Aircard

[nitram]

I live in a remote area of Pak Chong that cannot get a landline telephone installed nor an internet connection.

I have been informed by TOT that there are no lines in my area and that an “Aircard” was the only thing available.

“TrueMove” have 2 different Aircards contracts. One is a 21 Mbps usb aircard (2,590 Baht) and the other is a 7.2 Mbps aircard (1,790 Baht). And then I pay the monthly internet connection.

The fine print states that the maximum speed that I can use for internet connection for all Aircards is 1 Mbps.

Sorry to take so long in the explanation but my inquiry is:

Why would anyone want to pay for the more expensive 21 Mbps Aircard if the maximum speed is capped at 1 Mbps. Am I missing something. Is there a reason why I should be getting the more expensive aircard. Is this in case a better speed will be offered in the future?

[lomatopo]

Maybe you want to use the air-card elsewhere in Thailand, or even another country, where there are higher speeds available?

In your case buy the air-card which meets all your requirements.

You can verify coverage here:http://www.truemove-...k_coverage.aspx

Which plan are you looking at? I don't see any speed limitations on the various web pages.

I might be tempted to get a Smartphone SIM and one of the data packages rather than the iSIM/package?

http://www.truemove-...smartphone.aspx

http://www.truemove-...ay-topping.aspx

OK, see some promotions here: http://www.truemove-...aircard_02.aspx

It looks like the 30 hour promotional package is capped at 1 Mbps. Just get one of the volume-based plans, which do not appear to be capped.

[nitram]

Thanks Lomatopo for the information.

The plan I am looking at is "Power Surf 2" at 899 Baht per month reduced to 699 for first 6 months.

The limit listed of 1 Mbps is for the whole time I am connected not only for the first 30 hours.

There is an asterix on the plan and then the small print states

" Maximum 3G+ Speed for Net 220 package is 1 Mbps"

But I do see your point in regards to using the card elsewhere.

Thanks

[lomatopo]

I can't figure out these plans as the Thai and English pages have different details, and in some cases, conflicting information.

To me it looks like the the Spin, Surf 220 package drops to 384 Kpbs after 30 hours, and may or may not be limited to 1 Mbps before.

I guess if the Power Surf II is truly unlimited then 1 Mbps might not be too bad?

As long as you understand the terms and conditions, and are happy that's all that counts.

[touch]

AIS have their 'Airnet' internet in Pakchong. 7 meg up and 7 down. if i remember correctly it is 699B per month unlimited.

Installation fee of 1.000B.

I had them come and test it at my house and it was indeed 7 up and 7 down, domestic! When we did speed tests against international servers we got max 2meg down.

I didn't pursue it further since we got a TOT landline a week after. Contact the Telewiz office in Pakchong they can help you out.

//t

[FritsSikkink]

I have an AIS aircard with about 7mb speed. In Bangkok the real speed is as fast as a good WIFI connection in a hotel but in Don Sak the speed is 50kb.

It all depends on location if you reach to top speed. At your location it will probably be not too fast.

[irlguy1]

I got my girl an Aircard and it was fine in the city but now she is back in Phayao and the speed is horrible we cant even get a decent Skype connection.

Has anyone any tips on where we can sort a connection to her home.She is in a fairly small area but they do have all the amenities but the nearest internet shop is about 2k away so just not practical.

Any advice appreciated.

[RKASA]

I got my girl an Aircard and it was fine in the city but now she is back in Phayao and the speed is horrible we cant even get a decent Skype connection.

Has anyone any tips on where we can sort a connection to her home.She is in a fairly small area but they do have all the amenities but the nearest internet shop is about 2k away so just not practical.

Any advice appreciated.

There are only a few places that 3g works in the country and that is not one of them - the 2g edge is rated 384k but everyone I know only gets about 215k. I now use one in place of the IpStar which I can finally do away with and it works as well as IpStar did but 2000 a month cheaper. Phayao - well - maybe 10 more years. I have waited 13 years for a phoneline in Phitsanulok. Good Luck.

