Dtac 3G Launch:Metro Bangkok Aug. 15

[lomatopo]

As you may be aware DTAC will turn up 400 base stations in metropolitan Bangkok with 3G on 850 Mhz on Monday, August 15, 2011. (Their broader Bangkok and national roll-out is on hold currently.)

There are some Thai forums saying that the service is already turned on in some areas and some DTAC employees and enterprise customers are using it as of now.

Have any DTAC subscribers here seen 3G available in areas otherwise not served (original trial areas)?

As an aside, True are turning up more 3G base-stations (also 850 Mhz) expanding their metro-Bangkok coverage between now and August 20.

[Napat9]

Anyone know when Chiang Mai can expect 3G service from DTAC?

[lomatopo]

Anyone know when Chiang Mai can expect 3G service from DTAC?

This is, at the moment, challenging to answer and I'm not being a wisea$$, but based on available information "this year, or next year". Best case, Chiang Mai by Dec. 2011. I think they need to order, import, install and turn up equipment.

AIS (on 900 Mhz) and True (on 850 Mhz) both have 3G in Chiang Mai currently.

Edited August 9, 2011 by lomatopo

[lomatopo]

I guess DTAC employees have been testing the network since July 29.

Edited August 11, 2011 by lomatopo

[moo9]

Not fair business as AIS and true can do, DTAC not.

[muratremix]

How is DTAC 3g package prices compared to True and AIS? Or even TOT?

For mobile internet, TOT 3G still offers the most affordable packages via MVNO partners (starting from 99 baht / month!)

[lomatopo]

How is DTAC 3g package prices compared to True and AIS? Or even TOT?

For mobile internet, TOT 3G still offers the most affordable packages via MVNO partners (starting from 99 baht / month!)

AS the service has not yet been launched it is challenging to compare prices. Although anyone familiar with consumer retail operations in Thailand would expect DTACs pricing and packaging to closely match those of True and AIS?

Unless you are looking for a data-only solution and stay 100% of your time within the limited coverage area, TOT and their MVNOs are a no-op for most people. Lame voice roaming, no SMS roaming, no 2G roaming. Of course it's cheap.

[lomatopo]

Still expecting a launch tomorrow but not 100% sure. Maybe Tuesday? Maybe wait for the AG's decision?

Many people have been testing the ~ 400 base-stations in metro-Bangkok.

I found this partial coverage list:

Thonburi / Shipping / Charoennakorn / Dao Khanong / Soi / Anasheed / Taling Chan / southern bus terminal (the third).

- Rama IV / Si Phraya / Hua / Chinatown / Charoenkrung / bracelet / Mo.

- Rama three / Sathorn / Chongnonsri / Silom / CBD / Toei.

- Siam / MBK / wish / Ploenchit / Sukhumvit / Bangkok / Bangna, Price (1-5).

- Phayathai / Monument / Phaholyothin / Video / Ratchayothin / m Agriculture / Ladplakao.

- Development / Bangkok / Hua / Paradise / Secon / Ladkrabang.

- Rama IX / Ratchada / Sutthisan.

[lomatopo]

DTAC to go ahead wIth 3G launch thIs week

By Usanee Mongkolporn,

Sirivish Toomgum

The Nation

Published on August 15, 2011

Total Access Communication (DTAC) will press ahead with the launch of its third-generation wireless broadband service in Bangkok this week as planned, despite a possible legal threat from its concession owner CAT Telecom.

DTAC has about a million subscribers with 3G-850-megahertz mobile phones, of whom about 400,000 are in Bangkok. It believes it has to debut the service now or it might lose premium subscribers to competitors Real Move and Advanced Info Service, which launched full 3G services last month.

CAT has warned DTAC that it should wait for a ruling by the Office of the Attorney-General on whether the launch of a commercial 3G service is appropriate under its CAT concession. The office recently warned DTAC that launching the service before its ruling could put the telecom at risk of legal action.

DTAC believes it can launch the service under a permit it secured from

the National Telecommunica-tions Commission to install and use a 3G network. It argues that this is not in fact the launch of |a new commercial service but |simply an upgrade of network data-transmission speeds for its customers.

A telecom-industry source said CAT had asked DTAC to withdraw its complaint at the Central Administrative Court against the state agency and its board in connection with the CAT-True Group deals on collaboration in 3G business first, and then CAT would urge the Office of the Attorney-General to expedite its ruling.

