These packages are well suited for standard internet users but for people such as web designers, freelancers, bloggers who work with large amount of data everyday will not be benefited because of the limits on their packages as 5GB – 10GB is a very less amount of data for a month when compared to the current internet content and file size. So for such people Wired Line Broadband is the only choice where the term ‘Unlimited‘ is TRULY unlimited. But it requires the applicants to wait in a long queue until they get their chance and the maximum bandwidth they can go for is 4Mbps (Rs.9950 + Taxes per month). Although a wired line is more stable than mobile broadband, when it comes to the afford ability of people it is too expensive for the given bandwidth. whereas HSDPA offers higher bandwidth for a lower cost but the main drawback is the limitations mentioned on those services.
[Updated 11th of June 2010]
The wait is over. Dialog now added a new line of Unlimited broadband packages to suit different customer needs. Finally it seems that dialog is listening to their customer needs. With maximum of 8Mbps downlink and 2mbps uplink dialog should be able cater their customer needs better with these packages. FUP is now known as Speed Check which allows you to upgrade your speed after you’ve reached your data limit for a price of Rs.300 per GB. The use of speed check depends on customer needs and far more better than Rs.250 per day for rest of the billing cycle which was the previous method. Let’s wait for next update.
Mobitel jumped into the market directly with 3.5G and I can see a growth in its 3.5G network coverage. But still Mobitel does not provide any unlimited packages. Yet the ‘Zoom 1290′ seems to be offering a good data bundle for a good price. A lot of users now appreciating Mobitel’s 3G coverage and speed even in Jaffna. The Geek Style is waiting to see an Unlimited package from Mobitel.
Airtel again came to the market with 3.5G and real unlimited data for sometime and but now struggling to manage its network load according to its customers who discuss this matter on different Sri Lankan forums. Coverage is the main issue in Airtel to reach more broadband customers. But as because Airtel is a new company to Sri Lanka, we have to wait and see until its operations in Sri Lanka comes to stable state.
Now it’s up to the citizens of Sri Lanka to make a wise decision on choosing cost effective mobile broadband package with better benefits.
