Originally Posted by
nmenaker
look, I still have the paperwork for my SIM so I know there was nothing nefarious going on with the acquisition of it. This wasn't my first rodeo in the east.
But from reading the indiamike forums from over a year ago and talking to others who have travelled there and travel there more frequently than either of us it isn't like getting a phone in the soviet union in the 90's. And the service isn't as poor as one might expect. I HAD coverage everywhere, but only 3g in cities and some highways. Some people are just better prepared. I had all the apn info I needed prior to arrival (there were only four companies that were possibilities for 3g mobile and data) I knew the requirements for copy of passport/visa/local address, possible roaming restrictions.
I've had more than a dozen people I know go to india in the last year and none of them had issues getting a SIM (especially in Delhi), getting it to work, having connectivity in most areas. (one couple did complain of poor service up in the Himalayas) and actually NONE of them had cards cancelled which seems to have BEEN a problem in the past.
There is a whole lot of India beyond Delhi. Even in Delhi, vast majority of vendors WILL NOT give a SIM card against a foreign passport. Other than hotels and guest houses that cater to tourists of any class, do not know what the rules are. Just because you got a SIM from one location does not mean every one can get it every where.
I don't want to argue with you on this issue.
Oh Dozen people? That's the extent of your data? I have spoken to dozens of vendors.
What's your point? I did not say anything about 2G service. But there are places in Gurgaon where even 2G signal is impossible to get. I said 3G service is spotty, with which you agree. I know several people who have told me that 3G service goes in an out even in areas around Delhi. Every vendor I spoke to confirmed this. You can choose to live with your beliefs. I am not going to try to convince you or educate you.
If one person, who has proper documents, is denied a SIM your claim is proved wrong. If a place like Nirvana Country has vast patches with not even 2G service, which I know to be true, your claim is proved WRONG.
The difficulty in getting a SIM has nothing to do with being prepared. It's got everything to do with vendors not knowing the rules, which themselves are archaic and silly, as bureaucratic as they come. Every foreigner, who has entered India legally, has a passport and a visa or some other document, such as PIO or OCI card. Stop flattering yourself with claims of being prepared.
I am not interested in continuing this discussion with someone whose is not prepared to admit anything beyond their unfounded belief.
Good day to you.