Getting Set Up In Phuket... Best Providers?

[beaner]

Hi everyone,

I've just moved to Phuket, have found a house and now I need to get set up with all the service providers - television, internet, mobile phone, land line...

Can anyone make recommendations on which company and their specific service(s) are best? i.e. most reliable without being hugely costly?

I'm just so overwhelmed by the different provider and can't make sense of their offerings. Can't even seem to find information on where to find an AIS location to even speak with them about the different packages! Does anyone know where I can go to speak with someone in person for AIS, DTac and True? (I think these are the three providers?)

-I've got a Blackberry 8310 from Canada that I would like to use as my mobile phone and receive email (work and personal) on it

-I'd like to subscribe to a television package that has English channels and international coverage, and will even consider getting a PVR if its recommended? I'm considering TrueVision's Gold package.

-The house I'm moving to has internet connection already but I'm not sure of the provider. Apparently it costs 650 baht per month. I'm not sure of the speed either, but if anyone can make a recommendation on the best provider and package I can compare it to what is currently installed once I find out what that is.

-Lastly, is there only one land-line provider in Phuket? I likely won't need to use it, unless the line is how I receive internet (?) - or do I receive internet via cable as is the case in most of Canada?

Thanks all.

[LivinLOS]

TV.. UBC / Truevisions.. Google them.. Will come and fit. Fairly crap TV IMO and so I think the PVR is a waste (theres so little I want to watch).. I download lots of my viewing now..

Phone I use AIS 12Call.. Postpaid scratchcards everywhere.. A good phone shop should be able to put you onto the GPRS / EDGE setup and unlimited data can be purchased per month.. Also lots of different 30 hour etc packages.. I prefer 12Call to DTAC.

Internet.. ASDL requires a landline (no cable here).. TOT or TT&T are the 2 companies.. Theres also a net only line from CAT telecom but only in very limited town / main street areas.. Best ISP by far is maxnet premier.

[g00dgirl]

In my opinion:

TV: UBC Sat TV (whatever package, depending what channels you need)

Internet: TT&T phone line, then MaxNet as your ADSL provider - Backup and on the road solution: CAT Telecom CDMA datacard

Mobile Phone: AIS

Landline: There is TOT and TT&T for land line providers. TT&T lines work better with ADSL. - No cable internet afaik ..

[beaner]

Thanks so much you two!