Visiting From The Uk, Separate Data Plans/Cards For Phone/Tablet?

[JuniorExPat]

Dear Tech Experts of ThaiVisa,

I have a friend visiting from the UK in November and he has just asked me about using mobile internet whilst here (Chiang Mai, in case that makes any difference). I know nothing about this subject so am asking around for information.

His question was: "If I get a PAYG card for my phone / tablet device will it have a data plan attached to it or are there entirely separate cards for that over there as there are over here?"

Any websites, phone numbers, personal experiences or other relevant advice or info will be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

JxP

[Phil Conners]

Prepaid cards usually come in a basic "voice only" version, but you can add various dataservices by entering codes with the handset. The codes depend on the provider.

AIS

DTAC

True

[Jiu-Jitsu]

TRUE 3G and AIS 3G are available in Chiang Mai.

Whete your friend can use it depends on the location and the specification of the 'phone / tablet device.

You are looking at UMTS/HSPDA 850Mhz for TRUE 3G or UMTS/HSPDA 900Mhz for AIS 3G.

For AIS, there is the One2Call Super 3G Net SIM for 149 baht. More here

For True 3G; Look here

[sbk]

Depending on which company has 3G for your friend's tablet, then he needs to 1. get a SIM and then 2. get the data plan. Easily done by calling their service center or doing it at the counter of the correct service provider (IE walk into true, tell them you need a sim and a data plan and they will set everything up for you, pick the data plan you want, pay them and once its all set up walk out without having ot mess with codes or cards)

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Depending on which company has 3G for your friend's tablet, then he needs to 1. get a SIM and then 2. get the data plan. Easily done by calling their service center or doing it at the counter of the correct service provider (IE walk into true, tell them you need a sim and a data plan and they will set everything up for you, pick the data plan you want, pay them and once its all set up walk out without having ot mess with codes or cards)

Do you really think that is the best way? To tell the shop assistant that you need a SIM and a data plan and hope for the best?

In Thailand you need to know exactly what you want before you even enter the premises. Otherwise you are likely to get sidetracked.

[JuniorExPat]

Thanks all, I'm enjoying the learning process, I really should know more about this and this has given me the opportunity to learn!

I'd really like to read some info from people with first hand experience of bringing such a device from the UK to Thailand so that my mate can avoid wasting valuable holiday time on sorting out his connectivity . . . any takers? :-)

Thanks,

JxP

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Are we supposed to guess the device of your friend??

If they are going to be using a laptop and/or PC, the cheapest compatible modem you can get is here for £14.

Can be used in conjunction with TRUE 3G.

[lomatopo]

Are we supposed to guess the device of your friend??

If they are going to be using a laptop and/or PC, the cheapest compatible modem you can get is here for £14.

Can be used in conjunction with TRUE 3G.

Agreed. You really have to provide a lot more detail in order to get a recent recommendation. Knowing things like: specific equipment (make, model), specific requirements (3G, 2G, MiFi), specific geographic location(s), duration, monthly usage, voice/SMS requirements all help us to fashion recommendations. Without them I'm reluctant to contribute as I am shooting in the dark.

[thaicbr]

Are we supposed to guess the device of your friend??

If they are going to be using a laptop and/or PC, the cheapest compatible modem you can get is here for £14.

Can be used in conjunction with TRUE 3G.

Jiu.. what about unlocking this model and getting the dashboard.. maybe easier to just buy one here with a sim.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Are we supposed to guess the device of your friend??

If they are going to be using a laptop and/or PC, the cheapest compatible modem you can get is here for £14.

Can be used in conjunction with TRUE 3G.

Jiu.. what about unlocking this model and getting the dashboard.. maybe easier to just buy one here with a sim.

It's unlocked and you can enter new profiles using the existing dashboard.

[Chivas]

Are we supposed to guess the device of your friend??

If they are going to be using a laptop and/or PC, the cheapest compatible modem you can get is here for £14.

Can be used in conjunction with TRUE 3G.

Jiu.. what about unlocking this model and getting the dashboard.. maybe easier to just buy one here with a sim.

It's unlocked and you can enter new profiles using the existing dashboard.

Its locked to o2 according to item description ??

[Chivas]

Are we supposed to guess the device of your friend??

If they are going to be using a laptop and/or PC, the cheapest compatible modem you can get is here for £14.

Can be used in conjunction with TRUE 3G.

Jiu.. what about unlocking this model and getting the dashboard.. maybe easier to just buy one here with a sim.

It's unlocked and you can enter new profiles using the existing dashboard.

Its locked to o2 according to item description ??

