BROADBAND PLANS: High-Speed Plans, Benefits, and Availability

The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access. Broadband allows users to access the internet at a faster speed as well as download large files. Broadband is available from many providers and has various speeds.

Standard broadband technologies include DSL, Cable Modem, and Fibre. This article looks at broadband plans from internet service providers like Reliance Jio, Airtel, BSNL, Excitel, Hathway, Tata Play, and ACT to help find the best high-speed internet plans depending on one’s needs.
Last update: November 2022

Finding the right broadband plan can be tricky. So we at Switcheroo have compiled some of the best strategies to determine the perfect plan. From analysing high-speed plans, the benefits of different plans, availability in different states and more.

What is broadband?

Broadband refers to transmitting high bandwidth data over a high-speed internet connection, which requires sharing a single line.

Many DSL and cable providers offer broadband internet. Most people in developed countries have switched over to broadband owing to its speed and because it is compatible with all types of devices, including computers and cell phones. In other words, one does not need to use a landline to avail of the service.

According to the FCC, 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload is the minimum broadband internet speed that should be made available in households for streaming and web browsing. Faster speeds are unnecessary for these activities, but they are perfect for downloading files and streaming on platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

What type of broadband deals are available?

Several technologies and installation methods are available to facilitate high-speed internet access in homes and offices. These technological interventions include Cable/DSL, Fibre/Fibre, Satellite, and Wireless/Wireless. Each of these technologies has its respective advantages and disadvantages, including with regard to price, reliability, speed, and other factors.

Here are the clear descriptions of broadband types:

  1. Fibre optics: Fios optical lines convey data at the maximum speed available. With Fios, one can experience fibre optic connections such as Fios Gigabit Connection with blazing speeds of up to 940/880 Mbps.

  2. Wireless broadband (Wi-Fi): A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a system that connects a workspace to the internet using radio signals instead of cables. The term “Wi-Fi” is an abbreviation for “Wireless Fidelity.”

  3. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): Data is transmitted over traditional copper phone lines The Verizon high-speed Internet offers up to 15 Mbps, with a dedicated line from central office to home on a network that is 99.9% reliable.

  4. Cable internet: It is distributed via the same coaxial cables that bring in one’s TV signals. The cable delivers high-speed internet via coaxial cables. Cable internet has a slower speed compared to traditional telephone or broadband internet; however, it is much more affordable.

How much are broadband plans?

Following is a list of broadband plans and their price with service providers:


Broadband plans and their price with service providers
PLANS SPEED DATA MONTHS PRICE
Airtel Basic Broadband Plan Up to 40Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹499
JioFiber 30 Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹399
BSNL Fiber Up to 20 Mbps to 1000 GB Unlimited 1 Month ₹329
Excitel 200 Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹400
YOU Broadband 40 Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹472
ACT Bronze 50 Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹549
Hathway GPON 200 200 Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹849
Tata Play 100 Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹850
Tikona 40 Mbps Unlimited 1 Month ₹367


Broadband providers

There are many internet service providers in India. However, the most common of these providers are as follows:

  • Airtel

  • JIO Fiber

  • BSNL Fiber

  • Excitel

  • YOU Broadband

  • ACT Broadband

  • Hathway Broadband

  • TATA Play

  • Tikona

Why get broadband?

Broadband services make it possible to transfer more data than other internet services. Broadband is a rewarding investment with much to offer because it is faster and more reliable than other internet services.

Working from home? Need to file a report for a project? It is now a breeze to access one’s favorite websites and more. With the massive amount of data we consume, we must have access to an uninterrupted, reliable internet connection. And for all the benefits, broadband is cheaper than most other services.

Broadband Speeds

Broadband speeds are necessary for internet users to transfer large amounts of data. While choosing the most affordable option may be tempting, this is not always the best action plan. The fastest internet speeds can offer the least latency and packet loss. The lower in this range one goes, the more likely one is to experience issues and have to contend with slower download and upload speeds.

Broadband speeds are usually measured in terms of megabits per second, although kilobits per second (Kbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps) are also used. The average broadband speed in India is 60.06 Mbps download speed and 56.47 Mbps upload speed.

Can I get a broadband connection near me?

To determine how much bandwidth, follow the below steps:

  • You can use an online internet provider calculator bandwidth calculator with zip code. 

  • Check out what speeds are available in any area and pick the best plan to meet individual needs.

  • Individuals can also register or call their respective customer care numbers for more details. It is advisable to have someone check that there is enough bandwidth in one's residential area before making a final decision.

What type of broadband deals are available?

