I want to get rid of my CAT internet connection - What do you think to this idea?

[ThaiLife]

Ive been a customer of CAT and using their internet packages for many years , originally I had their CDMA package using a Novatel MC 727 USB modem . When that service was stopped . I was given the opportunity to change to their My Cat 3G 850 MHz cellular network SIM service , at a reduced grandfathered cost of 630 Baht per month ( inc VAT ) .This current monthly '' My Cat'' 3G post paid package is for unlimited use but has a FUP that caps the speeds at 384 kbps after I have exceeded 4GB of use , and I soon use up the 4GB allowance. The yearly cost for this current ''My Cat '' package is 7,560 Baht .

 

Where I live the 3G/4G wireless signal for CAT / AIS / TrueMove , are all good . I recently noticed an AIS 3G/4G internet package called SIM NET MARATHON . This package has two options , one for a years pre paid subscription and the other for six months pre paid subscription both these options have a choice of unlimited 4Mbps or 1Mbps , and the 4Mbps yearly package would be ok for my internet needs . The 4Mbps Yearly prepaid cost = 2,500 Baht .

From what I can see these SIM NET MARATHON packages are for unlimited use with no FUP or throttling. I have tried a standard 4Mbps AIS internet package just to see what it runs like at my location , and found no problems at all. So the SIM NET MARATHON 4Mbps packages should be ok ?. So just comparing my current '' My Cat '' package at 7,560 Baht a year Vs the AIS 4Mbps one year SIM NET MARATHON package at 2,500 Baht , the saving would be 5,060 Baht a year if I switched to AIS .

 

Link to AIS packages

 

Have I missed any thing or got things wrong in my above outline / idea or can any one else come up with a better alternative to my current ''My Cat '' internet package .My TOT home telephone line is to far away from a junction box to provide me with ADSL internet , I am to far away to use the TOT WiNet system and the same for the AIS Airnet option , so that only leaves 3G/4G wireless .

 

I need a better internet connection – What do you think to this idea?

 

 

 

 

 

[shady86]

I'm not sure if you have used 4mbps before, it's pretty much useless.

I'd suggest you to get a 4g router and consider Is 4g net extreme, with unlimited 4g, monthly 1,099baht. Depending on location it may reach 100bmps.

[naboo]

Those packages are also available through CAT. If you want faster, try Line mobile - 999B/month unlimited max speed (uses DTAC signal).

[ThaiLife]

1 hour ago, shady86 said:

I'm not sure if you have used 4mbps before, it's pretty much useless.

I'd suggest you to get a 4g router and consider Is 4g net extreme, with unlimited 4g, monthly 1,099baht. Depending on location it may reach 100bmps.

Thank you 

[ThaiLife]

34 minutes ago, naboo said:

Those packages are also available through CAT. If you want faster, try Line mobile - 999B/month unlimited max speed (uses DTAC signal).

Thanks 

[ThaiLife]

I generally use my internet connection to surf the internet and the occasional torrent and youtube , so not really looking for very fast speeds , just some thing better than my current ''My Cat '' package . The 4GB limit on my current '' My Cat '' package is a pain in the back side as soon as I exceed the 4GB limit things start to crawl , my monthly usage is between 60 – 70 GB. I think my current '' My Cat '' SIM card is 3G 850 MHz and not 4G . ( The wireless router with SIM card slot I use does not show weather the connection is 3G or 4G .

I think most of the new internet packages that offer better speeds are 4G , so that would mean buying a new 4G router that takes a SIM card . The TrueMove SIM card I use in my mobile phone shows a small 4G next to the signal bars , so I'm assuming that 4G is available in my area.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KittenKong]

True also do an unlimited 4Mbs 4G package for 2500B/year+VAT.

4Mbs would be perfectly adequate for most people. It certainly works fine for me for streaming UK TV/radio when travelling around Thailand or for Spotify and GPS traffic updates in the car. I suspect that they will block torrent connections at that price though.

[KneeDeep]

Yes, it would be worth the change.

You don't need to buy a special SIM in order to subscribe to the 6 or 12 month packages. You can just apply a code.

 

AIS now have six and twelve month no limit data 6 Mbps packages for 1926 baht and 3745 baht respectively.

Just check my posting history for the codes and/or links needed to subscribe.

 

 

[ThaiLife]

18 minutes ago, KneeDeep said:

Yes, it would be worth the change.

You don't need to buy a special SIM in order to subscribe to the 6 or 12 month packages. You can just apply a code.

