Goa is now WiMAX positive

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Monday 29th June 2009, launched the much awaited Wireless broadband service called Wimax in Goa. The WiMAX or "Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access" is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data.The service is currently available in Mandrem, Colvale, Siolim., Anjuna, Thivim, Mapusa, Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Pilerne, Porvorim, Panaji, Dona Paula, Cortalim, Kundaim, Vasco, Verna , Cuncolim, Chinchinim, Navelim, Mandopa, Margao, Mobor, Varca, Majorda and Colva, Benaulim is being covered under the Colva tower.

  BSNL has currently installed twenty five base transreceiver stations on mobile towers across the state of Goa predominantly in coastal and urban areas to serve the purpose and BSNL aims to take the benefits of broadband to customers across the state of Goa.

WiMAX can be accessed through a simple plug and play indoor device called the Customer Premise Equipment or CPE which allows upgrades to future upgrades as well.

How to get the WiMAX connection in Goa

Go to a  BSNL customer service centre and ask for a customer application form. A passport size photograph and proof of identity and proof of address is required.

A BSNL-SOMA network technician will visit your premises and check for feasibility of BSNL coverage and network strength in your respective area.

After the verification process is over, a payment of Rs 5000 is to be made towards the CPE ( Customer Premise Equipment) a simple plug-and-play indoor device which is about the size of a landline handset.

Next, a one month security deposit is to be deposited with BSNL which is as per the amount dependent on the pan chosen by you plus an amount of Rs 827 towards installation charges and service tax. Annual payments instead of monthly  are allowed a rebate equal to two months waiver.

The whole procedure is slated to take a maximum of 48 hours according to SOMA networks.

Plans currently available with BSNL

Home users have a choice of plans between 256 kbps and 512 kbps. The tariff for 256 kbps is Rs 1000 and for 512 kbps is Rs 1800 per month.

Business users have four options. Rs 4,400 for 256 kbps, Rs 8,000 for 512 kbps, Rs 12,000 for 1024 kbps and Rs 20,000 for 2048 kbps.

Home users have to purchase the CPE while business users can avail of a free CPE subject to conditions which include a 3 year guaranteed subscription. The cost of the CPE for all types of users has been fixed at Rs 5000.