Some General 3G FAQ
6:02 PM Edit This 1 Comment »Tell me more about 3G technology.
3G is the next generation mobile technology offering higher speeds on both uplink (up to 5.7 Mbps) and downlink (up to 28 Mbps). It will enable a host of rich multimedia services such as video calling, video on demand, and provide a richer experience for existing services such as mobile internet, mobile TV and MMS.
3G networks operate on technology called High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSPA). Data is transmitted many times faster than earlier 2G networks. This basically means that in addition to the earlier audio, graphics, and text, you can now send and receive video content too — provided you have a 3G-enabled handset or USB datacard and are in 3G coverage areas.
What is the difference between 3G Mobile broadband and Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a technology used to connect mainly laptops and some mobiles within small areas (typically a few hundred metres max). 3G has a much broader coverage and works also with a broader range of mobile devices. With a Mobile Broadband dongle, you will connected to the internet everywhere there is Reliance 3G coverage (speed varies according to your area, just like Wi-Fi).
Is 3G right for me?
If you travel regularly and pay often for hotel internet, if you are a student and need to do your papers on campus, if you need to work a few hours more and would prefer to do that from home, if you don’t have a landline but would like to be connected to the internet, then this is the best option for you.
What are the features available to me on 3G?
You can do very fast data transfers, make video calls, get video and music streaming, watch live TV, check mail, send instant messages, and fulfill all your internet tasks.
How do I know if I’m in 3G coverage?
If you have a 3G phone, you’ll see a small symbol on your phone. This symbol is usually a small ‘3G’ sign on the upper left corner of your screen. Depending on the handset, it can also appear as ‘3.5G’ or ‘3G+’ if you are in areas with faster speed coverage.
Do I need to get a new number to use 3G?
No. 3G services can be provided on your current number provided you have a 3G handset.
Do I need to get a new SIM?
No. You don’t need to get a new SIM.
How can I know more about Reliance 3G?
Reliance will communicate more about its 3G services and the various features, pricing plans, coverage areas as soon as the service is launched. The website of Reliance Communications www.rcom.co.in will also host updated information.
What is video calling?
Video calling is a two-way audio-visual communication between two Video-enabled 3G handsets, in 3G coverage. Both parties on a call can hear and see themselves as they talk to each other. So if you miss being someplace for a special occasion, make a video call—it’s the next best thing to being there.
How do I make a video call?
This could vary from handset to handset. In some handsets, you need to enter a number, or pick up a number from the phone book. Then click on Options, click on Call, select Video Call, and you’re on.
In some other handsets, where there is a Video Call Icon / button, after entering the number, click on this button.
How do I know I am receiving a Video Call?
If you are in 3G coverage and are receiving a video call, an icon will flash on your phone screen. To answer the phone, press the video call option and start your call.
Can I block the image (not the audio) of my phone when making or receiving a Video Call?
This is a handset feature. Many handsets allow you to switch off your camera during a video call. Or you can simply block your camera with your finger.
Do I need any special equipment to make a Video Call?
You simply need a 3G-enabled handset (with a front camera), be subscribed to 3G service and be in an area with 3G coverage.
What happens to my Video Call when I move from 3G to 2G?
Your Video Call will drop when you move from 3G to 2G.
In order to make a Video Call, how many cameras does the phone need to have?
To talk to another person, ideally the phone should have a front camera. However, even if the phone has a only a rear camera, you can point that at yourself, and the other person will be able to see you – but you will not be able to see the other person. But you can always take turns seeing each other!
I can see the Video, but can’t hear the audio?
Please check your speaker volume.
If I make a Video Call without the Video from my phone, will I be billed for a Voice or Video Call?
This will be billed as a Video Call—you have made the call as a Video Call, but have chosen to block the image.
Can I answer a Video Call as a Voice Call?
You can do this. Many handsets support this feature. You simply need to select this feature on your handset and receive the Video Call without showing your image. In that case, the caller will be billed for a Video Call.
Will it be possible to zoom into my image?
Some handsets may support this—you will need to refer to your handset instruction manual for the same.
Can I change the display format of my handset screen? E. g., change where / how my image appears? Or that of the caller’s?
Some handsets may support this—you will need to refer to your handset instruction manual for the same.
The image / picture is breaking / getting pixilated / jittering?