Updated it is indeed locked to o2 and would require unlocking.Seller on ebay has just mailed me.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Are we supposed to guess the device of your friend??

If they are going to be using a laptop and/or PC, the cheapest compatible modem you can get is here for £14.

Can be used in conjunction with TRUE 3G.

Jiu.. what about unlocking this model and getting the dashboard.. maybe easier to just buy one here with a sim.

It's unlocked and you can enter new profiles using the existing dashboard.

Its locked to o2 according to item description ??

Updated it is indeed locked to o2 and would require unlocking.Seller on ebay has just mailed me.

It is not locked.

[Chivas]

On what basis and WHY do you continue to insist that the seller of the Dongle (Argos) is selling an unlocked dongle for £14 !!

Its locked to o2 and I have the email from ebay confirming that is so ?? Why the arguement ??

You're not Thai by chance are you !! If you still dispute it, click the link, AND Email the seller yourself ??

Edited May 20, 2011 by Chivas

[Jiu-Jitsu]

On what basis and WHY do you continue to insist that the seller of the Dongle (Argos) is selling an unlocked dongle for £14 !!

Its locked to o2 and I have the email from ebay confirming that is so ?? Why the arguement ??

You're not Thai by chance are you !! If you still dispute it, click the link, AND Email the seller yourself ??

Listen. Don't be stupid. I have told you that it is unlocked. If you chose not to believe me that is your choice. But do not waste my time nor try to insult me.

Do you think that it is remotely funny asking whether I am Thai? What exactly do you mean by that?

[Chivas]

On what basis and WHY do you continue to insist that the seller of the Dongle (Argos) is selling an unlocked dongle for £14 !!

Its locked to o2 and I have the email from ebay confirming that is so ?? Why the arguement ??

You're not Thai by chance are you !! If you still dispute it, click the link, AND Email the seller yourself ??

Listen. Don't be stupid. I have told you that it is unlocked. If you chose not to believe me that is your choice. But do not waste my time nor try to insult me.

Do you think that it is remotely funny asking whether I am Thai? What exactly do you mean by that?

Me Stupid !!

Listen and listen good !! The item is locked to O2-the advert tells US its locked to O2-The seller further confirms thats its locked to O2.

What possible part of those statements do you find hard to understand ??

Further more I've already suggested you Email the seller ?? What was the response ??

And this will be your response "Dont need to contact seller-its unlocked"

Grow up-you made a GENUINE mistake and the reference to being Thai should be obvious.

For what its worth I've ordered the product myself as I want True access-the seller has also provided unlocking links for it.

Give it a rest.

[Phil Conners]

Enough bickering already!

It should be possible to discuss this in a polite manner without having to resort to name callings!

Next to continue will receive a free posting holiday!

[Jiu-Jitsu]

That's funny. ARGOS providing unlocking links. If it were locked to O2 they would simply refer you to O2 in order to get it unlocked.

Please post the "unlocking links" here. I am interested to see what kind of unlocking links that ARGOS provide.

Let's hope you are man enough to apologise when it arrives.

I'm won't be interested in excuses, just an apology.

[JuniorExPat]

Okay, not enjoying it so much now; I hadn't realised that I was lighting the blue touch paper!

Seriously though, I'm a bit confused by the talk of modems, I thought the information would be about SIM cards and service plans . . . what am I missing?

BTW, my friend is expecting to arrive in Thailand with an HTC Flyer if that makes any difference. I'm going to send him the links provided; thanks Phil Conners and Jiu-Jitsu.

JxP

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Okay, not enjoying it so much now; I hadn't realised that I was lighting the blue touch paper!

Seriously though, I'm a bit confused by the talk of modems, I thought the information would be about SIM cards and service plans . . . what am I missing?

BTW, my friend is expecting to arrive in Thailand with an HTC Flyer if that makes any difference. I'm going to send him the links provided; thanks Phil Conners and Jiu-Jitsu.

JxP

I think that model is compatible with AIS 3G and TOT 3G. AIS 3G is available in Chiang Mai.

Strangely, they don't seem to have a PrePaid SIM that offers 3G access and calls. I hate AIS/One2Call.

I guess you can obtain one of their normal SIM cards and then apply a 3G package

Net SIM 3G

[Jiu-Jitsu]

The modem information was just in case he, or anyone else perusing the thread, were to use a laptop or PC.

[Chivas]

That's funny. ARGOS providing unlocking links. If it were locked to O2 they would simply refer you to O2 in order to get it unlocked.

Please post the "unlocking links" here. I am interested to see what kind of unlocking links that ARGOS provide.

Let's hope you are man enough to apologise when it arrives.