Here is the given list of broadband deals available,


Broadband deals
Broadband users Type of broadband Speeds
1-2 people ADSL 10-11Mbps
3-4 people Fibre 30-60Mbps
5+ people Fibre 60-1000Mbps
Gamers or streamers Fibre 60-1000Mbps


ADSL

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that helps improve the transfer of high-speed data over copper wire telephone lines. This includes both download and upload capabilities. In contrast to a dial-up connection, ADSL connections do not need any additional configuration once the service is initiated and are always available because they will attempt to reconnect automatically after a disruption.

Fibre broadband

Fibre broadband is the fastest service that one can subscribe to using optical cable technology. Optical optic cables use pulses of light to carry data. Today most people still have cable or telephone wires as their broadband connection. Still, fibre optic is quickly becoming a viable alternative for most because it offers higher connection speeds and less latency.

Superfast broadband

Superfast broadband can be a highly powerful means to access the internet. It is also worth considering if the user has a high-performance computer system. Superfast broadband speed can go beyond 30 Mbps and reach over 300 Mbps because it has more bandwidth than standard broadband. This fact implies that multiple people can access the internet simultaneously without experiencing disruptions in connection and speed.

Cable broadband

Cable TV allows cable operators to provide their subscribers with high-speed internet access faster than national dial-up services, like a cable modem. They offer transmission speeds of 1.5 Mbps or more.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is another word for mobile or wireless internet access through portable devices such as a portable modem, a regular modem, smart/wireless phone, or other mobile data devices. Airtel, Vi, JIO, and BSNL are India's most commonly used internet providers.

Satellite broadband

A satellite internet connection uses a satellite as a primary means of transmitting the internet signal to locations over long distances. Several satellites serve this function, including Airtel, OneWeb, SpaceX technologies, and Hughes.

FTTC vs FTTP – what’s the difference?

Fibre to the premises (FTTP) is a broadband technology that uses fibre optic cables running directly from the communications room to one’s home, doing away with the old-fashioned copper cable. Fibre to the cabinet or fibre to the curb (FTTC) is a broadband technology offering a close approximation of fibre optics; however, instead of running fibre all the way, they only run them up to certain distances.

Broadband plans and costs

Internet service providers like Airtel, TATA Play Broadband, JIO, BSNL, Hathway Broadband, and Excitel provide basic plans for their customers at very reasonable rates. Below is the list of service providers.

Airtel Broadband Plans

Airtel has some top internet plans, with unlimited data at standard and competitive rates. The plans are listed below:-


Airtel’s top internet plans
PLAN DATA & SPEED VALIDITY PRICE
Airtel Basic Broadband Plan Unlimited @Up to 40Mbps 1 Month ₹499
Airtel Standard Broadband Plan Unlimited @Up to 100Mbps 1 Month ₹799
Airtel Standard Broadband Plan Unlimited @Up to 100Mbps 3 Month ₹2,397
Airtel Entertainment Broadband Plan Unlimited @Up to 200Mbps 3 Month ₹2,997
Airtel Basic Broadband Plan for ₹2,994 Unlimited @Up to 40Mbps 6 Month ₹2,994
Airtel Standard Broadband Plan for ₹4,434 Unlimited @Up to 100Mbps 6 Months ₹4,434


Airtel Broadband Plans

Below is the most used plan of Airtel:
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Best broadband plan by Airtel
PLAN DATA & SPEED VALIDITY PRICE
Airtel Basic Broadband Plan Unlimited @Up to 40Mbps 1 Month ₹499


Broadband Plans by Jio

Here are the different plans offered by JIO:


Plans offered by JIO
PLAN DATA & SPEED VALIDITY PRICE
JioFiber ₹199 Data Sachet Plan Unlimited @100 Mbps 90 Days ₹199
JioFiber ₹399 Monthly Plan Unlimited @30 Mbps 30 Days ₹399
JioFiber ₹699 Monthly Plan Unlimited @100 Mbps 30 Days ₹699
JioFiber ₹1,197 Quarterly Plan Unlimited @30 Mbps 90 Days ₹1,197
JioFiber ₹2,997 Quarterly Plan Unlimited @150 Mbps 90 Days ₹2,997
JioFiber ₹2,394 Semi-Annual Plan Unlimited @30 Mbps 180 Days + 15 Days ₹2,394


Hathway Broadband Plans

Here are the different plans offered by Hathway Broadband,


Plans offered by Hathway Broadband
Plan Speed FUP Subscription Charge (3 Months) Subscription Charge (6 Months) Subscription Charge (12 Months)
DEL DOCSIS STAR 80 Mbps 80 Mbps 1000 GB ₹ 1,647 ₹ 3,294 ₹ 6,588
DEL DOCSIS STAR 40 Mbps 40 Mbps 1000 GB ₹ 1,497 ₹ 2,994 ₹ 5,988
GOLD_GPON_Qrtly 75 Mbps 3000 GB ₹ 1,575 ₹ 3,150 ₹ 6,300
Diamond_GPON_Qrtly 125 Mbps 3000 GB ₹ 1,797 ₹ 3,594 ₹ 7,188


Excitel Broadband Plans

Here are the different plans offered by Excitel Broadband.


