Wi-Fi in Korat - Recommendations?

[Korat88]

I am spending more time in Korat now and use True when in Bangkok. Should I opt for a True router in Korat too or would anyone have other recommendations before I decide? Many thanks for any feedack should anyone reply.

[Mickeymaus]

You should check at your location in Korat which provider works best there for your Internet usage. You can use daily data options for this and also buy cheap SIM cards from other providers. Then buy a SIM at Lazada or Shoppee. Routers you will find also on the Internet. 

 

[NextG]

True refers to fixed line connections. Truemove H is their mobile service. Which is it?

If mobile, then run a speed test on your phone whilst there to see what speed is available to you. Once you report back with the available speed at the intended location, we can better advise which package would be best. 
You can buy a dedicated Truemove 4G+(Cat.6) router for around 1000 baht. 

Truemove H SIM supplying unlimited data at up to 15 Mbps for 12 months, costs around 1700 baht(approx 141 baht per month). 
If your speed test comes out higher than 15 Mbps, you can opt for Unlimited data at up to 30 Mbps for 235 baht per month(265 baht with free calls to all networks, though of course that is not needed when using a router). 
 

Speed test first, then we can provide specific links

[Korat88]

Thank you Mickeymaus and NextG.

 

I have been using the hot spot on my mobile (True H package) but I see to have used up my quota and it is extremely slow at the moment when I try to load pages/visit websites. So hence the router thought which would be best for home anyway. It doesn't have to be True which is why I was asking for any feedback. As Mickeymaus suggests it may be better to just browse the options in the Mall or IT centres and see what I find.

[NextG]

6 minutes ago, Korat88 said:

Thank you Mickeymaus and NextG.

 

I have been using the hot spot on my mobile (True H package) but I see to have used up my quota and it is extremely slow at the moment when I try to load pages/visit websites. So hence the router thought which would be best for home anyway. It doesn't have to be True which is why I was asking for any feedback. As Mickeymaus suggests it may be better to just browse the options in the Mall or IT centres and see what I find.

Sorry, but where has Mickymaus suggested that you should browse the options in a mall or IT centre?

 

You should actually pay attention to what is written, rather than putting your own spin on it ????

 

He suggested that you test the SIMs of every network by running speed tests on each. I cannot see you doing that, so I kept it simple. 
From your post, it appears that you have one of those ‘old fashioned’ plans that give you a certain amount of data and then slow down to a crawl. I recommend that you change that immediately. 
You can do so by topping up at least 300 baht and then applying this code via the keypad; *900*9782# followed by pressing the Call key. 
If that doesn’t work then revert to *900*9779# followed by pressing the call key. 
 

The first will get you unlimited data at up to 10 Mbps with no slow down. The second unlimited 4 Mbps with the same conditions. These are the ‘modern’ updated plans. No more annoying slowing down to unusable speeds. 
 

But before you do any of that, I recommend that you add a one day full speed pack in order to test the maximum speed that you will get at your location in Korat. Please don’t waste your time going to the malls and IT centres. They cannot know the location and conditions in your dwelling and nearby. They are only there to see you stuff. Mickymaus and perhaps myself and others will know more than any shop will advise. You have to run a speed test to know what is possible. That is what Mickymaus suggested. He suggested all networks, but I surmise that would not be likely in your case. Best to try what you already have. 
 

You have two separate issues. One with your current SIM and it’s outdated plan and the other to buy a plan suitable for your home in Korat. 
Both easily solved if you listen to us. 

[NextG]

https://topping.truemoveh.com/
 

You can add a couple of GBs using that page, then you can get to a Speed test using your browser or method of your choice. 
Once we know the top speeds you can get, we can best advise what to buy and where. It won’t be more than 1000 baht for the router(if you still want one, as your problem is not with using the Hotspot from your phone, but your choosing of a plan with a limited amount of data. We can fix that) and between 100 and 235 baht per month for ‘non slow down’ data access. 
 

[Korat88]

46 minutes ago, NextG said:

https://topping.truemoveh.com/
 

You can add a couple of GBs using that page, then you can get to a Speed test using your browser or method of your choice. 
Once we know the top speeds you can get, we can best advise what to buy and where. It won’t be more than 1000 baht for the router(if you still want one, as your problem is not with using the Hotspot from your phone, but your choosing of a plan with a limited amount of data. We can fix that) and between 100 and 235 baht per month for ‘non slow down’ data access. 
 

Thank you for the guidance NextG. I followed your link and added 24 hours worth more at 1GB. A speed test using the service below shows a download speed range range of 88-109 Mbps, upload range of 11.00-23.5 Mbps and Ping rate of 60-64 ms.

 

https://www.bandwidthplace.com/#start

 

As you say they no doubt sold me an old package but it was only recently! So they know, as you now no doubt too, that I am not exactly "savvy" at these things!