 

AIS now have six and twelve month no limit data 6 Mbps packages for 1926 baht and 3745 baht respectively.

Just check my posting history for the codes and/or links needed to subscribe.

 

 

Thanks      Ive had a look through your past posting history and tried the two AIS links ( if you prefer a click-through ) and it shows the top up option , ( I want to buy a new AIS SIM card ) Ive had a look at the main AIS web site and can't see the two options you mention ( AIS now have six and twelve month no limit data 6 Mbps packages ) Any chance of the direct AIS web site link to these 6 Mbps packages . 

 

Ive just done a speed test on my current CAT internet connection , I am still within the monthly 4GB FUP so this test shows the top speeds 

 

using the CAT speed test web site 

 

 http://cattelecomnet.speedtestcustom.com

 

Down ....  5.2 Mbps

Up .....      2.6 Mbps

Ping ...     39ms 

 

Once Ive used up the 4GB the over all speed will drop 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KneeDeep]

2 hours ago, ThaiLife said:

Thanks      Ive had a look through your past posting history and tried the two AIS links ( if you prefer a click-through ) and it shows the top up option , ( I want to buy a new AIS SIM card ) Ive had a look at the main AIS web site and can't see the two options you mention ( AIS now have six and twelve month no limit data 6 Mbps packages ) Any chance of the direct AIS web site link to these 6 Mbps packages . 

 

Ive just done a speed test on my current CAT internet connection , I am still within the monthly 4GB FUP so this test shows the top speeds 

 

using the CAT speed test web site 

 

 http://cattelecomnet.speedtestcustom.com

 

Down ....  5.2 Mbps

Up .....      2.6 Mbps

Ping ...     39ms 

 

Once Ive used up the 4GB the over all speed will drop 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If it shows the Top-up option it is because you don't have 1926 baht nor 3745 baht of credit.  They are the direct AIS links. Once you have the credit and click through, it will show you the package and then ask you to confirm. So no need to be concerned about not seeing what you are buying beforehand.

There are also the direct USSD codes in the same thread. Problem with the USSD codes is that you have to trust that they are the correct codes. These are supplied for those who want to turn off data before tapping in the code, therefore not wasting credit.

The click through method is best for those who have an existing package, however small. That way they don't waste credit navigating to the website etc.

I've provided the direct link, so it can be stored and accessed directly without the need for further navigation.

 

 

[KneeDeep]

All contained on the first page, here; https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1036021-phone-internet-access/

 

[KneeDeep]

If you have a problem with my advice or links, when you go to the official AIS service centre in your province, ask them to apply the package for you. It's newly released. Perhaps within the past week.

 

The 6 Mbps pack may do for you, as it more than CAT is currently supplying, but run a speed test with a 6 Mbps day pack using your current or new AIS SIM before taking the plunge.

*777*7209# is the USSD code for the 24 hour 6 Mbps pack. It cost 36.38 baht inclusive of V.A.T.

So top up with 50 baht initially. If you are happy with the service, top up to the required amounts, 1950 baht or 3750 baht and apply the long term package of your choice.

 

 

[ThaiLife]

38 minutes ago, KneeDeep said:

If you have a problem with my advice or links, when you go to the official AIS service centre in your province, ask them to apply the package for you. It's newly released. Perhaps within the past week.

 

The 6 Mbps pack may do for you, as it more than CAT is currently supplying, but run a speed test with a 6 Mbps day pack using your current or new AIS SIM before taking the plunge.

*777*7209# is the USSD code for the 24 hour 6 Mbps pack. It cost 36.38 baht inclusive of V.A.T.

So top up with 50 baht initially. If you are happy with the service, top up to the required amounts, 1950 baht or 3750 baht and apply the long term package of your choice.

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time out , its appreciated.

 

I'm going to make a trip to the nearest official AIS shop / office ( 170 km round trip ) and ask about these 6Mbps packages , what I normally try to do when asking about most things , is take a printed screen shot of the item I'm talking about from the providers web site , so I just hand the information to the sales person , so there's no confusion , hence my looking at the AIS web site . Ive still not been able to find any reference on the AIS web site to the 6Mbps unlimited six monthly / yearly package , but then again , the web site seems to be awash with different packages . I will keep looking .

 

 

 

 

 

[KneeDeep]

43 minutes ago, ThaiLife said:

 

Thanks for taking the time out , its appreciated.