The source added that DTAC might want to wait to see how the new minister of information and communications technology handles the CAT-True deals. If the minister declines to look into the matter, DTAC might consider withdrawing its court complaint.

DTAC has said many times that its complaint against the deals and its 3G service launch are two separate issues.

CAT and True's subsidiaries Real Move and Real Future signed deals in January to develop jointly a nationwide 3G-850MHz service. In April, DTAC filed the court complaint against the legitimacy of the deals and against the CAT board for allowing the state agency to sign them with True group.

DTAC had its staff try the new 3G service last month. It will install 2,000 3G base stations by next year to cover 40 provinces, of which 400 are already available in Bangkok.

[lomatopo]

It looks the launch is tomorrow, Tuesday August 16, 2011.

Further it appears, based on Google translations of various DTAC communications, that the service will be free for those who have an existing data package!

Public Company Limited Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC) to customers, DTAC dtac 3G service on the 850 mega hertz spectrum in the region from August 16. 2554 This ensures dtac 3G allows for data on the Internet quickly and smoothly DTAC. From the beginning, in the service aims to develop better and more comprehensive service network to provide the best data. Employees all come together. With the largest campaign of the year , Mr. Jon Eddy Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer Company Limited Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC), said: "The service is part dtac 3G. of our commitment to providing innovative solutions and services that benefit the lives of consumers continues. The service will enhance the customer experience, DTAC, which currently apply existing data package. Without additional charge. We believe that dtac 3G services on 850 MHz spectrum will be most beneficial to both consumers.

Edited August 15, 2011 by lomatopo

[lomatopo]

PRESS RELEASE

dtac sets August 16 as 'dtac 3G' launch date

Published on August 15, 2011

Existing customers receive upgrade at no additional charge dtac announced the launch of the dtac 3G service on 850 MHz band on

The new service upgrade enhances user experience on dtac's Internet network with faster and smoother data transmission. Entailing continuous service improvement and network coverage expansion, the dtac 3G marks a major step for the company in reaching the goal to become the country's best data network operator. The flagship service also encompasses a strong collaboration among all dtac employees and boasts the company's biggest campaign of the year.

Jon Eddy Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Total Access Communication PLC. (dtac) said "the dtac 3G service is part of our ongoing commitment to provide customers with innovative solutions and services that will benefit their daily lives. It is a service enhancement that is offered at no additional charge to all our existing customers in the Bangkok area who have already subscribed to data service packages. We strongly believe that the 3G HSPA service on 850 MHz will benefit not only the Thai consumers, but also the Thai telecom industry and the country as a whole. Since the 3G HSPA service on 850 MHz is provided under a concession agreement, it will also benefit our partner, CAT Telecom."

"The HSPA upgrade on the 850 MHz band marks the beginning of exciting times for the telecom industry in Thailand. We believe the establishment of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and the licensing of 2.1 GHz spectrum for 3G services will take the industry to an even higher level and we look forward to working with the new Minister of the Information and Communication Technology Minister and NBTC in making this a reality" said Abdullah.

According to Pakorn Pannachet, Senior Vice President - Products Division, dtac, "the launch of dtac 3G service on August 16 reinforces the commitment of our continuous service improvement and network coverage expansion. Existing dtac subscribers who own a handset or device that supports 3G on 850 MHz band are entitled for the dtac 3G service and can use it in service areas currently covering Bangkok. Our existing data service customers can simply enjoy the dtac 3G service, but with noticeably higher speed and better signal quality, all with no additional charge."

"The dtac 3G comes out on top in terms of speed thanks to the ample 10 MHz bandwidth," added Pakorn. "This means the network can accommodate higher concurrent users and provides speeds of up to 42 Mbps downlink and at speed rate of mega bit per second ranged uplink. With thorough quality test conducted by both our staff and external specialist team, we are confident on the full readiness in serving customers, and yet we continue to adopt the latest technology with a view to improve the service quality to the level beyond customer expectations."

"The dtac 3G is our annual flagship campaign and encompasses comprehensive collaboration among all dtac teams and employees with the aim to create and develop the best service quality for our customers," added Pakorn.

Currently dtac has committed an investment plan to upgrade its network to 3G in 1,220 base stations and planned to increase the number of 3G base stations to 2,000, covering 40 provinces in 2012.

For more information on coverage areas, models of compatible handsets and devices and advice on device setting, go to www.dtac.co.th/3G. Current dtac customers who subscribed for unlimited mobile internet package will receive automatic upgrade which entitles them to the dtac 3G service. For current dtac customers who subscribe for other packages, simply dial *3000# and press call (toll free) to enable the dtac 3G service. There is currently no additional charge for the dtac 3G service.