I'm won't be interested in excuses, just an apology.

Just email them yourself-simple.I really dont understand you, but anyone reading this exchange would tell you to do exactly that ??

Edited In- Ring Tracy Skelton from Argos Ebay on UK 0845-600-0213 who has just provided her details to allow anyone to contact her direct-The item is LOCKED.

No further input from me.

Edited May 21, 2011 by Chivas

[lomatopo]

Okay, not enjoying it so much now; I hadn't realised that I was lighting the blue touch paper!

Seriously though, I'm a bit confused by the talk of modems, I thought the information would be about SIM cards and service plans . . . what am I missing?

BTW, my friend is expecting to arrive in Thailand with an HTC Flyer if that makes any difference. I'm going to send him the links provided; thanks Phil Conners and Jiu-Jitsu.

JxP

I think that model is compatible with AIS 3G and TOT 3G. AIS 3G is available in Chiang Mai.

Provided it is the 3G version, AIS/One-2-Call-3G in Chiang Mai seems like the only option. It does help when people reveal the product and their location. It might help to get clarification on the exact model of HTC Flyer, and are there any other devices involved? How much data is required? How long will your friend be in Chiang Mai?

Apologies to Jiu-Jitsu, if these are dupes...

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/Netsim.html

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/3G_package.html

Edited May 21, 2011 by lomatopo

[Jiu-Jitsu]

That's funny. ARGOS providing unlocking links. If it were locked to O2 they would simply refer you to O2 in order to get it unlocked.

Please post the "unlocking links" here. I am interested to see what kind of unlocking links that ARGOS provide.

Let's hope you are man enough to apologise when it arrives.

I'm won't be interested in excuses, just an apology.

Just email them yourself-simple.I really dont understand you, but anyone reading this exchange would tell you to do exactly that ??

No further input from me.

It is not possible to post the unlocking information provided to you by ARGOS?? Is it a secret? Did they ask you not to reveal it? I don't understand. I'm sure it could be helpful to many.

As to emailing ARGOS, there is no need to do so, as you will be receiving the modem in a few days and can update us as to the reality of the situation.

Fully install the modem and then place a foreign SIM card inside. If it asks for an unlocking code then you were right. If it doesn't, an apology would be nice. .

No need for useless arguments or bickering. Just report the facts.

Surely that is the point of the forum for most of us; to share useful information.

You will be in possession of the facts in just a few days. I hope that you will share them and not let others depend on ' having to email the seller'.

So let us make this a useful thread, not a useless one. I don't want the mods to shut it down when there is useful information to be imparted.

Please provide the unlocking information provided by ARGOS and also update us to the status of the modem when it arrives.

Thank you.

Edited May 21, 2011 by Jiu-Jitsu

[Chivas]

That's funny. ARGOS providing unlocking links. If it were locked to O2 they would simply refer you to O2 in order to get it unlocked.

Please post the "unlocking links" here. I am interested to see what kind of unlocking links that ARGOS provide.

Let's hope you are man enough to apologise when it arrives.

I'm won't be interested in excuses, just an apology.

Just email them yourself-simple.I really dont understand you, but anyone reading this exchange would tell you to do exactly that ??

No further input from me.

It is not possible to post the unlocking information provided to you by ARGOS?? Is it a secret? Did they ask you not to reveal it? I don't understand. I'm sure it could be helpful to many.

As to emailing ARGOS, there is no need to do so, as you will be receiving the modem in a few days and can update us as to the reality of the situation.

Fully install the modem and then place a foreign SIM card inside. If it asks for an unlocking code then you were right. If it doesn't, an apology would be nice. .

No need for useless arguments or bickering. Just report the facts.

Surely that is the point of the forum for most of us; to share useful information.

You will be in possession of the facts in just a few days. I hope that you will share them and not let others depend on ' having to email the seller'.

So let us make this a useful thread, not a useless one. I don't want the mods to shut it down when there is useful information to be imparted.

Please provide the unlocking information provided by ARGOS and also update us to the status of the modem when it arrives.

Thank you.

Refer to post 22 which is Edited.End of debate.

Edited May 21, 2011 by Chivas

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Okay, not enjoying it so much now; I hadn't realised that I was lighting the blue touch paper!

Seriously though, I'm a bit confused by the talk of modems, I thought the information would be about SIM cards and service plans . . . what am I missing?

BTW, my friend is expecting to arrive in Thailand with an HTC Flyer if that makes any difference. I'm going to send him the links provided; thanks Phil Conners and Jiu-Jitsu.

JxP

I think that model is compatible with AIS 3G and TOT 3G. AIS 3G is available in Chiang Mai.