 

I'm going to make a trip to the nearest official AIS shop / office ( 170 km round trip ) and ask about these 6Mbps packages , what I normally try to do when asking about most things , is take a printed screen shot of the item I'm talking about from the providers web site , so I just hand the information to the sales person , so there's no confusion , hence my looking at the AIS web site . Ive still not been able to find any reference on the AIS web site to the 6Mbps unlimited six monthly / yearly package , but then again , the web site seems to be awash with different packages . I will keep looking .

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do hope that you are joking.

Buy AIS SIM, test with a one day package. If all ok, top up and apply new package within the 24hr period of the test package.

If you use the click through link it will state that it is a six month 6Mbps package and ask you to click on the confirm button if you wish to purchase the package.

Why on earth would you drive 170 km to purchase a PAYG/Prepaid SIM??

Go to local shop, buy a 50 baht SIM, register it and top up with 50 baht. Go home, apply the one day 6 Mbps package and run speed test throughout the day.

If happy, subscribe to long term package.

 

If you aren't sure about subscribing for 6 or 12 months, the 6 Mbps 30 day package is 588.50 baht inclusive of V.A.T. *777*7211#

 

 

 

[ThaiLife]

Just now, KneeDeep said:

 

I do hope that you are joking.

Buy AIS SIM, test with a one day package. If all ok, top up and apply new package within the 24hr period of the test package.

If you use the click through link it will state that it is a six month 6Mbps package and ask you to click on the confirm button if you wish to purchase the package.

Why on earth would you drive 170 km to purchase a PAYG/Prepaid SIM??

Go to local shop, buy a 50 baht SIM, register it and top up with 50 baht. Go home, apply the one day 6 Mbps package and run speed test throughout the day.

If happy, subscribe to long term package.

 

If you aren't sure about subscribing for 6 or 12 months, the 6 Mbps 30 day package is 588.50 baht inclusive of V.A.T. *777*7211#

 

 

 

Hi 

Yes , I'm going to try a 50 baht SIM first , I live out in the sticks and the nearest official AIS shop / office is about 80 Km one way , thanks for the 6 Mbps 30 day package info  . I just wanted to see what the AIS web site said about  its package conditions relating to these 6Mbps options , before subscribing long term to a yearly duration , but I'm still not having any luck finding any info on the AIS web site , it seems that these 6Mbps packages are only top up options and show no info relating to their terms and conditions , which would be interesting to see before subscribing long term. 

 

 

 

 

 

[KneeDeep]

1 minute ago, ThaiLife said:

Hi 

Yes , I'm going to try a 50 baht SIM first , I live out in the sticks and the nearest official AIS shop / office is about 80 Km one way , thanks for the 6 Mbps 30 day package info  . I just wanted to see what the AIS web site said about  its package conditions relating to these 6Mbps options , before subscribing long term to a yearly duration , but I'm still not having any luck finding any info on the AIS web site , it seems that these 6Mbps packages are only top up options and show no info relating to their terms and conditions , which would be interesting to see before subscribing long term. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About which conditions are you concerned?

There are no adverse conditions attached to the 1Mbps and 4 Mbps packs, so why would you concern yourself unduly about the 6 Mbps?

If I state it's ok, it's ok.

The T&C are exactly the same as for the 1Mbps & 4Mbps.

The only difference is the bandwidth and pricing.

[KneeDeep]

For some who has been paying out 630 baht per month, you certainly are kicking up a lot of dust over paying 312.1 baht per month. 

 

I don't know what kind of T&C you are expecting to find. 

You can use the connection to your heart's content. 

My only advice would be to add the credit to your account with 100 baht credits, in order to ensure that the SIM's validity is extended to it's max of twelve months.

 

Stop pussy-footing around.  Get on with it so that you can start saving asap.

[ThaiLife]

4 minutes ago, KneeDeep said:

 

About which conditions are you concerned?

There are no adverse conditions attached to the 1Mbps and 4 Mbps packs, so why would you concern yourself unduly about the 6 Mbps?

If I state it's ok, it's ok.

The T&C are exactly the same as for the 1Mbps & 4Mbps.

The only difference is the bandwidth and pricing.

That's a good point , its just me thinking about past negative experiences dealing with internet providers  . 

 

 

[ThaiLife]

Just now, KneeDeep said:

For some who has been paying out 630 baht per month, you certainly are kicking up a lot of dust over paying 312.1 baht per month. 

 

I don't know what kind of T&C you are expecting to find. 

You can use the connection to your heart's content. 

My only advice would be to add the credit to your account with 100 baht credits, in order to ensure that the SIM's validity is extended to it's max of twelve months.

