Apple's iPad 3G comes with an AT&T microsim. India's only 3G service provider, BSNL uses the regular sim for their 3G service. I recently got myself an iPad 3G. I planned to wait until someone launched a good 3G service, hopefully with a microsim and then latch on to the 3G bandwagon.
Then, one day, in my daily Google alerts on the iPad, I came to know about John Benston who actually cut his regular sim card into the shape of a microsim, carefully making sure that the important parts of the sim are preserved and properly aligned. He was in the UK and he used a Vodafone sim successfully on his iPad.
Yesterday, my boss at office arranged a BSNL 3G sim and asked me to take a shot. The sim looked very different from the AT&T sim. I had very little hope of it working.
About an hour back, I took a knife that we use in our kitchen and a pair of scissors. I then aligned the BSNL sim with the important parts of the bundles sim on the iPad and cut out the extra portions. I then cut the top side corner too and tried to put it into the iPad's sim tray. It wouldn't fit. I needed to finely trim out small bits from here and there. The sim then fit into the tray.
Next was the crucial test. Would the network work? It's all fine to cut a sim and put it into the iPad. Had I cut out some wrong portions? Were the important circuits still in place?
I went to the settings and gave the APN - bsnlnet.
Then waited patiently.
There it was! CellOne 3G on the top left corner of the iPad!
I was thrilled! I tried opening a few sites (I had previously disabled Wifi) and it worked!
So, there you are. It's official - the iPad 3G can be used with BSNL's 3G service!
Then, one day, in my daily Google alerts on the iPad, I came to know about John Benston who actually cut his regular sim card into the shape of a microsim, carefully making sure that the important parts of the sim are preserved and properly aligned. He was in the UK and he used a Vodafone sim successfully on his iPad.
Yesterday, my boss at office arranged a BSNL 3G sim and asked me to take a shot. The sim looked very different from the AT&T sim. I had very little hope of it working.
About an hour back, I took a knife that we use in our kitchen and a pair of scissors. I then aligned the BSNL sim with the important parts of the bundles sim on the iPad and cut out the extra portions. I then cut the top side corner too and tried to put it into the iPad's sim tray. It wouldn't fit. I needed to finely trim out small bits from here and there. The sim then fit into the tray.
Next was the crucial test. Would the network work? It's all fine to cut a sim and put it into the iPad. Had I cut out some wrong portions? Were the important circuits still in place?
I went to the settings and gave the APN - bsnlnet.
Then waited patiently.
There it was! CellOne 3G on the top left corner of the iPad!
I was thrilled! I tried opening a few sites (I had previously disabled Wifi) and it worked!
So, there you are. It's official - the iPad 3G can be used with BSNL's 3G service!
Comments
Just ordered a non-3G iPad, and it is on its way by Fedex from HongKong.
and was planning on trying it with my BSNL SIM... it would help things if you could post photos of your sim, esp when placed atop a regular (uncut) sim, so that I know what parts can be dispensed with... and the hand weilding the knife will be far steadier!
I should have taken pictures while doing the act! Now the deed is all done and the sim has been cut so too bad,
I can't post pics now since I don't have an uncut sim.
However, the link in the post has some very useful pics. You might want to look at them.
Kamal
i just received my ipad 3g. i bought bsnl 3g sim and activated in 2g phone and DIY'ed the sim to fit ipad sim tray. when i switch on the ipad says "NO SIM"
What could be the reason.please guide. thanks
Please send me an email and we can try and sort it out.
Can you send me a pic of the cut sim and the iPad's original sim next to each other?
Kamal
Thnx for sharing your experience..i have myslf bought an ipad 3g 64 gb which is stuck at SF,California.. :(
even i am gonna connect to the 3g network of bsnl..Since all this while i was just. Wondering about the speed that u get on 3g ...
I would greatly very greatly appreciate if you could verify the speed u are getting using a bsnl 3g sim...
U can download a free speedtest.net application to test it...
Would really really appreciate if you could do that for me..
Where do u exactly stay?I live in kolkata..
Hope u reply..
Cheers
I just downloaded the app you linked to and here are the results:
Download speed: 280 kbps
Upload speed: 264 kbps
I just downloaded the app you linked to and here are the results:
Download speed: 280 kbps
Upload speed: 264 kbps
Have you had any problems with BSNL 3G. I was able to cut and get the sim working in my iPad, but it will not connect on 3G. Keeps returning an error message saying that it could not connect to a data network.
However! Everytime the same settings are using when the 3G sign is replaced with E (edge), it will connect and let me browse.
Can't think of anything else...
Btw I just cut two more BSNL sims for two iPads and they both are working. So, if you're having problems, you are missing something basic. I did not do anything special really.
I DIY ed bsnl sim and i am able to see cell one on top left hand side of ipad.but when i try to open any site it says " could not activate cellular data network" with a sub message service option not supported.
pleas guide.thanks.
Have you activated the BSNL sim? You need to do this before using it.
