1. 6 computers in different rooms are connected with a Ethernet Hub (we share the connection among six students, simultaneously).
2. A Reliance-FWP connection (plan-500)( This phone has a inbuilt 115 kbps modem !)
3. A data cable to connect the phone with computer. (Rs. 120/-)
4. Win-ME or Win-XP.
Timings: Everyday from 10:30pm ( why 10:30 ??? ), till anyone of the six user has some task to do. Our normal internet usage patterns indicates that 2 Hr per day on average are enough for everybody's work.
Billing:
Cost per Hr in day time: 6(Internet access charge)+ (1.10)*20(call charge) + 10% service tax=Rs. 30.8
Cost per Hr in Night(10:30pm to 6:30 am): 6(Internet access charge)+ 1.10*6(call charge)+ 10% service tax= Rs. 13.86.
As you can see it is wise to use internet in nights only, that is why we connect at 10:30pm. I am sure you may have some doubt over the "comfort factor" because of this constraint. Please read FAQ section if it is so.
Monthly-Cost per user:
Monthly bill of the connection( with around 2 hrs. daily connectivity: Rs. 850.
Cost per user: 850/6 = Rs.140 approx !
Initial Cost: 1000(deposit) +800(setup charge) = Rs.1800.
i.e. Rs. 1800/6= 350 per user
Cost of the data cable (after negotiation)= Rs. 120 (purchase it from any computer shop at Lanka)
Connection security (refundable ) has been increased to Rs. 2500.. But it's not a big deal ...this connection worth this much !
Max. concurrent users: we use this connection with 6 users concurrently with decent speed... It also works well with 8 users.
Access Speed: The phone is capable of max speed of 115 kbps and what we normally receive is around 100-110 kbps. Please make it clear that the instantaneous data speed depends upon many factor and getting 100kbps from a 115kbps connection is indeed a very good performance.
Any query ?? Contact me at get_pankajyadav@yahoo.com.
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FAQ section:
Q. I have lots of things to download and lots of mails to send how can this connection suffice my needs? Furthermore, I want 24 Hrs. Internet access so that I can have freedom of sending mails anytime.
Ans. Download managers, Mail clients (Outlook-Express etc.) and Offline browsing facility of browsers are a few useful utilities to help in this regard. Use these software to manage your downloads, sending/reading mails 24hr. a day, and browsing Important WebPages you come across.
If you Still need more Internet Access Hrs., then Ask yourself a simple question: "Do I need 24 Hr. Internet for making online friend & listening to online music?"
I believe that the answer would be YES! :)
FYI, I was one of the power users of Internet at 'Hyderabad-Gate cyber-cafes' with my monthly bill of Rs. 500 sometimes and Now I feel satisfied with this connection and monthly bill of Rs. 150 :)
Q. How can I setup proxy server in windows.
Ans: Use Home Networking wizard of windows. (Its better to use static IP addresses for the computers on LAN).. Then you just need to set the gateway address on each computer u want to connect to Internet.
Disclaimer: The Information provided on this page is just the sharing of Experience/Review of Reliance-FWP service. I am not accountable to anyone for proving correctness. Please browse through the website of Reliance Infocomm: http://www.relianceinfo.com/Infocomm/Rip/rip_fwp.html