Until a few years ago,it was hard to imagine accessing the Internet on the move. While data cards and USB modems made this dream possible,the high costs kept many consumers at bay.But things are changing. Today,you can see college students logged onto the Net,scrapping and surfing,while lounging at the coffee shop,all thanks to the readily available and affordable data cards. Here is a compilation of the best data card deals available in the market. TATA INDICOMThe data card comes at a cost of Rs 2,575 plus a refundable Rs 200 as security. The tariff plans are also tailored depending on your usage. While Internet-buffs can go in for the Rs 799 monthly plan for unlimited surfing and downloading,the Rs 650 monthly plan caps your downloads at 1 GB (see table). Their latest Plug2surf/ Vdata card,better known as the Surfathon,gives you two months of unlimited surfing along with a Plug 2 Surf Whiz Device absolutely free. AIRTELWhile you shell out Rs 2,999 for the data card,you have a choice in the tariff plans. Paying Rs 999 a month gives you unlimited access to the Internet,while the Rs 599 monthly plan sets the download limit at 1 GB,beyond which you are charged at Rs 3 RELIANCEYou get to choose between the Huawei EC 168 C and ZTE AC871 models,priced at Rs 3,500 each. The tariffs begin from as low as Rs 299 a month for the Pay as you go plan which charges every MB of download at Rs 2. While the Broadband 1 GB,2.5 GB and 5 GB plans cap your downloads at the said limits,they are priced at Rs 650,Rs 850 and Rs 1,099 a month respectively. Also,the nationwide coverage will ensure that that you stay connected across 35 major cities in the country. MTNLAt Rs 4,650,the data card seems a wee bit expensive. With monthly plans of Rs 325 and Rs 550,capping downloads at 500 MB and 1 GB respectively,MTNL appears to have some catching up to do in the data card segment if it wants to remain competitive. The saving grace,however,is the Rs 999 monthly plan,the only unlimited plan in the category. IDEAPriced at Rs 2,490,the cost of the data card has done well to rope in new customers for the company. Idea has three tariff plans: Netsetter 299,399 and 849. While the first two monthly plans offer bundled usage with 512 MB and 1 GB caps (Rs 2/MB for every subsequent MB used),the Netsetter 849 offers unlimited usage for Rs 849 a month. You can also avail free surfing for two months by paying Rs 360 along with the cost of the data card. On the expiry of the offer period,the Netsetter 399 plan is activated by default. With a promised surfing speed of up to 236.8 kbps,you may well be on course to,as the company tagline says,Unlock the true potential of your laptop. VODAFONEThe data card (USB stick) is valued at Rs 2,999. The plans are offered in two sets: Rs 499 and Rs 699 monthly charges with a 500 MB and 1 GB cap,respectively. For subsequent downloads,you will be charged at 5 paise They also have on offer a discount scheme: Pay Rs 5,999 first up and get 1 GB of free monthly downloads for 12 months,following which the Rs 499 plan (500 MB) will be activated. If you desire higher speeds,you can have the Vodafone Mobile Connect EDGE data card for Rs 4,999 or the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G USB Stick for Rs 5,499. These two upgraded versions are said to enhance services,while you are roaming in India or abroad.*Tariffs based on market research
