Tata Indicom Photon Plus Wireless Mobile Broadband – Speed test and Review
Highspeed mobile broadband services finally arrived to India. In addition to the State owned BSNL’s EVDO service, RCom’s Netconnect broadband Plus, Tata Indicom also joined to the bandwagon with its Photon Plus. Tata Indicom Photon plus is an upgraded version of its Photon Whiz, a wireless internet service which offers speed upto 144 kbps (CDMA 1x). Tata Photon Plus uses EVDO Rev.0 technology (3G) which offers a download speed upto 3.1 Mbps and available on major cities in India.
Tata Indicom team has sent us Tata Photon plus kit and we tried out and tested the mobile broadband in all testing combination and bringing you this exclusive review.
USB modem and Router:
Tata Photon plus comes in two variants. USB modem type and Router. USB modem type is the preferred choice for Laptop and Desktop users. Wireless router is best suited for small organizations or those who want to access internet from multiple computers at the sametime. In order to use the wireless router, you must have wireless Dong in case of desktop.
Installation
Installation of Photon Plus is very simple. The USB modem comes with the necessary installation drivers and dialer software and it will install automatically on the first plug. For further connection, all you have to do is execute the dialer the software using the desktop or startmenu shortcuts.
Upload and Download Speeds
We were actually surprised with the speed. We got an average download speed of 1.5 Mb/s and Upload speed of 0.44 Mb/s on a regular basis. 25 MB of data file took me 3.10 minutes to download and 4.9 MB music file took 2.45 minutes to upload. Infact we tried downloading the beta version of upcoming Microsoft’s Operating system, which is of 2.36 GB, took 5 hrs approximately. However the connection speed is completely depending on multiple factors like the accessing area’s distance from the tower, time of the day, number of simultaneous users. Also make a note that the 3.1 Mbps download speed claimed by any service providers including Tata Photon Plus is the burst speed and is the maximum speed one can reach at the ideal conditions. So be happy if you are getting the download speed of 1.5 Mbps.
Plans and Tariffs
Tata Indicom USB photon device comes at a cost of Rs. 3500. This charges includes the USB modem charges and the installation. Tata Indicom has more plan options than the competitors, however the absence of any unlimited plan actually restricts power users to move for Hi-Speed broadband. Photon Plus starts from Rs. 250 and extends upto Rs. 1500. Photon plus has both Time bound and Data bound plan options. Rs. 1500 plan allows upto 15 GB of upload + download and yes, it is the maximum.
Network coverage
Tata Photon+ is currently avalilable selected cities in India (Delhi, Patna, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Dehradhun, Shimla & the circles of J & K, Assam & NESA States). On all other parts, the device will automatically switch to CDMA 1X connection and will offer 144 kbps speed. Tata Indicom has to increase the High speed availability areas as they are currently covering very less areas when compared to the competitors.
Verdict
Tata Indicom Photon Plus offers an excellent broadband speed. It covers major cities in India and the speeds are steady while on the move too. But it covers only major Tier-I cities and North eastern region, where fixed line network is not possible as of now. Tata Indicom has to aggressively expand and increase the coverage regions. Also, Watching streaming videos, Browsing rich websites and Downloading in seconds are the major priority for any power user to switch to High speed broadband service. Currently Photon plus is not offering any unlimited plan and the plans are very costly when compared to the fixed line connectivity. We hope Tata Indicom will come up with more interesting plans to give a tough edge to the competitors.
Screenshots
Vijay
I am Currently staying in Mumbai, got Photon+ a week back. I would say only one word ‘Amazing’. I dont think even the wired connection has this much speed and uninterrupted connectivity. The average time taken to download 1MB file is simply 10-15 seconds. I have tried working and different timings a day and it never slows down. The customer service is also good that i have changed my Plan in 24 hours. The bill payment is also really simple through online payment. The device costs 3500/- and installation took 5 days. Amazing service i have ever seen, now i am recommending my Friends and relatives to buy the same.
Dhuruv
i have a photon+ connection and it is horrible. It’s speed is pathetic.Even youtube videos are buffering. Dont go for it
patrickG
The Tatas need to get their normal broadband services in order and deliver their promise of “always-on” before they start making empty promises about even higher speeds. And…they need to stop constructing at Dhamra port in Orissa.
Raghu Kanna
Nice review. Infact i was looking for such a detailed review before buying Photon plus or netconnect.
Varma
Pathetic and very slow… It shows a connection speed of around 200 kbps however you try to surf or download anything it gives a max speed of 5-15 kbps. I almost have to roam with the laptop to all the corners of the place….
Bhaskar
It shows upto a speed of 2.3 mbps but while downloading, it shows upto 90 kbps. Pretty nice for surfing. Better than the Reliance Netconnect.
DontGoForIt
Useless customer care
Srinivas
Please give me full information about tata photon plus wireless internet and various usage plans
Ravi123
Reliance netconnect broadband is good but problem is that they are not offering unlimited plan. Speed is ok 500 to 800 kbps. but problem is no unlimited plan.
