I am considering options for purchasing a router and getting internet via a local companies satellite. I am partial to some internet downloading and want to know about your experience of both. If it rains heavy in CR will this stop my signal and hence stop my downloads? How often does a wifi system go down due to rain? Does a router need turning off regularly to avoid burnout?

You might ask in the IT section. I can guarantee that you will not have uninterrupted 24 hour service in CR, however. ISP's are not great. There are power outages and lightning storms. The router that comes with your TOT installation for example, would need to be upgraded if you want to leave it running for any length of time. It will need to be rebooted to clean out the catch from time to time, as well. Forget IpStar, you won't like it.

All that being considered, if you are patient and get a 3 meg or up connection, you can do like me and get all your software and movies off the torrents, even in the middle of nowhere.

I had IpStar when I couldn't get anything else and was glad to have it.

Having said that... it was expensive, slow and unreliable.

My ADSL connection through a land line is a far better option.

I noticed Maxnet in Big C are now offering 3mb for 590baht per month but she said it's not available in all areas.

I noticed Maxnet in Big C are now offering 3mb for 590baht per month but she said it's not available in all areas.

The Situations improving all the time in Chiang Rai. I'm out in the sticks. Ive seen my actual speed improve on maxnet from 200kbps 2 years ago to a full 2meg recently. It can run slow at peak times but the service is 'upto 2meg' . I suspect I'll be able to get the 3meg in the next six months or so but 2 meg is fine.