To celebrate the launch of the dtac 3G, the company created a television commercial entitling "Care" that reflects positive aspects of telecom technology to human life under the tagline - "Beyond the best technology is its ability to connect all emotions smoothly". Special campaign including consumer event and several fun activities are also planned to be launched very soon.

[lomatopo]

http://www.dtac.co.th/3G Not yet up.

Tempted to run out now, get a DTAC SIM and a data plan.

[KRS1]

Im in Chiang Mai and DTAC EDGE has been consistently better than True and AIS using USB aircards. If the 3g quality is anything like the good service i receive with their EDGE service, I will be a DTAC 3g customer for sure...when it arrives.

[janverbeem]

DTAC had its staff try the new 3G service last month. It will install 2,000 3G base stations by next year to cover 40 provinces, of which 400 are already available in Bangkok.

So in fact they need 400 base stations to cover parts of Bangkok,but they will only fivefold those base stations to cover an additional 39 provinces.I guess that means that every province included will have a coverage of 5 square kilometer each.

[lomatopo]

Unbowed by CAT, DTAC to begin 3G

Launch set for Tuesday amid concession row

Published: 15/08/2011 at 10:00 PM

Online news: Local News

CAT Telecom has threatened to immediately file a complaint against DTAC with the arbitrator if the second-ranked mobile operator begins its 3G commercial service Tuesday as planned.

The state telecom enterprise says it will also submit a letter to the acting National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) against DTAC for breaching its concession agreement by misusing the analogue

850-megahertz frequency without the state's approval.

Jon Eddy Abdullah, the chief executive of DTAC, insisted Monday that the company will start providing its planned commercial 3G wireless broadband service Tuesday, saying it has the right to provide commercial 3G service now that it has a usage licence — basically formal permission to begin operating on a frequency — from the NBTC, clearing the way for commercial 3G service.

But CAT president Jirayuth Roongsrithong reiterated that a legal battle with DTAC will inevitably persist if the company determines to move ahead with its planned 3G.

more...

[lomatopo]

First commercial...

[muratremix]

They allow true, ais but not dtac? Maybe this is farangfobia or something?

[lomatopo]

Website banner up only, found these details on another site:

Open again with the 3G service from the camp, mobile blue dtac even later, but good for the customers to wait long for offers of great advantage as a reward customers who still loves dtac that is fine. allow users to use 3G to not have to waste any more money, both monthly and prepaid customers. With the launch of new web pages. Www.dtac.co.th/3g. 's 3G network and provide information on all areas of the DTAC mobile service package, and supports 3G on the 850MHz frequency band. DTAC customers and happy to dtac 3G immediately.

Current customers with unlimited Internet package. (Unlimitted).

will be upgraded to a shabby room dtac 3G speeds of up to 42 Mbps.

Current customers using the Internet based on packet traffic.

enjoy dtac 3G with a maximum speed of 42 Mbps can simply dial * 3000 #.

For existing customers who use other packages with dtac 3G.

with a maximum speed of 384 Kbps can simply dial * 3000 #.

Users can use up to 42 Mbps, with the factor in running speed differences are as follows.

- Mobile users can get it dtac 3G speeds (you can check out the features of the machine).

- The distance between the subscriber and base station.

- The number of users at the time. Or in areas with dense buildings.

Terms dtac 3G.

Dtac 3G customers can access a simple application of good packets that are available in both postpaid and prepaid. Using a mobile phone or device that supports 3G 850 MHz and in the service area dtac 3G.

1. Internet package and unlimited amount based on usage data. . dtac 3G customers can use up to 42 Mbps are available in both postpaid and prepaid.

Monthly.

- Package smartphone: a call for a play.

- Package aircard-tablet: for the play through the aircard / tablet / iPad.

- Package iPhone.

- Package for BlackBerry UNLIMIT (postpaid and prepaid).

- Internet access package. (Postpaid and prepaid).

Prepaid.

- Customers who bought dtac 3G iPhone internet SIM can be activated at speeds up to 42 Mbps can be immediately enabled.

2. For that package other is at a maximum speed of 384 Kbps dtac 3G, simply dial * 3000 # then call.

And to use dtac 3G's full potential. Customers can check the detail package. the service and compatible devices dtac 3G. more. here or call. 1678 dtac call center, press 3, press 8.

