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Wordcall EVDO Experience

I have been using Worldcall’s EVDO Broadband Internet service for over a month now. I have mixed views about it. First, some details about the service. I signed up for their 512k package which cost Rs.1800 per month with a one time fee of Rs. 4500 for the modem. The sales person showed up the same day I called. I had to give him a copy of my NIC, a copy of a recent utility bill and a check in the amount of Rs. 4500. In return he handed me Anydata’s ADU-510A EVDO modem. The service was activated in about four hours (which was impressive).

About 9 centimeters in length, the modem sticks out a bit when connected to the laptop. It appears that Anydata has discontinued ADU-510A (specs). At least it is not listed as an available product.

Software installation was a breeze. It requires a reboot though.

Now the most important question: bandwidth! The technology (EVDO Rev A) supports data rates of 3.1Mbps downstream and 1.8 Mbps upstream. With 512 Kbps service, I have seen bandwidth ranging from 60Kbps to 270 Kbps. Typically I get 100 Kbps. I have tested  download speeds from two different locations and at different times. So far, I have not been able to figure out the reason for lower bandwidths at times as there is no pattern. Most of the times, service works good. Below are some screen shots of the bandwidth tests that I ran:

Keep in mind that Worldcall’s EVDO is relatively news service. Therefore it does not have many users. What will happen when the number of subscribers will double or triple? Most likely the available bandwidth will decrease. I have not called support and therefore don’t know anything about Worldcalls after sales support.

I think that EVDO is a great solution for those who need mobility. Otherwise, cheaper alternatives are available (at least in Karachi). Worldcall offers a 45 day trail period during which you can cancel the service by returning the equipment. There is a Rs. 1000 cancellation fee. If you ared looking for an alternate to DSL or WiMAX, trying EVDO for Rs. 1000 may not be a bad idea.

Correction: Worldcall charges for usage during evaluation period. So if you return the equipment within 45 days, you will be charged Rs. 1000 plus usage. The device can only be returned at Worldcall’s office located at Fayyaz Center on Shahrah-e-Faisal. They will issue the refund via check after 10 days which you will have to pick up from Fayyaz center.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at 11:02 pm and is filed under Internet and Telephony. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

7 Responses to “Wordcall EVDO Experience”

  1. http://www.wiredpakistan.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=2241
    ^check this forum thread out it has got some useful info about worldcall evdo

  2. Me too using Worldcall EVDO device with 256KBPS package. I used to have only cable-net but it was not very good so I decided to use EVDO permanently. I have no problem with their service, yes it does go slow sometimes but not as slow as my cable-net used to so I can neglect it.

    But the only thing I am having problem with is when I access “Google” related websites it gives error that connection timeout/interrupted. I don’t know why. I called their support but they said turn off the firewall (which I don’t think can be the cause of it). Anyways I did it but no luck.

    After few attempts it worked again and google sites were opening but still I do get that error sometime.

    And yes I agree with you the service is new and I am afraid what will happen if the no. of customers increases. PTCL also going to launch the same service soon, so may be that will take some load off from Worldcall :)

  3. Good to hear of experience but don’t you think its much better to subscribe for Wateen WiMAX INSTEAD..Get this…5 GB of space with 256 kpbs connectivity at only Rs.500 per month and a telephony tariff of only Rs.90 per month…It gets only better with the special EID offer with unlimited net surfing and downloading, international and local calling all for free from Dec. 8th to midnight Dec. 10th….

  4. I am using worldcall evdo roter whic has a speed of 1mbps ad it is working terrific. The downloding speed is upto 300kb/s and downlaods 1 mb file in about i guess 7 secs. i bought it for Rs.6000 and it is coverage it is covering my whole home.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  5. My experince with world call was bitter. It never showed any speed to me.

  6. GREAT !

  7. my wcall evdo receiving very low signal. could anyone tell me whtz the problem with this….:(

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