Q 1. What are the guidelines for operators to activate/deactivate data on mobile services?

No service provider shall activate or deactivate the data service on the Cellular Mobile Telephone connection of a consumer without explicit consent. Subscribers can send SMS by typing ‘START’ or ‘STOP’ to 1925 to activate or deactivate a service. 1925 is a toll-free number, and subscribers can even make calls to 1925 for activation/deactivation of data services. Operators need to send data usage information through SMS or USSD after every session: Data used, Charges deducted, Balance.

Q 2. Will keeping the modem on make any difference in the download limits?

Yes, it can make some difference. When the PC and modem are kept on, there is a trickling of packets from the Internet into the system, even though the PC is not connected to the Internet. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the modem off when one is not accessing the Internet.