And that comes with this release is to release a movie ad dtac 3G, which I meant it. When I see the story of the film would be impressed with this ad.

[lomatopo]

Speedtests...I don't recall seeing a double-digit 3G speed here before.

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/mbk/topic/T10941376/T10941376.html

[lomatopo]

Website http://www.dtac.co.th/3g/ is up.

Coverage looks good: http://www.dtac.co.th/3g/coverage.php

Prepaid aka Happy: http://www.happy.co.th/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=281&Itemid=265〈=th

Packages (note 3 GB, 5 Gb and 7 GB fair-use limits) http://www.dtac.co.th/3g/package.php

[lomatopo]

I got a Happy SIM for 49 baht, added money, subscribed to the 349 baht/1 GB monthly pre-paid data plan. (I pay 399 baht for 600 MB with True.)

Speedtests from MBK and Asoke.

[lomatopo]

APN settings

[muratremix]

i wonder if ais is better choice for data + voice use in bangkok or dtac? Ais 3g doesnt cover all bangkok yet. Tot 3g has better coverage then them

[thaicruze]

Fast.

Let's wait until everyone and their grandma subscribes for it. We'll see then how the speeds are.

I pay unlimited 3G with TRUE 650 baht per month. I've gotten as fast as 6Mbps and around 1-2Mbps most of the time.

[lomatopo]

i wonder if ais is better choice for data + voice use in bangkok or dtac? Ais 3g doesnt cover all bangkok yet. Tot 3g has better coverage then them

It depends on your handsets' capabilities, for most it is either or, not and. Other than iPhone 4, Nokia N8, SGS2 your handset supports 850 Mhz on 3G so True or DTAC, or 900 Mhz so AIS. TOT/MVNOs is a no op unless your application is data only.

Fast.

Let's wait until everyone and their grandma subscribes for it. We'll see then how the speeds are.

I pay unlimited 3G with TRUE 650 baht per month. I've gotten as fast as 6Mbps and around 1-2Mbps most of the time.

Agreed. I've had True 3G for 8 months and 1 - 2 Mbps is fine for my smartphone application. In fact since True started their fair-use caps things might have actually gotten a bit better.

Obviously the target base is 850 Mhz 3G handsets only, just like True, so not sure if everyone including Grandma can even use 3G? Not that many 850 Mhz capable handsets in country now. Estimates: ~ 1 million-ish.

Which plan are you on? iPhone Free-Size? 599 baht/month. That does have a 3 GB cap on 3G now (256 Kbps after you hit the cap), and of course that package is both limited to post-paid and iPhone IMEI's only (or so I was informed when I tried to get that on an Android phone ).

[lomatopo]

DTAC 3G SIM in a D-Link DWM-156 Air-Card application:

[muratremix]

I have iPhone 4 so I can use both 850 and 900 mhz 3G services. I am with True at the moment, 599 baht iphone package. However, I can't make voip call outside because of very low upload speed (150-200 kbit) and higher ping times compared to AIS / TOT.

In Asoke area where I live, True's speed is lower compared to major shopping complexes.

[lomatopo]

I have iPhone 4 so I can use both 850 and 900 mhz 3G services. I am with True at the moment, 599 baht iphone package. However, I can't make voip call outside because of very low upload speed (150-200 kbit) and higher ping times compared to AIS / TOT.

In Asoke area where I live, True's speed is lower compared to major shopping complexes.

There is no question that True changed their upload speed sometime over the past 3 months or so. When I first got the service I would see at least 1.0 Mbps upstream. After the changes I'm lucky if I see more than 100 Kbps. That said, most VoIP providers really only support WiFi, and in some rare-ish cases 3.x./4G (in the U.S.). So maybe better to make those important calls on 006? And save the VoIP calls for when you have WiFi access?

That 599 baht Free Size package would be hard to walk away from. It's almost worth getting an iPhone fo(u)r. Not. I've tried to sleaze my way into that plan through several routes, and have always been rebuffed.

[GreenSnapper]

I can't get a 3G connection with DTAC near BTS Ari. My phone has 850 MHz, so it should work.

[lomatopo]

I can't get a 3G connection with DTAC near BTS Ari. My phone has 850 MHz, so it should work.

Coverage maps indicate there should be coverage in that area. What is the make/model of your phone? Do you have a DTAC SIM? A 3G or older unlimited data plan? Did you set up the APN properly? Reboot the phone? Has your phone worked previously on 850 Mhz 3G networks?