How to upgrade from Airtel 3G to 4G
Do you like to know how to upgrade from Airtel 3G to 4G connection? Follow the simple steps mentioned in this article to upgrade your Airtel mobile connection to 4G and enjoy the lightning fast internet.
Airtel launched 4G in some of the major cities in India and is expanding to several other cities very soon. I attended the launch event at Kochi and experienced superfast internet. I was able to get 35 MBPS to 43 MBPS speed in Kochi, consistently. I don't use an Airtel connection for myself yet but received a handset from Airtel for experiencing their new service in the city. I will be sharing my reviews of Airtel 4G soon.
Do you already have an Airtel 3G connection and like to upgrade to the new 4G service? Or, like to switch from another network like Idea or BSNL to Airtel? I have shared some tips below.
1. Compatible phone
First and foremost, make sure your handset is compatible with 4G. All of the modern smartphones are 4G compatible but if you bought a cheap device or your device is few years old, it may be time to upgrade.
If you already have an Airtel mobile number, you can check the 4G compatibility here - http://www.airtel.in/4g/index#!plans-and-devices/mobile/4g-status
NOTE: I tried with a Samsung A5 smartphone and the above website showed it is "not compatible", which is wrong. The Samsung A5 is 4G compatible. So, if the Airtel site shows that your device is not compatible, you may want to double check with your device manual since their database may not have included new devices in the compatible devices list yet.
Also Read: How to get Airtel 4G in Kerala
2. Get a 4G SIM
If you bought the SIM card before 4G was launched, it may not support 4G. You need to get a new compatible SIM from Airtel. Company is aggressively promoting their 4G plans and they would deliver the new SIM card at your home for no fees. All you need to do is, fill this form with your phone number and shipping address.
3. Switch to a 4G plan
You got a compatible smartphone and SIM card. Now you need to switch to a 4G plan. Airtel has a bunch of 4G plans at the same tariff as the 3G plans, which is a good reason to upgrade. Rates vary from city to city. Here is the rate card for Kochi city:
Prepaid 4G plans:
1 GB (28 days) - Rs 255
2 GB (28 days) - Rs 455
3 GB (28 days) - Rs 655
5 GB (28 days) - Rs 955
10 GB (28 days) - Rs 1505
Postpaid 4G plans:
1 GB (per billing cycle) - Rs 250
2 GB (per billing cycle) - Rs 450
4 GB (per billing cycle) - Rs 750
6 GB (per billing cycle) - Rs 950
8 GB (per billing cycle) - Rs 1250
As you can see above, the postpaid plans are slightly cheaper than prepaid plans but the difference is negligible. So, you can choose prepaid or postpaid plans according to your requirements. I personally use prepaid plans for my mobile connection since I subscribe to different plans according to my travel and other requirements. Post paid connections are usually more convenient since you don't have to bother about recharging when you run out of balance.
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