Anil
Hi I have been using Photo+ in Navi Mumbai for the past 2 weeks. The speed varies between 400 kbps to 1.8 Mbps depending upon the time of the day. During day time it fluctuates between 400 kbps and 800 kbps. Speed starts to increase after 6 pm.
If one does not need mobile broadband internet, go for MTNL Triband. 24 hrs a day I get 1.8 Mbps. It is much cheaper to set up and usage charges are also low.
Mobile broadband is a new offering, so may take time to stabilize and improve. On the hind side as the number of users go up and if the service providers fail to increase bandwidth, service may deteriorate. So it is a wait and watch for now. Internet continues to be a suffering. But the above options are any day better than using your mobile phone for accessing internet.
RIYAZ
hi this not onlemetd ok
Tata Photon
I think instead of going for Tata you should go for Reliance because of their vast coverage of network and their speed is much better than Tata.
I called both representative to have demo and I noticed that Reliance is quite fast than Tata.
Liza
very poor connectivity clashes with lot of software service is poor for tata photon plus repenting buying it will post again if it improves
Rain
I think its a brilliant product! The average speed I get is around 1.5 Mbps and on occasion it has gone up to 2.2 Mbps. I regularly watch full length movies online (not just YouTube videos) without the slightest buffering. I think its damn reasonably priced for such awesome speeds. Am thinking of upgrading to the 15GB scheme since the additional usage rates have been brought down to Rs.0.50/MB.
Mero
Tata is the ever worst connection for online gaming in northeast. I’m one of the customer who is using tata photon+ for last 2 months n i cant even get 60kbps constantly every 20 min in working hour and in night every 5min i get DC (Disconnect). I call, email to customer care and i got reply it will be solved soon and i even personally went to office to complain about this. I’m so disappointed
for this connection. I have other connections sify (wired) and BSNL (wireless) which is far more better than tata which is call photon+ 3.1Mbps. And Btw go BSNL (wireless) just pay 250/month used unlimited 
. And the connection u will feel like you are using wired comparing to tata indicom photon+
Will post if it get better in notheast (kohima)
vasu
Useless customer care
Shringar Bhuwania
I am facing a problem while connecting the photon device. The device is getting detected by the laptop. The light blinks. But when i connect it via Huawei Access Manager it says the device is not available. I cant understand where does the problem lie? The laptop ports are fine as the device gets detected then why does the Huawei Manager says ‘DEVICE UNAVAILABLE’?!
Gajendra
Tata Photon Plus 3.1 Mbps
Call for more details
Gajendra – 9342427054
Sujata Dev
Is Tata Indicom Photon Plus unlimited plan available in Guwahati, Assam.
10 Oct. 2009.
Vipul m shah
I have Novatel wireless(qualcomm 3G cdma) modem if possible it suitable in Tata Photon+ Or Reliance Net work, I have purchase tata photon+ or reliance net, if possible please guide me what can i do for this modem. & its a working very well like i have install a any airtel sim card in this modem, network is very good. but i haven’t use interenate service
Thanking you,
hanu
tata-indicom-photon-plus soft ware send mail
Moumita Mukherjee
I want to buy your tata indicom photon plus.can u plz mail me the nearest dealer in Siliguri where i can found this……..
Varsha
Hi
I purchased a tata photon+ recently and i am experiencing very slow download speed on the
512mb package. Please help
Can i use any software to increase the download speed? No hardware suggestions please.
Thankyou.
amit kumar
tell me about services in ncr and delhi region
amit kumar
tell me about services in ncr and delhi region.
thank you
priya
ipls tell me whather u can provide service in seawoods?
Kunal
Photon Plus is not available in Siliguri(West Bengal) when it is avaialable in this town.
Dj
what is the cost of it, and monthly cost, and is it suitable for people living outside india. for eg. in Bhutan….
RUKESH
i want know ,whether is available for tamilnadu,vellore city
PROSAD KUMAR DEY
DEAR SIR,
ON 5TH NOVEMBER’2009 I HAVE PURCHASED A TATA PHOTON+ FROM EASTERN INFOSOLUTION PVT. LTD. KOLKATA, REP. WAS MR. RAJIB ROY CHOWDHURY. THE ABOVE CONNECTION WAS DISCONNECTED FROM YOU END DUE TO INSUFFICIENT OF DOCUMENTS AFTER 10 DAYS. IN THE MEAN TIME MR. RAJIB ROY LEFT FROM EASTERN INFOSOLUTION PVT. LTD. SEVERAL TIME I CONTACT TO YOUR CUSTOMER CARE OFFICE THEY TOLD THAT THIS IS A FAULT FROM WHERE YOU HAVE PURCHSED, THEY HAVE NOT SUBMITTED PROPER DOCUMENTS. I ALSO INFROM TO EASTERN INFOSOLUTION PVT. LTD. IF OUR DOCUMENT WAS INSUFFICIENT THEN WHY YOU HAVE COLLECTED ALL THE DOCUMENTS. NOW YOU ARE SAYING AFTER SALES WE HAVE NO RESPONCIBILITY, WE NEVER PROVIDE ANY SERVICE AFTER SALES. IS THIS THE WAY OF MARKETING.
