ACT Frequently Asked Questions - Based on user experiences/comments, I can update this post.
1. When will ACT come to my area?
Please contact ACT directly.
2. Will xxxxxx router work with ACT?
You MUST have a router to use ACT. A modem won't work.
Look up the model number's specification online or on the box. If it has a 'WAN port' or an 'e-WAN port', it will support ACT.
If your internet speed is more than 100 Mbps, get a router with gigabit (1000 Mbps) ethernet ports. That way, you'll get your full speed via the ethernet cable.
3a. Will it work with Modem + Router (also known as DSL Router)?
In most cases, Modem + Router won't work.
Very few modem + routers can turn a LAN port into a WAN port. The LAN port will be labelled 'WAN/LAN'. Check the specifications on the box or online. In case you want such a device, please look around on the forum for model numbers (eg. Asus DSL-AC68U, TP-Link TD-W8968).
3b. I see terms like 'DSL modem', 'ADSL modem', 'ADSL2+ modem' used. Will they work?
No.
4. Will it work with a Modem that is given by BSNL/Airtel or a modem that I bought by myself?
No.
5. Will it work with a Modem + Router combo that given by BSNL/Airtel or a modem+router that I bought by myself?
No. Also, see 3a.
6. Is it easy to setup a connection (on a router)?
Yes. You just need a username & password. This is given to you by ACT.
Note: Router username & password allows you to login to the router. The ACT username & password allows you to browse.
7. Best router for ACT?
It depends on what the user wants. Everyone's residence, budget & requirement is different/unique. My personal opinion: Get one with wireless AC and gigabit ports.
8. How is ACT's customer care?
Very bad. The only negative is their very slow customer care. No idea now. It's been a while since I contacted them.
9. Does ACT give out internal IP addresses (10.x.x.x)? aka, do they use CGNAT?
So far, only Bangalore users have received internal addresses. However, they may start introducing this in other locations too.
Increasingly so. If you need a public IP address, you can try asking them for it.
10. Why am I not receiving my plan speed on Wi-Fi? (See 15 for wired speed)
READ CAREFULLY!
10a. Make sure that the router, phone, laptop, tablet etc support wireless N at the very minimum.
Wireless N has 2 frequencies - 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz.
Wireless AC - 5 GHz
2.4 GHz - Part of all N routers, slower but better range.
5 Ghz - Less common, faster but lower range.
Many wireless N devices only support 1x1 streaming, which means you will get a max of 30-40 Mbps. You need the 5 GHz band for faster speeds using these devices on Wi-Fi .
FYI - Most Laptops have 2x2 or 3x3 antennas. Hence, Laptops can usually get faster speeds over Wi-Fi.
10b. Even if your router says 300 Mbps, do not be upset that you are still getting 30-40 Mbps on your phone/tablet. That's just the way it is.
10c. Make sure that your router is broadcasting on Channels 1 or 6 or 11 (if on 2.4 GHz).
11.How does one get 150 Mbps or faster speeds on Wi-Fi?
Get a Dual band N or wireless AC router. Make sure it has gigabit ports.
12. Why does ACT not respond to queries on this forum?
They are not allowed to.
Added 23-03-15
13. How reliable is it?
It varies from area to area.
14. Can I pay 3/6/12 months in advance to get a better price?
If it's a new connection - I would say 'NO'. Month to month is safer.
After you've used it for a few months, then you can decide.
---------
Added 30-10-2015
15. Why am I not getting 100 Mbps (or faster) speeds over my wired connection?
a. If you use a router/switch, your router/switch MUST have gigabit (1000 Mbit/1 gbit) ethernet ports.
b. Your computer/laptop must have a gigabit ethernet port. Every computer/laptop over the past couple of years comes with a gigabit ethernet port as standard, so you will most likely will have it. But there is no harm in checking.
c. Use a cat 5e or a higher spec cable between your router and your computer (cat 5e, cat 6 etc).
d. ACT may have laid cat 5 cables to your residence. They will need to be replaced with cat 5e at the minimum. The type of (cat 5 or cat 5e) cable will be written on the cable itself.