Kamal
I was wondering if you knew of anyway to buy a MicroSIM in India maybe cut by someone already. I was contemplating between a 64GB Wi-Fi, and a 64GB Wi-Fi and 3G. What would you recommend after using it, and how is the 3G signal by BSNL in NCR.
Cheers.
No I don't know anyone who sells cut sims.
I stay in Hyderabad where the BSNL 3G speeds are quite good. I am not sure about NCR.
I would recommend going for a 3G version. Might as well go the whole hog!
Kamal
have activated bsnl 3g on my ipad.Have followed all the instructions as explained to by you guys.
i get the display "Cellone 3G" on the screen.APN setting is at bsnlnet. but still i cant browse. I get the message"the ipad is not connected to the internet".
what might be the problem?
How did you activate the sim? You have to get it activated by BSNL. You will need a cell phone to get it activated.
Also, I have since, realized that APN is not required to use it on the iPad.
i activated the sim using a 3g enabled handset. even without the APN it doesnt work.
Thanks
yes it was activated by BSNL
Thanks
You will need a cell phone to check the balance.
Fingers crossed!
(the charging question anon. guy)
I get my iPad 3g today and will try the BSNL 3g sim.
Tell me how do I transfer the data from my windows PC to Ipad. The data is in MS Office?
Thanks
Nanu
You will need to install iTunes on your PC. Then go to the Applications tab. There, there is a section to transfer files to your iPad. Go and add the files you want to transfer and then sync. The files should get transferred. You will need an Office like app to view them though. There are quite a few apps to do this.
All the best!
Kamal
Got the BSNL 3G card activated and it worked for an hour with APN settings of pps3g, mtnl & mtnl123. However hasn't worked for 36 hours after that.
I've just managed to get it working with different settings of:
APN: pps3g
Username: mobile no
Password: password provided on activation
(hope it continues to work)
P.S. Excellent blog
Anyway, folks should have the settings for MTNL prepaid as well now :)
this is mehul here
i am using an apple i pod
i just want ot know that which plan of bsnl u r using for internet usage?
Gopal
I am in process of using MTNL 3g card and will let you know how that works in mumbai.
I request all IPAD users in INDIA to go to my blog http://ipadusersindia.blogspot.com/search?q=ipad
and post their comments .I wish to bring all IPAD users for good knowledge sharing and entertainment.
thanks
Kamal
i set apn to bsnlnet
Why did you recharge voice too? Anyway, what I would do is to check the balance using a regular 3G phone. Also, unless you're roaming you don't need the APN.
For someone else who had a similar problem, it just started working the next day.
About the error, I am not sure what the problem could be.
Actually one more thing, the connection needs to be activated by BSNL. Have you done that?
Kindly let me know that whether BSNL 3G pre-paid Sim is compatible with IPad 3G or we have to use post-paid Sim? Please clarify?If yes then it will work in Amritsar, Punjab if I purchase the same in Jaipur?
Yes, BSNL pre paid is compatible with iPad. I am using a pre paid SIM myself. Also, if you buy it in Jaipur and use it in Amritsar, it should work provided BSNL roaming is available there. You will need to give the APN settings while roaming however. When you are not roaming, it usually works without any APN settings. Roaming charges would apply of course.
Kamal
Thanks for your valuable feedback.
Kindly guide/elaborate the term APN settings while roaming and what are its (APN) settings.
I bought the iPad-wifi (no 3G). Spent the $130 I saved on buying a Huawei E585 for Rs 5800/- (actually 850 RMB). Slipped in a BSNL 3G card (no cutting) and it worked straight away. The only setting I had to put in - takes a minute - was to put in the APN as "bsnlnet", and I was connected in seconds.
Google for the Huawei E585 and you will see that it is half the size of a really small cell phone, and can be mistaken by some as one. Like a cll phone, it is cordless and can be charged through the computer's USB or using a 110/220 adapter that comes with the device.
Best part is that the E585 creates a wi-fi from the 3G airwaves and your friends/colleagues/family can share the connection, which you can password protect like any other wi-fi. You can slip in any 3G SIM card, and the E585 lets you have multiple profiles (diff APNs, etc) to choose from, in case you are traveling overseas and want to use a diff SIM card. When the pvt players in India get their 3G act together, you can take your pick of operator.
APN - gprsppsmum
Username - mtnl
Password - mtnl123
Having said that, BSNL's 3G shows very variable performance on repeated SpeedTest(.net)s. The problem perhaps lies with BSNL.
Wait for the pvt sector to come up with their 3G implementations.
Would be glad to hear
Krishna
Chennai
cut it to micro sim size, so that it exactly fits in to the ipad tray.
close the tray and i get message 'No Sim'.
i can put the sim back in to my data card and it (fortunately) works.
