Is True 3G A Joke Or What?

[muratremix]

Hi,

I just have bought my Post-paid iPhone Free Size package (599 baht, unlimited** 3G /edge and wifi, 300 minutes to all networks) and my line is activated after 2 hours as promised. Now, I'm in Sukhumvit near nana BTS and have almost full signal (one bar is missing). Speed test shown me first 200kbit, and then 500-800 kbit for download. Come on! it has to be higher when testing against local server. Any experiences with True 3g?

[lomatopo]

No problems, same neighborhood as you...

[lomatopo]

Try a different Server for your Speedtest...

Here are some iMobile 3GX (TOT) results...

[muratremix]

Thank you for your tests. Maybe its the cell tower I'm connected to. Maybe somebody is downloading torrents like crazy despite to the 3GB FUP policy.

[lomatopo]

Try a different server, do you get the same results?

Sometimes that Android Speedtest app. (which I use) selects a Bangkok server which always returns spurious results, can't say which server that is.

[muratremix]

i get similar results. i use iphone 3gs.

[skippybangkok]

As per the reports, they are rolling out more 3G network nationwide, assume its either as per the other OP's or network congestion.

I tried TOT, dont try to make a call while driving. It roams with AIS, and when you get loss of 3G signal, there is about a 2 min hand over to AIS, and then back again. When your living / driving near the boundries - real fun ! Tried to pay my TOT bill, also an interesting experience.

[lomatopo]

i get similar results. i use iphone 3gs.

You tried a different server? In Singapore? Hong Kong? Maybe try a web browser and try nectec? It's not network congestion, either a configuration issue or a bad speedtest server/site.

Have you tried the phone in other locations? Maybe head back to the True shop for assistance?

Anyway, these speedtest results are all but useless, IME. They illustrate connectivity, at best.

[muratremix]

Now I'm in Asoke, download speed is max 1Mbit. Tot 3G is much much better, more reliable. When I need to call via Voip, True 3G doesn't work good due to higher ping. I have to open wifi internet sharing on my iPad in order to make voip calls from iPhone.

[lomatopo]

Now I'm in Asoke, download speed is max 1Mbit. Tot 3G is much much better, more reliable. When I need to call via Voip, True 3G doesn't work good due to higher ping. I have to open wifi internet sharing on my iPad in order to make voip calls from iPhone.

I still think you have some settings or configuration issues with True; your results indicate an end=point issue rather than a network issue, IMLE.

Generally speaking no one would be surprised that True 3G might have more capacity issues than TOT 3G. True have had their network installed for more than 1 year and have a lot of customers (can't find the figure now). TOT 3G have the same-ish capacity (in Bangkok) but relatively few customers owing to the slow uptake on the MVNO channel.

I use both True and TOT (iMobile 3GX) in a Smartphone application for mobile connectivity (rather than broadband replacement). I find True to have better coverage overall, much, much better in-building coverage (to be expected: 850 Mhz vs. 2100 Mhz), 2G when outside of 3G, MMS (partial ), SMS outside of 3G, no roaming onto AIS for voice outside of 3G, international calling and SMS all on True but not TOT 3G. I seem to lose network randomly with TOT even in high coverage areas. Also True offer HSPA (7.2 Mbps) and TOT seems capped at 3.6 Mbps (maybe not on all base-stations, and not a huge issue for me).

Here are two speedtests from True this morning...