 

Stop pussy-footing around.  Get on with it so that you can start saving asap.

Just what my dear old departed mother use to say ... Stop pussy-footing around 

I will post back how I get on , and if things go wrong I'm going to blame you know who 

 

 

 

 

 

[KneeDeep]

8 minutes ago, ThaiLife said:

That's a good point , its just me thinking about past negative experiences dealing with internet providers  . 

 

 

1 minute ago, ThaiLife said:

That's a good point , its just me thinking about past negative experiences dealing with internet providers  . 

 

 

 

I understand 

I'm sure you'll have a frustrating experience or two along the way, but T&C won't save you from that. 

Often good to have a back up prepaid SIM from another network, so you can stick a day package on if one network is down.

I keep one from each network, but use AIS as the main provider.

 

[ThaiLife]

2 minutes ago, KneeDeep said:

 

I understand 

I'm sure you'll have a frustrating experience or two along the way, but T&C won't save you from that. 

Often good to have a back up prepaid SIM from another network, so you can stick a day package on if one network is down.

I keep one from each network, but use AIS as the main provider.

 

 

 I purchased a brand new motorbike some years ago from a Thai dealership , within 6 months the front wheel bearing went and started to become very noisy , so I took it back to the dealership where I originally purchased it from and showed the mechanic ( I use the term mechanic lightly ) and as the terms and conditions  ( which I never looked at  )  ( warranty covered all parts for 1 year ) I expected a new wheel bearing to be fitted free of charge , the mechanic took a look and after spinning the front wheel said , you go on to many bad roads that have to many holes and use off road  , so the wheel bearing is not covered under the warranty ( excessive wear and tear  ) , and yes it was in the ... terms and conditions  Mr the charge for a new wheel bearing will be 500 Baht ..

 

Good advice about a backup SIM 

 

 

[ThaiLife]

5 hours ago, KneeDeep said:

 

I understand 

I'm sure you'll have a frustrating experience or two along the way, but T&C won't save you from that. 

Often good to have a back up prepaid SIM from another network, so you can stick a day package on if one network is down.

I keep one from each network, but use AIS as the main provider.

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, KneeDeep said:

 

Just an update 

 

 

Well I went and purchased an AIS 4G SIM card and put some credit on it , then got 24 Hours of 6Mbps package .  I put this new AIS SIM card into the wireless router that I use for my CAT internet package .

The results were not very good with speeds of – Down 220 Kbps and Up 1.5Mbps . The routers control web page said that the connection was – TH GSM ( R ) . I suspect that the wireless router is only for 3G 850Mhz , which is the same as my CAT SIM card . I then put the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card into a mobile phone I have that has a hotsopt option and is 4G enabled , this time the speeds were – Down 6.2 Mbps and 3.9 Mbps UP . The phones signal bars  were showing 4G .  I have tested the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card using the mobile phones hotspot to connect my main PC , and I am happy with the results .

When I put my CAT SIM back into the wireless router , the routers web page showed the connection as being – 52000  , which I think is for the CAT 850 MHz network . So it now looks like I will be going with an AIS 6Mbps long term package , but before I do that I will need to buy a new 4G wireless router with a SIM card slot . 
 

So thanks again for your suggestions and help 

 

[shady86]

Just an update 
 
 
Well I went and purchased an AIS 4G SIM card and put some credit on it , then got 24 Hours of 6Mbps package .  I put this new AIS SIM card into the wireless router that I use for my CAT internet package .
The results were not very good with speeds of – Down 220 Kbps and Up 1.5Mbps . The routers control web page said that the connection was – TH GSM ( R ) . I suspect that the wireless router is only for 3G 850Mhz , which is the same as my CAT SIM card . I then put the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card into a mobile phone I have that has a hotsopt option and is 4G enabled , this time the speeds were – Down 6.2 Mbps and 3.9 Mbps UP . The phones signal bars  were showing 4G .  I have tested the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card using the mobile phones hotspot to connect my main PC , and I am happy with the results .
When I put my CAT SIM back into the wireless router , the routers web page showed the connection as being – 52000  , which I think is for the CAT 850 MHz network . So it now looks like I will be going with an AIS 6Mbps long term package , but before I do that I will need to buy a new 4G wireless router with a SIM card slot . 
 
So thanks again for your suggestions and help 
 

4G router will cost you about 3k. Depending on your needs, getting a portable wifi Hotspot might be a good idea too.

