Why we should not go for Reliance ZTE Data Cards?

Last three week were very frustrating for me, as I struggled to get my Data card repaired from ZTE service centre, Model Town, Ludhiana. From last two months, I was getting very less speed on my Reliance ZTE (PCMCIA Type 11) card and finally, in the beginning of this month my data card becomes almost dead. I approached the only ZTE service centre available in Ludhiana to get my data card serviced. They repaired my data card by changing antenna and inside pin for the cost of Rs 800.

I again started using it; however, problem persisted in form of fluctuation of singles. When I again approached them then they told me that this problem may be coming due to my laptop and advised me get my laptop checked at the concerned service centre. I also did the same thing, however, problem was found with the Data card. So, I again approached ZTE service centre with my problem, they again took the Data and asked me to enquire about it after four-five day.

After one week, when I finally visited the Data card centre then they showed their inability in solving my problem and said to me that my Data card is permanently damaged and I need to buy a new one because my data card is out warranty. They asked me to pay Rs 3500, however, after I asked for my Rs 800 wasted on repair then they asked me to pay Rs 3500 (actual cost of data card) -800 (taken for service of data card) = Rs 2700. After seeing this worst performance of data card (caused problem for three times in less than two year including one replacement for Rs 500 under warranty) and concerned service centre, I refused their offer.

My conclusion say that Data card gives a problem average every 8-12 months and if your data card is more than one year old (out of warranty) then you need to buy one more card. In nutshell, a person is buying a new data card every second year. It is very important for all of us to remember while buying a data card or mobile phone from private players like Reliance and others; they do not provide free replacement of phones, moderns or data cards as provided by state owned companies like BSNL, VSNL etc and people are required to pay complete price equivalent to new product if it is out of warranty, mostly more than one year old.

Second, ZTX provides a worst service network where it is very hard to find a good service for your data card. Third, speed available through data card is much slow and very expensive as compared to other broad band services. Only advantage available with data card is internet access on move across India, however, we can easily get wider and cheaper internet access on move by opting of GPRS enabled internet connection from mobile players like Airtel for as low as RS 250 (unlimited download).

Note-This article is based my personal experience, therefore, it is not necessary that it will represent the overall problem or experience of people.