Provided it is the 3G version, AIS/One-2-Call-3G in Chiang Mai seems like the only option. It does help when people reveal the product and their location. It might help to get clarification on the exact model of HTC Flyer, and are there any other devices involved? How much data is required? How long will your friend be in Chiang Mai?

Apologies to Jiu-Jitsu, if these are dupes...

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/Netsim.html

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/3G_package.html

There is a Time Based 3G SIM there(5 hours per month) that charges 2 baht a minute for calls, so at least they do seem to have combined products. I still hate AIS/One2Call.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

That's funny. ARGOS providing unlocking links. If it were locked to O2 they would simply refer you to O2 in order to get it unlocked.

Please post the "unlocking links" here. I am interested to see what kind of unlocking links that ARGOS provide.

Let's hope you are man enough to apologise when it arrives.

I'm won't be interested in excuses, just an apology.

Just email them yourself-simple.I really dont understand you, but anyone reading this exchange would tell you to do exactly that ??

No further input from me.

It is not possible to post the unlocking information provided to you by ARGOS?? Is it a secret? Did they ask you not to reveal it? I don't understand. I'm sure it could be helpful to many.

As to emailing ARGOS, there is no need to do so, as you will be receiving the modem in a few days and can update us as to the reality of the situation.

Fully install the modem and then place a foreign SIM card inside. If it asks for an unlocking code then you were right. If it doesn't, an apology would be nice. .

No need for useless arguments or bickering. Just report the facts.

Surely that is the point of the forum for most of us; to share useful information.

You will be in possession of the facts in just a few days. I hope that you will share them and not let others depend on ' having to email the seller'.

So let us make this a useful thread, not a useless one. I don't want the mods to shut it down when there is useful information to be imparted.

Please provide the unlocking information provided by ARGOS and also update us to the status of the modem when it arrives.

Thank you.

Refer to post 22.

Do you have the unlocking information at hand or not?

I would advise you to hold your horses until the item arrives. Arguing a point on hearsay seems folly to me. No point in arguing about the locked/unlocked status. We can wait until your item arrives.

Can you impart the unlocking information given to you? Yes or no?

[Chivas]

I wont be bullied by you !! Refer AGAIN to edited post 22 with name/telephone number for the last time.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Dear Chivas

Bullied? Are you female? I don't understand why you would use such language.

You have told us that ARGOS supplied you with unlocking instructions, but you refuse to give any details. Why is that so?

It seems clear to me now that you are trying to take us for a ride.

Perhaps you won't even bother to report back with the status of the modem once you see that I was right all along....using the excuse that you felt bullied.

I have told you multiple times that the modem is not locked. It is you who chose to argue on the open board. You could have simply waited until you received the modem and updated us then, instead of starting an argument.

Now you are claiming that you are being bullied. Isn't it you who is trying to force me to make a useless call??

Anyway, there is no point in continuing this discussion as you are keeping ARGOS's unlocking instructions to yourself and you haven't received the modem yet.

So let's leave it.

Let us know the status of the modem when you receive it....as that will actually be useful.

I hope none of what is written is interpreted as flaming. There was actually no need for any of this at all.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Before Chivas embarrasses himself further with this.... After his continual arguments I went to the trouble of taking one of the O2 Huawei E160 modems from Argos Outlet out of the box. Popped a Vodafone SIM in and placed the modem in to a USB port. Installed it and lo and behold!; the O2 Connection Manager showed that Vodafone UK was available. Further to this, as I also have Mobile Partner software installed, I exited the O2 Connection Manager and fired up Mobile Partner. There again Vodafone UK was shown.

That confirms that the modem is not locked.

If Chivas doesn't know how to install and use a USB modem, I will be happy to talk him through the installation; but arguing on a subject about which he clearly knows nothing is pure folly.

So Chivas, put this one to bed. I'm here to help, not to have pointless arguments over hearsay. I know and knew that they are not locked. Whereas your 'information' came from an Argos Outlet employee. Not a good basis on which to start an argument.

Now you start a thread stating that the O2 Huawei E160 uses Mobile Partner software when it simply does not.

This is O2 Connection Manager:

This is Mobile Partner:

You can't really mistake one for the other.

Do you actually know anything about this subject?

What indication are you having that makes you think that the modem is locked?

P.S. Chivas is still posting away on his other thread, trying to bluff us. He obviously didn't know that I have a number of those particular modems in different colours(white is the other colour) and have tested them all. They are not locked.

Now let us look at his posts in that light.

Edited May 24, 2011 by Jiu-Jitsu