Plans offered by Excitel Broadband
Prepaid Months For Streamers 100 Mbps For Downloaders 200 Mbps For Gamers 300 Mbps
1 ₹ 699 ₹ 799 ₹ 899
3 ₹ 565 ₹ 732 ₹ 752
4 ₹ 508 ₹ 572 ₹ 636
6 ₹ 490 ₹ 545 ₹ 600
9 ₹ 424 ₹ 471 ₹ 533
12 ₹ 399 ₹ 449 ₹ 499


TATA PLAY Fiber Broadband Plans

Here are the different plans offered by TATA PLAY Fiber.


Plans offered by TATA PLAY Fiber
SPEED DATA ROLLOVER VALIDITY PRICE (+GST)
100 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 850
100 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 950
150 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 950
150 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 1,050
200 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 1,050
200 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 1,150
300 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 1,500
50 Mbps unlimited 3 months ₹ 1,797
50 Mbps unlimited 3 months ₹ 2,097
500 Mbps unlimited 1 month ₹ 2,300


Best broadband plans

Airtel, Jio, and Excitel are the best internet service providers as they provide internet data and speed at a reasonable price.

Airtel Broadband Plans

Below is the most used plan of Airtel:
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Best broadband plan by Airtel
PLAN DATA & SPEED VALIDITY PRICE
Airtel Basic Broadband Plan Unlimited @Up to 40Mbps 1 Month ₹499


JIO Broadband Plans

Below is the most used plan of JIO:


Best broadband plan by JIO
PLAN DATA & SPEED VALIDITY PRICE
JioFiber ₹199 Data Sachet Plan Unlimited @100 Mbps 90 Days ₹199


Most used Excitel broadband plans

The following is the most used plan of Excitel.


Best broadband plan by Excitel
Prepaid Months For Streamers 100 Mbps For Downloaders 200 Mbps For Gamers 300 Mbps
1 ₹ 699 ₹ 799 ₹ 899


Cheapest broadband plans

Jio provides the cheapest broadband plans to their customers, and the following is the detail:


Cheapest broadband plan
PLAN DATA & SPEED VALIDITY PRICE
JioFiber ₹199 Data Sachet Plan Unlimited @100 Mbps 90 Days ₹199


Fastest broadband plans

Excitel is the fastest broadband service provider, providing unlimited data and better speed.


Fastest broadband plan
Prepaid Months For Streamers 100 Mbps For Downloaders 200 Mbps For Gamers 300 Mbps
1 ₹ 699 ₹ 799 ₹ 899


Broadband cable wires

Broadband providers

Broadband providers can help individuals and businesses with their internet needs. A reliable internet connection offers several benefits; having the right provider can help find the right plan for one’s needs. Finding the right provider based on requirements can entail effort but is certainly rewarding.

Which providers offer broadband?

There are many internet service providers in India. However, the most common providers offering broadband are as follows:

Which is the best broadband provider

Jio, Excitel, Hathway, and Airtel are the best broadband providers in India.

Which broadband provider has the most coverage in India

In 2021, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited had India’s internet service provider market share.

FAQ

What is the broadband connection?

Broadband providers are available in many forms, including local telephone companies that offer DSL and Fibre connections, cable companies providing Cable Modem service, wireless and satellite companies providing Wireless Broadband, and Electrical Utilities offering Broadband over Power Line (BPL) service.

How to check the speed of broadband?

To check the speed of broadband, follow the below steps;

  • One can usea speed calculator/; it will detect the current broadband speed and hence it will easier to check the speed of broadband connection  

  • An online internet provider calculator can be used bandwidth-calculator with zip code.

  • Check out what speeds are available in any area and pick the best plan to meet individual needs.

Which broadband is best in India?

Jio, Excitel, Hathway, and Airtel are the best broadband providers in India.

How to change your broadband password?

Here are the steps to change the broadband password:

  1. Open any browser to the configuration page of the router

  2. Enter the router's username and password details 

  3. Open the Wireless section

  4. Change the password

  5. Set security type 

  6. Save the settings

Updated on 22 Jul, 2022

Kathryn Ryan

Energy Specialist & Copywriter

Canadian content writer living in Barcelona, Spain dedicated to researching the best tips and tricks in everything broadband. I'll be the information hunter to your information gatherer.