Please ensure that the parties in a Video Call are not moving around much, or are not the moving the camera much. Both the camera and the parties need to be steady.
I have done the above, but the problem persists?
This may be due to low due to low signal strength. Please ensure that both parties are in a good coverage area. Signal strength may be checked by checking the number of signal bars visible on the handset. At least 3 – 4 bars must be there for a quality Video Call.
I am experiencing lip-synch problem.
Dear Sir / Madam, this may be due to low due to low signal strength. Please ensure that both parties are in a good coverage area.
Signal strength may be checked by checking the no. of signal bars visible on the handset. At least 3 – 4 bars must be there for a quality Video Call.
If a Video Call is made to a handset that does not support Video Calls, is the call automatically matured as a Voice Call?
The call will not automatically mature as a Voice Call. Some handsets tell the customer to make a Voice Call as Video Call is not possible.
What happens when a Video Call is made to a 3G hadnset in 2G coverage?
The call will not mature. The Caller will get an option to make a Voice Call instead.
What is Mobile TV?
With Mobile TV, you can watch all your favourite shows no matter where you are. All you require is a supported phone to get hooked on to the television. Mobile TV offers top-watched channels like CNN-IBN, Zee TV, etc. in addition to niche channels and regional content just for you. There is also a section called Video On Demand (VOD), which enables you to access on demand movies, video clips, mobisodes, etc.
What content will be available on Mobile TV?
60 live channels
50 loop channels – these are not live, but have all the exciting programmes of the channel compiled together and running back to back.
How can I access Mobile TV?
Download client specific to your handset
Exclusive Mobile TV/VOD client is available for close to 80% of the handsets that are available in the market. If you are using a handset which has a client readily available (This can be found by sending SMS “MTV” to 55447 and click on the link that you receive. If an exclusive client is available, you will be promoted to download it), then you can watch mobile TV using a downloaded client.
Directly access Mobile TV from the WAP portal
If your handset does not support exclusive client, then you can also watch mobile TV directly from the WAP portals mobile TV link.
Mobile TV is available in 2G also. How is it different for 3G?
The quality of the video offered is about 3 times better for 3G Mobile TV than 2G. While 2G is transmitted at bit rates of about 64 kbps, 3G is transmitted at rates of more than 180 kbps going up to 220 kbps for selected channels. Also there is no buffering of videos in 3G and so you will receive a seamless experience on 3G.
What will happen when I move from 3G coverage area to 2G coverage area?
When you initiate the session from 2G coverage area, the format of the content will be reduced to 64 kbps to ensure seamless connectivity. When the session is initiated in the 3G area, then the bit streams is switched back to the 3G speeds of 180/200/220 kbps depending upon the bit rates .
I am trying to download the application but the link does not work. Why?
The problem might be because there is not enough network coverage in the region. Check if at least 3 network bars are available for acceptable network speeds. If not, please move to a region with good network coverage.
Do I need to change the SIM Card for 3G broadband?
No, you just need to have a 3G device. You will be automatically be upgraded to the 3G speeds.
How else can I get 3G broadband?
You can buy 3G dongles /laptops featuring built-in 3G broadband capability from PC manufacturers Lenovo, Acer, Dell, and HP. You will just need to insert the SIM Card on the appropriate slot in your PC. Several of the new models already come with 3G internet.
How it be detailed on my bill?
You will see the data traffic as you see today, under the Netconnect services. If you have subscribed to any plan, it will appear in the monthly charges section.
What are the costs if I go out of bundle/beyond my allowance?
You start paying the out of bundle prices of your chosen plan.
Will I receive one or two separate bills?
If you are getting a new SIM Card, you will receive a separate bill for that SIM Card.
What is a dongle?
A dongle is small USB stick that is actually a modem that connects to the internet on-the-go.
How long does it take to start using?
The modem installation takes around 5 minutes and it is done automatically.
Can I make calls and use my phone as a modem at the same time?
Yes, you can call and use your phone as a modem at the same time.
Can I change my fixed broadband for 3G Mobile Broadband?
No these products are sold separately.
Where can I purchase the modem?
You can buy it from any Reliance Web World store. You can also buy only our SIM Card and use it inside any modem that is not locked.
Can I return it if I don’t have coverage?
No, dongle/modem cannot be returned; however you can unsubscribe from the data plan. But it is highly unlikely that you will not be able to access the internet because Reliance 3G offers superior connectivity and higher coverage penetration.
