Quick Answer
Get an Airtel SIM and the 84-day plan before leaving for Punjab from any major Indian airport. For home broadband, Airtel Fibre is the most reliable. Carry a dedicated 4G mobile hotspot as backup — power cuts make redundancy essential.
Networks
Airtel leads in Punjab for 4G coverage and 5G rollout. Chandigarh has 5G; Amritsar and Jalandhar have strong 4G. Handles rural connectivity better than Jio.
Jio is a strong runner-up. Good value if staying primarily in Chandigarh or Amritsar.
Vodafone-Idea (Vi): Avoid.
Speed Expectations
| City | Home Broadband | 4G Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh | 80–200 Mbps | 30–80 Mbps |
| Amritsar | 30–100 Mbps | 20–60 Mbps |
| Jalandhar | 30–80 Mbps | 20–50 Mbps |
| Hoshiarpur | 10–50 Mbps | 10–30 Mbps |
Power Backup: Non-Negotiable
Ask explicitly: "Is there power backup? Does it cover the router and my desk?" Routers are often not on the backup circuit even when other appliances are.
Bottom Line
Airtel SIM + 84-day plan as primary. Jio in a hotspot device as backup. Airtel Fibre in Chandigarh. Confirm power backup before signing any lease. Airalo eSIM as pre-arrival bridge.
Next steps: Chandigarh Guide | Best SIM Cards in India
*Last updated: April 2026*