REGARDS
PROSAD
MN# +91 9433247059
rohith
i am unhappy with the speed of tata photon plus when compare to broadband 512 or 2mbps lines they reach speeds upto 150kbps and tata photon plus can reach max of 50 or 80 kbps i have purchased this 3months and could not reach 1mbps properly if it reaches its max 1.3mbps and doenloads at speed of 50 or 40 64 —– i feel its better to try broadband not tata photon plus from hyderbad. 9949039143
vinod kumar
This is vinod I want the 2Mbps package details of photon and the charge details—-thank you
Shripad
I want to buy your tata indicom photon plus.can u plz mail me the nearest dealer in Aurangabad , Maharashtra , where i can found this……..
Thanks,
Shripad
9764691150
sekhar
PLZ DONTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT GO FOR THIS DEVICE.
IT IS WORSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.
taqdir singh
i want to know its all plans………about monthly rental……what is the highest plan and lowest plan, everything in detail about its plan???
mukesh wardhan
sir,
i purchased photon plus device 5 months ago from patna, and brought it to Allahabad. here the service is not available till the date. can u please say, upto when the service would available in Allahabad. please guide me,i am suffering.
Siji
i want to know whether this is available in Korratty, Thrissur
rahul
IS IT TATA PHOTON PLUS CAN POSSIBLE TO USE IN HARYANA HISAR.IF THIS IS POSSIBLE THEN PLEASE REPLY ME.
narendra
whether tata photon plus service ios availabele in wardha city
naren
9960680184
Deepak Kumar
How to purchase tata photon plus
what ’s the exact cost……..?
venkateshw
i think its lot of problems facing with this tata photon plus device i think its better too improve its security
ashok
i found a tata photon plus on the street and would like to give it back to the owner. But i’m unable to find the contact or any sort of info regarding the user. kindly let me knw on hw to find the user/owner name of the device so that i will be able to return it to the person.
Ravi K.
In Hyderabad, I never get more than 400K download speed and 100 upload speed. This is very disappointing and cannot replace BSNL’s home router, however, as a “back up” or when mobile web surfing is needed it’s definitely ok.
chaithanya
i am not able to use the photon + in desktop. because its not recongise by computer. please anyone can help me out,
rajesh
please call the tata customer care and inform the device number
you can get the contact info and inform the user
bharat
hi friends if you are thinking to switch to tata photon then call me for free home delivery
if have any question or want see demo call me 9784549965 (jodhpur only)
Anil verma
tata photon plus is atom bomb……………………….!!!!!!!!!!!!!
must puchase tata………
in chandigarh speed is browsing 3.6 mbps after 12 am other wise 600kbps to 1.7 mbps
downloading speed max i got 600 kbps……….. after 12 other wise 100 to 200 kbps
in batala 189 to 250 kbps browsing before 12 (batala does cm yet under hsia)
Parta hazarika
I need it.send me details the prices.
Gajendra
TATA PHOTON PLUS
Tata Photon Plus 3.1 Mbps 20 times faster than your normal data card speed!
Call for more details
Gajendra – 9342427054
deepansh
im in hyderbad ..i hav never seen d speed more dan 150 kbps..any answers y it is so
anar
hi i want to switch from post paid connection to prepaid on tata photon plus! pls help
kumaresan E.S
Hi, IS IT TATA PHOTON PLUS CAN POSSIBLE TO USE IN SILIGURI. IF THIS IS POSSIBLE THEN PLEASE REPLY ME.
REGARDS,
KUMARESAN.ES
Anil Verma
hii deepansh
that is the normal speed of tata photon plus if u use any downloader after 12 am u will definately get high speed
or u must change your os……..
i use window 7 it work very fast igot speed 200 kbps + after 12 am (80 to 170 kbps befor 12 am)
other reason is your area whr u live check your signal strength
there is also one reason no of user in ur area
these factor affect your photon speed to get mor speed
install uniblue speed up my pc and registry booster then scan this will help u in increasing ur downloading speed
Ananth
hey guys… photon sucks!!! the speed of photon plus is very eratic..i.e. the speed does’nt remain the same… some times it gives download speed of 100kbps and suddenly drops to 30kbps… i gave up my photon!!! and they did’nt even take the modem back… i had to bear the loss of 3500rs which i paid to buy it… i had to just throw it… atleast they could have taken in second price… both the material and the customer care is poor… lots are expected from tata!!
Radheshyam
Hi,
I am Radheshyam Sharma from Bhilwara. Is this true that tata photon plus give us minimum speed of 3 Mbps. Can we watch online TV on photon plus.
Umesh bhardwaj
dear All if u want to increase the speed of photon simply log the fake call in call center after some time u can check the speed it is better than previous speed. because speed limit is set by the service provider
Umesh Bhardwaj
Service – Head
KIL
DEVICEforSALE
I have a Photon plus usb modem for resale. Price only Rs.2500/-
Naga
I have a Photon plus usb modem at only Rs.1500/-
Naga
I have a Photon plus usb modem at only Rs.1500/-
contact 9243044255