Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 3G & 4G

1. What is the difference between WCDMA and HSPA?

Ans: High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) is a amalgamation of two new generation mobile telephony protocols: - High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). The term HSPA is commonly used to refer to UMTS based 3G networks that support both HSDPA and HSUPA data for improved download and upload speeds. It can support speeds upto 21 Mbps & also reduces latency, Handsets, USB dongle & data cards are available with HSPA technology support.
WCDMA is a 3G technology that supports only low 3G speeds, a max of 384 Kpbs in a good coverage area, WCDMA devices provide a poor experience on the speeds as compared to what 3G can actually deliver with HSPA devices.
We recommend that a user upgrades his phone to a HSPA technology phone to ensure he enjoys the 3G services with high speed & best experience.

2. Do I need a separate SIM card to use 3G services?

Ans: No, your existing SIM card will work absolutely fine till the time you have a 3G compatible phone & connected to 3G network.

3. Do I need a separate handset to use 3G services?

Ans: Yes, in order to use 3G services you need to have a handset which is compatible with 3G network, in case you handset is already 3G compatible then you don’t need to purchase a new phone. Different 3G handsets have different speed capabilities, we recommend that you use an HSPA enabled handset for the best experience.

4. How would I know if my handset is 3G compatible or not?

Ans: When you are in a 3G network area & if your handset shows “3G” or “H” on the top of the screen next to the network signal bars means that your phone is 3G compatible & you can use the services. You must also ensure that the phone settings are not set to ‘2G only’, alternately you can also check on your handset manufacturer website or your device box. Also there are 2 types of handsets – WCDMA (R99) & HSPA.

WCDMA or R99 devices are 3G devices but support low 3G speeds upto a max of 384kbps.
HSPA devices are high speed devices & support anything from 3.6mbps to 7.2mbps depending on the device. We recommend that a user should have HSPA handset for better speeds & experience.

FOR MORE DETAIL:Check 3G Availabilty in your City

5. Do I need to configure any special settings on my phone to use 3G?

Ans: Select 3G mode or Dual mode (Depends on device) to use 3G services on your phone. No other changes to be made in settings for using 3G services.FOR DETAIL:
How to Configure All 3G Supported set's

6. Do I need a specific type of handset for making a video call or can I use my existing 3G compatible device?

Ans: In order to make a video call, it is very necessary that your handset should have a camera on the front side of the phone facing you & phone screen, these phones normally have dual cameras & are popularly known by dual camera phones, if your handset already has a front top camera then you don’t need a new / separate phone & can make video calls.

7. How much data usage do I consume when I make a video call?

Ans: Video call does not use data channels on 3G network but accesses voice channels therefore you will not be consuming any data usage but get billed according to the number of minutes spoken multiplied by the rate per minute.

8. Is it necessary for both the parties to have a 3G phone & service to be to make & receive video calls?

Ans: Yes, it is necessary for both the parties to have a 3G phone with dual camera which supports video calling & both the phones are connected on same 3G network.

9. Can I connect my handset to my PC or laptop to use 3G services & access internet as a fast speed?

Ans: Connecting a handset to laptop or PC is called tethering, this is definitely possible on 3G network with high speeds provided your device allows / supports tethering.

10. What is a 3G data card / USB dongles?

Ans: 3G Data cards / USB dongles are meant for accessing internet and emails at anytime and from anywhere. Thus 3G Data Cards / USB dongles help us to work on the move with full email and web access .It provides Simple and instant internet access at mega fast speeds up to 21.1 Mbps. 3G data cards make us free from messy wires, Fixed Line Requirement, No Need of Cyber Cafe / Hot Spot to Access Internet. Thus your Lap top become truly mobile.

11. Does 3G improve my voice quality automatically?

Ans: No, the voice quality is the same in 2G and 3G. It brings additional capacity to further support peak voice usage.

12. What happens when I move from 3G to 2G network?

Ans. When a user moves from 3G to 2G network then all the service supported on 3G network like, video call, high speed internet access, etc will not be available, the user will get basic service like what he gets now. If you were on a voice call while moving from 3G to 2G network, the call will continue.