Ais And Tot3G - What'S Going On?

[jackbox]

Back in January all the Thai press was abuzz with a new deal between AIS and TOT3G to allow data roaming for AIS customers on TOT3G's network. It said the deal would go into effect at the end of February and you would need to get a new sim card from AIS. In March I called AIS and they said there is no new SIM and now way for an AIS customer to roam on TOT3G for data. What's going on? Did the deal fall through again for the umpteenth time? Or is there some magic word I need to say to get the sim?

TOT3G only has 10,000 active subscribers so they need some revenue and their network is way underused as it was built out for 500,000 users. There is also some rumors that AIS is in negotiation with TOT to purchase TOT3G, thus giving AIS a legal 3G license. Let's hope that happens.

Edited April 2, 2011 by jackbox

[lomatopo]

Not sure but there have been quite a few threads recently on this topic by members who follow these developments closely, and are very knowlegable and up to date. Maybe have a look through this sub-forum.

AFAIK, TOT 3G customers roam onto AIS for voice only when outside the Bangkok coverage area. Not sure about the MVNOs, you'd have to ask or read the fine print. Also no 2G when roaming.

[anon345535]

i got a tot 3g sim card today. 3g works good enough with my desire hd.

i've had problems calling internationally. technician has called me 3 times now. doesn't really seem to know what he's talking about.

i've just been told you can't send texts overseas with tot3g.

why is everything so difficult in this country?

[petedk]

AIS have started advertising for their 3G + Wi-fi + Edge. In the advert there is a map of Bangkok and all the points of access. Unfortunately this is map is only on screen for a second or two so there is no hope of studying it to see where 3G is available.

I decided to go to their Serenade lounge at Paragon and ask about the 3G. The first girl looked at me as if I was mad. "3G?????? What is that? No AIS doesn't have it. ". I pointed out that I had seen the advert and wanted more details. Another girl standing nearby overheard the conversation (whilst serving another customer) and came over to tell me that 3G and wi-fi from AIS was only available at a few hotspots such as Paragon.

So I guess nothing has happened on that front yet. I am seriously considering moving my number to True.

[LDNBKK86]

AIS have started advertising for their 3G + Wi-fi + Edge. In the advert there is a map of Bangkok and all the points of access. Unfortunately this is map is only on screen for a second or two so there is no hope of studying it to see where 3G is available.

I decided to go to their Serenade lounge at Paragon and ask about the 3G. The first girl looked at me as if I was mad. "3G?????? What is that? No AIS doesn't have it. ". I pointed out that I had seen the advert and wanted more details. Another girl standing nearby overheard the conversation (whilst serving another customer) and came over to tell me that 3G and wi-fi from AIS was only available at a few hotspots such as Paragon.

So I guess nothing has happened on that front yet. I am seriously considering moving my number to True.

I am also on the brink of switching to True.... I am with AIS and i am in the same position as you. I saw the advert, i called them and they said, yeah, we have 3G......... in the Paragon..... so thats pretty pointless.... but at least it is a start.

I heard that AIS were going to purchase TOT3G, this would extend 3G for AIS throughout Bangkok - which is fine. I have a TOT3G in my iPad and the speed is really good (probably due to the low subscriber numbers) I am very pleased with TOT3G and if they got into bed with AIS i think it would work out well and many people would be happy. We will see

We always have True as a last resort.....

[lomatopo]