Mobile Internet For Laptop (Dongle)

[jubby]

I've seen a couple of guys using sort of what I'd describe as a 'dongle' to get access to the Internet on a Laptop.

Its not using wireless internet as far as I can see, rather some sort of mobile phone technology perhaps.

I believe its a CAT product and they pay around 850 baht per month for it.

Anyway, Its clear I don't know anything about it.

Whats it all about and what are the options available currently

[sulasno]

It's EDGE I believe

[JohnC]

They cost around 2500 baht I believe then you get an internet account with one of the mobile phone operators, if you get a modern mobile you can use that instead (assuming you buy one with intenet access installed)

[jubby]

They cost around 2500 baht I believe then you get an internet account with one of the mobile phone operators, if you get a modern mobile you can use that instead (assuming you buy one with intenet access installed)

Ahh. Tell me more about the modern Mobiles. I've never kept pace with this technology, just make phone calls sort of thing.

I'll check out EDGE in the meantime

[JohnnyFeelIt]

They cost around 2500 baht I believe then you get an internet account with one of the mobile phone operators, if you get a modern mobile you can use that instead (assuming you buy one with intenet access installed)

You can pick EDGE enabled ones up for less than 1'000 nowadays, and about 2'000+ for a 3G one..

[Atmos]

I have an EDGE 'aircard' bought through an AIS 12call shop.

Cost 1700 baht to buy, and pay 700 baht per month for unlimited usage.

No contract - prepay same as you can your mobile phone. I top mine up through the ATM at Kasikorn

Last weekend I had an sms from 12call offering these aircards at 1090 baht.

For me there is no other option - rural.

Down-side if varying coverage/signal strength which varies day by day for no apparent reason.

[jubby]

I have an EDGE 'aircard' bought through an AIS 12call shop.

Cost 1700 baht to buy, and pay 700 baht per month for unlimited usage.

No contract - prepay same as you can your mobile phone. I top mine up through the ATM at Kasikorn

Last weekend I had an sms from 12call offering these aircards at 1090 baht.

For me there is no other option - rural.

Down-side if varying coverage/signal strength which varies day by day for no apparent reason.

Thats good to know, Geng. Is it basically the same thing as what CAT are offering. ?

[naboo]

The CAT dongles have a faster speed than EDGE. 3G in Thailand is limited to a few hundred square km over the entire country.

[gkinbkk]

I have an AIS one with 50 free hours a month for 6 months, and a DTAC internet sim in my iPad which is 999 unlimited permonth.

Drove from BKK to Ubon listening to rugby league on internet radio all the way using DTAC. AIS was hit and miss and got so bad that I couldnt use it for 2 days. OK in the city when I'm working but upcountry I thought it was rubbish. All my Thai colleagues have had the same experience too...

[garyh]

Cat CDMA seems the way to go way faster than the GPRS/Edge speed up around 3mb if your lucky. Talk to CAT there web site is not Farang friendly.

[jubby]

Cat CDMA seems the way to go way faster than the GPRS/Edge speed up around 3mb if your lucky. Talk to CAT there web site is not Farang friendly.

OK, now I'm getting it. I suspect where I want to use it wont be on the Map. thanks for the help Guys

[garyh]

Cat CDMA seems the way to go way faster than the GPRS/Edge speed up around 3mb if your lucky. Talk to CAT there web site is not Farang friendly.

OK, now I'm getting it. I suspect where I want to use it wont be on the Map. thanks for the help Guys

Would be worth asking CAT buy otherwise this may be your only option.

IP Star

[seanocasey]

everything is dead now.

[garyh]

everything is dead now.

Everything? the world has ended?

[Tropicalevo]

I have been using the CAT CDMA for most of the year. Originally as a back-up to TOT ADSL, but more and more the main access point.

It cost 6,000 baht and 780 per month (with the first six months free at the time). Works all of Thailand except Bangkok (Bangkok will come later)

Up until last week it provided very good service. Very reliable (here on Samui) with few drop-outs. Speed was more than acceptable.

However, this week it has been a bit of a dog. Lots of hanging. Mind you 3BB has been non existant, the local SamuiWiFi provider is having problems and TOT is as always just as bad.

So - CAT CDMA is still my preferred access point to you all

Edited August 13, 2010 by Tropicalevo