Can I monitor my usage?
Most of the modems/dongles have usage monitoring on its software. Dongles purchased through Reliance have usage monitor
Can I use it on more than one computer?
Yes. The dongle is a plug and play device, so simply plug the device into another laptop, install the software, and you're good to go!
Can I use it on any laptop/personal computer?
You can use your dongle in most PCs, laptops and Apple Macs. Each dongle may vary slightly depending upon the Operating System you use on your computer (e.g., Microsoft Windows). To ensure your PC, laptop or Mac is supported; please check the system requirements of the device.
Do I need land line?
No
Is it secure?
It is as secure as fixed broadband.
What comes in the box with the dongle?
The contents of the box will vary depending upon the dongle purchased, please refer to the product specific pages.
Will it work with my Apple PC?
The majority dongles work with Mac OS X. Please refer to the product specific pages to check device requirements and compatibility.
Do I have pay something to get 3G plan?
No. If you have 3G phone you can use 3G, you will be charged with the default plan rates for data.
Can I use the dongle as a memory stick?
This feature depends on the dongle provided by the manufacture. IF dongle has the feature you can the internal memory
Will I be able to view videos?
Yes, you can view videos.
Will I be able to download PDF, Word and XLS documents, and MP3s?
Yes, you can download all these files formats.
Can I send and receive faxes?
No you cannot send or receive faxes.
Can I use the data card SIM to make calls in a mobile phone?
Yes. But depends if the feature is available on the dongle you are using.
Where can I check the speed?
You can check the speed by downloading any file from www.download.com and checking the speed on the statistic bar modem dialer while the download is on. Some sites that offer Internet Speed Tests are www.pcpitstop.com or www.numion.com or www.speedtest.in Alternatively, you can download any file and multiply Kb/sec x 8 to get speeds in kbps + 10% for network overload.
What is the difference between 3G Mobile Broadband and Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a technology used to connect laptops in small areas. 3G has a much broader coverage and works also with a broader range of mobile devices. With a Mobile Broadband dongle, you will be connected to the internet in all areas that have 3G coverage (speed varies according to your area, just like Wi-Fi).
What's the difference between the Mobile Broadband and ADSL?
With Mobile Broadband, you don't need a landline. You can access the internet wherever you are with mobile coverage, not just at home. Speed will differ according to the area.
What is GPRS?
General Packet Radio Service is a packet-switching technology that enables data transfers through cellular networks. It is used for mobile internet, MMS and other data communications. In theory the speed limit of GPRS is 115 kbps, but in most networks it is around 35 kbps. Informally, GPRS is also called 2.5G.
What is EDGE?
Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution, an evolution of GPRS EDGE (also known as Enhanced GPRS or EGPRS) is a data system used on top of GSM networks. It provides nearly three times faster speeds than the outdated GPRS system. The theoretical maximum speed is 473 kbps for 8 time slots but it is typically limited to 135 kbps in order to conserve spectrum resources. Both phone and network must support EDGE, otherwise the phone will revert automatically to GPRS. EDGE meets the requirements for a 3G network but is usually classified as 2.75G.
What is HSDPA?
High Speed Downlink Packet Access. It has a potential download speed of 7.2Mbps.
What is HSUPA?
High Speed Uplink Packet Access. It has a potential upload speed of 2Mbps. It is an upgrade for UMTS/HSDPA networks that increase upload data speeds up to 5.76 Mbps. HSUPA together with HSDPA is sometimes referred to as HSPA. HSUPA only handles the uplink while the downlink is handled by a related technology called HSDPA.
What is HSPA?
High Speed Packet Access. Usually refers to networks with both HSUPA and HSDPA as an amalgamation of two mobile telephony protocols – High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). This extends and improves the performance of existing WCDMA protocols. There is now a further standard - Evolved HSPA (also known as HSPA+).
Why use the USB modem instead of ADSL?
It is compact and portable, you can easy in any computer and the tariffs are very convenient.
How much is 1GB?
It depends on what you are doing on the internet – just surfing or downloading.
Being conservative, 1GB would allow you to:
Surf web pages 1h/day
Send/receive 30 emails/day
Send/receive 10 attachments month
Download 5 songs / month
Upload 10 high-res photos / month