(Updated Apr 2019)
Deleted some stuff. Does anyone actually read this?
1. When will ACT come to my area?
Please contact ACT directly.
2. Will xxxxxx router work with ACT?
You MUST have a router to use ACT. A modem won't work.
Look up the model number's specification online or on the box. If it has a 'WAN port' or an 'e-WAN port', it will support ACT.
If your internet speed is more than 100 Mbps, get a router with gigabit (1000 Mbps) ethernet ports. That way, you'll get your full speed via the ethernet cable.
3a. Will it work with Modem + Router (also known as DSL Router)?
In most cases, Modem + Router won't work.
Very few modem + routers can turn a LAN port into a WAN port. The LAN port will be labelled 'WAN/LAN'. Check the specifications on the box or online. In case you want such a device, please look around on the forum for model numbers (eg. Asus DSL-AC68U, TP-Link TD-W8968).
3b. I see terms like 'DSL modem', 'ADSL modem', 'ADSL2+ modem' used. Will they work?
No.
4. Will it work with a Modem that is given by BSNL/Airtel or a modem that I bought by myself?
No.
5. Will it work with a Modem + Router combo that given by BSNL/Airtel or a modem+router that I bought by myself?
No. Also, see 3a.
6. Is it easy to setup a connection (on a router)?
Yes. You just need a username & password. This is given to you by ACT.
Note: Router username & password allows you to login to the router. The ACT username & password allows you to browse.
7. Best router for ACT?
It depends on what the user wants. Everyone's residence, budget & requirement is different/unique. My personal opinion: Get one with wireless AC and gigabit ports.
8. How is ACT's customer care?
9. Does ACT give out internal IP addresses (10.x.x.x)? aka, do they use CGNAT?
Increasingly so. If you need a public IP address, you can try asking them for it.
10. Why am I not receiving my plan speed on Wi-Fi? (See 15 for wired speed)
READ CAREFULLY!
10a. Make sure that the router, phone, laptop, tablet etc support wireless N at the very minimum.
Wireless N has 2 frequencies - 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz.
Wireless AC - 5 GHz
2.4 GHz - Part of all N routers, slower but better range.
5 Ghz - Less common, faster but lower range.
Many wireless N devices only support 1x1 streaming, which means you will get a max of 30-40 Mbps. You need the 5 GHz band for faster speeds using these devices on Wi-Fi .
FYI - Most Laptops have 2x2 or 3x3 antennas. Hence, Laptops can usually get faster speeds over Wi-Fi.
10b. Even if your router says 300 Mbps, do not be upset that you are still getting 30-40 Mbps on your phone/tablet. That's just the way it is.
10c. Make sure that your router is broadcasting on Channels 1 or 6 or 11 (if on 2.4 GHz).
11.How does one get 150 Mbps or faster speeds on Wi-Fi?
Get a Dual band N or wireless AC router. Make sure it has gigabit ports.
12. Why does ACT not respond to queries on this forum?
They are not allowed to.
-------------
Added 23-03-15
13. How reliable is it?
It varies from area to area.
14. Can I pay 3/6/12 months in advance to get a better price?
If it's a new connection - I would say 'NO'. Month to month is safer.
After you've used it for a few months, then you can decide.
---------
Added 30-10-2015
15. Why am I not getting 100 Mbps (or faster) speeds over my wired connection?
a. If you use a router/switch, your router/switch MUST have gigabit (1000 Mbit/1 gbit) ethernet ports.
b. Your computer/laptop must have a gigabit ethernet port. Every computer/laptop over the past couple of years comes with a gigabit ethernet port as standard, so you will most likely will have it. But there is no harm in checking.
c. Use a cat 5e or a higher spec cable between your router and your computer (cat 5e, cat 6 etc).
d. ACT may have laid cat 5 cables to your residence. They will need to be replaced with cat 5e at the minimum. The type of (cat 5 or cat 5e) cable will be written on the cable itself.
(Updated Apr 2019)
Deleted some stuff. Does anyone actually read this?
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