[NextG]

32 minutes ago, Korat88 said:

Thank you for the guidance NextG. I followed your link and added 24 hours worth more at 1GB. A speed test using the service below shows a download speed range range of 88-109 Mbps, upload range of 11.00-23.5 Mbps and Ping rate of 60-64 ms.

 

https://www.bandwidthplace.com/#start

 

As you say they no doubt sold me an old package but it was only recently! So they know, as you now no doubt too, that I am not exactly "savvy" at these things!

So what would you like to have on your phone and in Korat? Do you want one SIM only in your phone or would you like two separate SIM, existing one in your phone and another for a router?

[NoDisplayName]

True in Korat will let foreigners install landline/fiber in their house.

The clerk will probably ask to see a work permit, but a call to the head office will grant approval if you can show a bank passbook.

 

We have unlimited package, 399B/month.  Free install, router included.  Up/download speeds 90-110 mbps.

[NextG]

To give you some examples…

 

If you want to keep your existing number and do not need high speeds on the phone, but still enough for YouTube etc, you can add a proper unlimited pack(10 Mbps or 4 Mbps) as indicated earlier for 300 or 200 baht per month respectively. 
I don’t know how that compares to how much you pay now. But adding packages to existing SIM is usually more expensive than the offers available when you activate a new SIM. Though still not terrible for usable speeds. 
 

If you want a separate setup for Korat using a new SIM then there are much better plans available. 
Your choice would be between a monthly package or an annual bundle. 
Monthly, you are looking at 200 baht for unlimited data at 20 Mbps or 235 baht per month for unlimited 30 Mbps. These speeds are more than enough for general household usage; streaming 1080p video on a big TV for instance.

 

If only for laptop usage, an annual 15 Mbps SIM costing 1700 baht for the year would suffice. 141 baht per month. 
 

Which scenario fits your intended usage?

[Korat88]

I would ideally like to have fast reliable internet access at a reasonable cost and if one SIM (current one using the hotspot feature) will achieve that after amending the package, then great! If the better option is to go with a router at home and have another SIM for that, then so be it, but seems tedious changing all the time or is it just me? Do people actually do this often?

[Korat88]

If only for laptop usage, an annual 15 Mbps SIM costing 1700 baht for the year would suffice. 141 baht per month. 

 

This option would be ideal!

 

I no longer have a work permit NoDisplayName. Just retired. I have the bank book though as have to for retirement visa!

[NextG]

9 minutes ago, Korat88 said:

I would ideally like to have fast reliable internet access at a reasonable cost and if one SIM (current one using the hotspot feature) will achieve that after amending the package, then great! If the better option is to go with a router at home and have another SIM for that, then so be it, but seems tedious changing all the time or is it just me? Do people actually do this often?

It’s up to you. 
I have a router at home that powers my TV and PC. I have a separate SIM for my phone. They are independent of each other. 
If you want to use one SIM for everything, that would be your decision. 
It would not be convenient for me. If streaming a movie on TV, that would mean that my phone would be on as a Hotspot for hours, draining the battery. You’d have to keep it plugged into the mains. 
Secondly, you can only add a 4 Mbps for sure or perhaps 10 Mbps pack to your existing SIM. With a new SIM you can go up to unlimited at 30 Mbps or go for top speed but with a limited amount of data per month(70 GB). This is why it’s best to follow advice here. There is no way they would or could explain this all to you and you’d be under pressure to remember it all and to make a decision. Here, you can read and read again and take your time over a nice cup of tea to think about what kind of setup would suit you and then come back again with any other questions before taking the plunge. 
 

[NextG]

15 minutes ago, Korat88 said:

If only for laptop usage, an annual 15 Mbps SIM costing 1700 baht for the year would suffice. 141 baht per month. 

 

This option would be ideal!

 

I no longer have a work permit NoDisplayName. Just retired. I have the bank book though as have to for retirement visa!

To replace the SIM in your phone or as a separate source along with a router to feed devices at home in Korat?

[Korat88]

14 minutes ago, NextG said:

To replace the SIM in your phone or as a separate source along with a router to feed devices at home in Korat?

After all your guidance so far I am thinking as a separate source with router would be better.

[NextG]

13 minutes ago, Korat88 said:

After all your guidance so far I am thinking as a separate source with router would be better.

The router link is in your inbox. 
SIM link is here. You can order COD: https://shopee.co.th/search?keyword=ซิมเทพธอร์

 

The general price online is 1790 baht, though there are a few that undercut that. Be careful when choosing, as there is an option of 15Mbps, but with a 100 GB limit. You don’t want that one. 
 

If you need me to pick a random but reliable seller, here is one: https://shopee.co.th/-เลือกเบอร์-SET1-Sim-Thor-ซิมเทพธอร์-ซิมเน็ตทรู-ชิมเทพ-เนตเทพ-ความเร็ว-15Mbps-1ปี-โทรฟรีทุกเครือข่าย-720-นาที-i.67420445.1652701443