[naboo]

2 hours ago, ThaiLife said:

 

 

 

 

Just an update 

 

 

Well I went and purchased an AIS 4G SIM card and put some credit on it , then got 24 Hours of 6Mbps package .  I put this new AIS SIM card into the wireless router that I use for my CAT internet package .

The results were not very good with speeds of – Down 220 Kbps and Up 1.5Mbps . The routers control web page said that the connection was – TH GSM ( R ) . I suspect that the wireless router is only for 3G 850Mhz , which is the same as my CAT SIM card . I then put the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card into a mobile phone I have that has a hotsopt option and is 4G enabled , this time the speeds were – Down 6.2 Mbps and 3.9 Mbps UP . The phones signal bars  were showing 4G .  I have tested the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card using the mobile phones hotspot to connect my main PC , and I am happy with the results .

When I put my CAT SIM back into the wireless router , the routers web page showed the connection as being – 52000  , which I think is for the CAT 850 MHz network . So it now looks like I will be going with an AIS 6Mbps long term package , but before I do that I will need to buy a new 4G wireless router with a SIM card slot . 
 

So thanks again for your suggestions and help 

 

Why not just stick with CAT? They offer 1, 4, 6 and 8Mbps connections, for less than AIS.

[ThaiLife]

6 hours ago, naboo said:

Why not just stick with CAT? They offer 1, 4, 6 and 8Mbps connections, for less than AIS.

Hi and thanks for the info 

 

I did have a look at the CAT web site but could not find any options showing pre paid 6Mbps packages for six months and one year similar to the AIS packages . So I would be grateful if you can provide the CAT web page showing the 1, 4, 6 and 8Mbps connections .

 

CAT web site 

http://www.mybycat.com/en/

 

Thanks 

[ThaiLife]

8 hours ago, shady86 said:

9 hours ago, ThaiLife said:

Just an update 
 
 
Well I went and purchased an AIS 4G SIM card and put some credit on it , then got 24 Hours of 6Mbps package .  I put this new AIS SIM card into the wireless router that I use for my CAT internet package .
The results were not very good with speeds of – Down 220 Kbps and Up 1.5Mbps . The routers control web page said that the connection was – TH GSM ( R ) . I suspect that the wireless router is only for 3G 850Mhz , which is the same as my CAT SIM card . I then put the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card into a mobile phone I have that has a hotsopt option and is 4G enabled , this time the speeds were – Down 6.2 Mbps and 3.9 Mbps UP . The phones signal bars  were showing 4G .  I have tested the new AIS 6Mbps SIM card using the mobile phones hotspot to connect my main PC , and I am happy with the results .
When I put my CAT SIM back into the wireless router , the routers web page showed the connection as being – 52000  , which I think is for the CAT 850 MHz network . So it now looks like I will be going with an AIS 6Mbps long term package , but before I do that I will need to buy a new 4G wireless router with a SIM card slot . 
 
So thanks again for your suggestions and help 
 

4G router will cost you about 3k. Depending on your needs, getting a portable wifi Hotspot might be a good idea too.

Thanks 

 

I'm having a problem selecting the right router , so I'm going to start a separate post on that subject 

 

[Crossy]

@KneeDeep do these "unlimited" packages have any "fair use" limitations? 

 

i.e. A maximum (monthly?) download volume after which it slows / stops.

 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

@KneeDeep do these "unlimited" packages have any "fair use" limitations? 

 

i.e. A maximum (monthly?) download volume after which it slows / stops.

 

I have been using dtac 2mbps unlimited for 4 months now. My monthly usage is probably around 100-200GB. There has not been any limits yet.

 

 

[KittenKong]

do these "unlimited" packages have any "fair use" limitations?

i.e. A maximum (monthly?) download volume after which it slows / stops.

The T&Cs of all the ones I looked at contained phrases like "you must not use the service in any way that might affect other users" which I took to mean that they could throttle you if they wanted to.

But this is different from other packages, of which there are hundreds, which specify exactly when they will throttle you after xGB of downloading, and they do exactly that.

The main feature of these slower packages is that there is no data cap, though there is a speed cap.

[Crossy]

13 minutes ago, KittenKong said:

The main feature of these slower packages is that there is no data cap, though there is a speed cap.

Yeah, I subscribe to an AiS 2GB "unlimited" package, buzzes along at 30Mbs+, but I don't need that speed for my mobile, the BBC radio player streams just fine when I've used the 2GB (limited to 384kbps) so one of the "slow" packages would save me a few beers.