Communication Guide Delhi
Landline Connection
Getting a landline connection in New Delhi is very easy. You can choose from many quality providers like MTNL, Airtel, Tata Indicom, Reliance and so on. Choose wisely. Private operators like Airtel, Tata Indicom and Reliance can give you peace of mind in terms of installation and quality, but for service and maintenance, state operators like BSNL and MTNL are best. It is a good idea to get state operators for your fixed home line and opt for a private provider for your mobile connection.
It is also quite likely that the apartment you rent will come with a landline, in case this does not happen, you can opt for private providers like Airtel, Tata Indicom and Reliance who will give you connections sometimes within 24 hours. You will have to find the branch office closest to your home and take the documents required in person. Most services offer a variety of packages, which you can choose depending on your calling needs.
Required documents:
- Identity proof,
- Residence proof,
- PAN or Permanent Account Number Card or Passport (also functions as identity proof) or Driving license
Providers (Please see the contact information at the end of this list):
- Airtel – An integrated carrier that provides landline and mobile services in many cities, including Delhi.
- BSNL/MTNL- Government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is the largest and oldest telephone operator in India. It provides both landline and mobile phone service nationwide, except for Delhi and Mumbai where MTNL operates. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) is the sister organization to BSNL and provides landline, mobile phone, and internet services in Delhi and Mumbai.
- Reliance Communications – Reliance Communications launched in 2002 and provides both landline and mobile services in Delhi.
- Tata Indicom – Tata Indicom provides both landline and mobile services in Delhi. The company has grown rapidly since launching in 1996 and especially since the acquisition of Hughes Telecom in 2002.
Cost of getting a landline:
It is very inexpensive to get and maintain a landline in India. You will be expected to pay a nominal monthly rent. The charge of a local call is as low as Rs 1.20 for 3 minutes. Outstation calls (called STD calls) are also very low (starting from Rs 1 for 1 minute) and varies upon the distance from Delhi.
Mobile Connection
Getting a new mobile connection in New Delhi is not only simple but is also hassle free. There are many service providers from which to choose. Most providers offer GSM connections—key among them are MTNL, Vodafone Essar, Airtel, Idea cellular, Reliance Infocomm and Tata Indicom. Reliance is the only service provider that gives CDMA phones and your monthly package with Reliance includes a nominal rent for the phone.
Mobile connections can either be ‘prepaid’ (where you pay before you use the service by buying a ‘pay-as-you-go’ card) or can be post-paid (where the bill is delivered to you monthly). Prepaid connections are convenient and start almost immediately, but depending on your usage you might find it better to take a post-paid connection. Post-paid services are usually cheaper if you are not looking at many calls.
Mobile Phone Providers in Delhi
- BSNL: http://www.bsnl.co.in/
- Airtel: http://www.airtel.in/
- Reliance: http://www.rcom.co.in/
- Vodafone: http://www.vodafone.in/
Required documents:
- Identity proof,
- Residence proof,
- PAN or Permanent Account Number Card or Passport (also functions as identity proof) or Driving license
Mobile phone tariffs in India are probably the cheapest in the world. India is divided into telecom circles. Calls within the same circle (for instance between Delhi or Haryana) are treated as local calls.