So 'Sim' is working fine, fits in the sim slot of Ipad, but get 'No Sim' msg/
any advice
can u help me my wifi is not getting detected after i had jailbreaked it using limera1n software
i restored my ipad to factory setting my 3g sim is working fine but ipad is not detecting any wifi network i did reset network setting on ipad still no luck
can i suggest me solution :(
in the long list, these are the data coupons (reports a very low talk value and zero validity):
"Plan Coupon 99" for 130mb
"Plan Coupon 249" for 500mb
"Plan Coupon 450" for 1GB
"Plan Coupon 749" for 2GB
"Plan Coupon 2500" for 25GB
MTNL 3G tariffs are updated here: http://mumbai.mtnl.net.in/3gweb/tariff_3Gmobile.html
Hong Kong has everything you want to buy at great prices, including iPhone 4s, Macbooks, etc.. Prices as good or better than the best places in US.
Wonder why retail in India sucks so bad.
Worked well after that.
twitter.com/amitbhawani
Amit Bhawani
Your settings are probably right, especially if you see CellOne. Blame the signal strength. BSNL really sucks.
I used iPad in Bangalore and it was roaming on MTNL Delhi perfectly. Ever since I have come to Bombay, it doesn't connect to internet. Spoke with BSNL - they said everything is in order - including balance.
I've tried all permutations available on this blog. No go! Any other solution?
As a prospective buyer, what are your recommendations regarding the BSNL 3G speed and connectivity ( Mumbai ) ?
Also, has anyone managed to try the Docomo 3G yet ?
With all these discussion, I was able to get my iPad working. Everythigng discussed here were useful. Thank you guys.
Now, I have question. Is there a way to check the balance from iPad (or at BSNL website etc) without removing the SIM from iPad and use it with another 3G phone? I hope there is almost no possibility of doing this, But I just wanted to check if there is any way to do it which I am unaware.
Thank you
Benny, even I am not aware of any means to do it without taking it out from the iPad and using it on a 3G phone.
Cant even call their customer care to check the balance.
I have 3G BSNL data card. I have changed the settings from BSNL South to BSNL north in the profiles. As I bought it in Bangalore and was using it in Delhi.
Few days it was working fine, later it gives problem with unable to connect to the server.
Also the speed is terribly slow.
I have Data Card Make : Capitel
any idea what else i could do?
i've restarted it..i see in-dolphin on top left and three bars, however, internet is still not conneced.
thanks,
a foreigner in mumbai
Soma, yes, you can use Skype. The calls are charged though.
Just bought a new bsnl 3G micro sim card. When i started using it i could see the 3g symbol and after a few days it got replaced by the symbol'e'. Earlier posts say that it stands for edge or something which is basically has lower speed than 3g..but i find it very weird how can it shift from 3g to e when i'm in the same place/location...Any thoughts/solutions?
Yeah i tried doing that.In fact i went to the Bsnl head office in Pune
Put an additional recharge and still it showed the same 'e' sign ..and i was standing right near the main office!!!
I guess it's their fault. There's nothoon much we can do except wait? Rt? The speed sucks under 'e'
Thanks!
But I have some doubts not addresses before in this post.
I have recently bought the Galaxy Tab 10.1(or 750) which also requires microsim. Hope the bsnl settings for ipad work on it too. Fingers crossed.
But I could not get any microsim in BSNL odfice in Kolkata. :(
If I buy a normal BSNL sim to cut it finally, 1. please tell me what recharges to make?
2. how to activate before cutting it down.
3. The portfolio shows Rs. 100 for activation charge. What is that?
4. And is the Rs. 599 6 Gb plan still valid?
I just picked up a BSNL 3G plan -999 unlimited. I got it cut in the BSNL office itself. Now i have 2 questions:
How long will the activation taKE?
Secondly, you mentioned that APN info has to be bsnlnet. Is the username & Password provided by BSNL or anything that i want to keep?
Thanks
Now since last month I am receiving the signals of good strength, service provider I'd (IN-Dolphin or Cellone) BUT no '3G' icon next to the I'd. I tried a recharge in the middle of last month and the service resumed immediately making me presume that the reason was not enough funds in the account. This recharge was to last 30 days but the services stopped again ( 3G icon went missing) from the midnight of 30th of last month. I presumed it was the previous problem of recharge and promptly got the recharge a couple of days ago... But still No Joy.
I have registered this matter with the BSNL CC but as expected.. no after sales!!!
Could there be an issue with the settings since during this period I have started using alternate services from Reliance and since then this problem of no 3G icon with BSNL sim has started. Could there be a conflict or a bad sim issue.
Can anyone help please? MSC.
i'm using bsnl 3g for my ipad, it was working fine for couple of weeks and now when i was trying to browse it shows a message dat service not supported.pls conect 2 internet. d balance is zero,is dat neccessary to recharge even it is a microsim. i tried every thing setting apn to bsnlnet, restarting it,nothing worked,But pls make dis sort it out.
i.e. how it can be used as a mobile phone
How do check the balance in ipad2 any solution?
I am in Mumbai. Just came from Bangalore with a 3G sim on the iPad. My net doesn't seek to just work.
It shows dolphin apn is bsnlnet. Roaming is active but just doesn't work.
Do I need to call some Bangalore Bsnl office? Or how do I make this work, each time I try a diff apn do I need to restart the iPad. Pls help really urgent how do I get the iPad to work via Bsnl 3G in Mumbai