[irlguy1]

I got my girl an Aircard and it was fine in the city but now she is back in Phayao and the speed is horrible we cant even get a decent Skype connection.

Has anyone any tips on where we can sort a connection to her home.She is in a fairly small area but they do have all the amenities but the nearest internet shop is about 2k away so just not practical.

Any advice appreciated.

There are only a few places that 3g works in the country and that is not one of them - the 2g edge is rated 384k but everyone I know only gets about 215k. I now use one in place of the IpStar which I can finally do away with and it works as well as IpStar did but 2000 a month cheaper. Phayao - well - maybe 10 more years. I have waited 13 years for a phoneline in Phitsanulok. Good Luck.

She has just been told by a friend of hers that she can get a connection to her house for 2k and 600 baht per month.

At the moment she pays 1k for the unlimited aircard so could be a winner.

Also for the record she gets 3g on her iphone so there is signal in Phayao its just slow as hell on the upload but download is pretty good.The problem is we need decent latency for webcam so still screwed. Hopefully she gets more info from her mate.

[lomatopo]

I can't figure out these plans as the Thai and English pages have different details, and in some cases, conflicting information.

I re-visited the TrueMove H web-pages, and based on their other pricing / packaging I am guessing their intent is that the Power Surf II promotional Package includes the Power Surf II air-card for 2,590 and bundles the Net 899 service, for which you pay 699 for the first six months. Further the fair-use limit is 5 GB and you have unlimited speed (max. 42 Mbps, but the air-card is limited to 21 Mbps, and real-world might be closer to 7 -ish Mbps) up to 5 GB and then the speed drops to 384 Kbps thereafter.

Again, this is my guess, and I am often wrong when trying to decipher some of these promotions and packages.

The Surf promotional package which includes the Spin or Surf air-card for 1,790 and the bundled Net 220 package does seem to have a limit of 1 Mbps, dropping to 384 Kbps after 30 hours.

[TongueThaied]

If you will travel around, you will be sorely disappointed with True as its network is limited. You may want to consider DTAC or AIS in that case. Keep in mind that for 3G aircards, all are NOT compatible. One card will work with both DTAC and TRUE, but there is a different frequency for AIS 3G.

It is true that 3G does not work all over the country, but the installations are proceeding now, so I would certainly get a 3G compatible ard whether you have it or not. DTAC is targeting all the cities first and will then continue its upgrades into the countryside.

I used DTAC and bought a 21 mbps unlocked Sierra 308 aircard on eBay, about half the cost of the identical card here.

If you want to buy an air card in Thailand, this site has some of the best prices and a very wide selection: http://www.totalaircard.com/categories/USB-Aircard/

[TongueThaied]

As to one of the OP's original questions: "Why would anyone want to pay for the more expensive 21 Mbps Aircard if the maximum speed is capped at 1 Mbps. Am I missing something. Is there a reason why I should be getting the more expensive aircard. Is this in case a better speed will be offered in the future?"

If anybody has an answer to this, I would sure like it. The absolute fastest mobile download speeds, even with 4G in the US, are around 8 mbps. They even sell a 42 mbps air card. DTAC claims you can get this speed with its fastest package, but their reps are ignorant of the technology and only repeat like a parrot. There is no such technology in palce anyhwee in the world that will give you a speed like that with a mobile card. I think the fastest download speed anybody has ever actually measured in Thailand using the moblie system with 3G is around 3 mbps -- and that under optimal conditions -- don't expect it.

So what is the advantage to a 7.2, 21.1 or 42.2 mbps card? Many people claim they are faster, but how can they be when there is a 3 mbps bottleneck through which all mobile air card traffic in Thailand must pass? What Am I missing? I have researched the hell out of this on the Internet and can find no answer. Does anybody know?

[nitram]

In reply to "Touch". I did approach AIS and they told me that there was no service in my area. I wonder if that means there will be no service with "truemove" as well.

I did ask the "Truemove" rep if a technician could come and verify that I could get reception and the answer was "NO"..... You gotta love this place

I will do a bit more research on this as I am finally realizing that I must have my internet junkie fix daily otherwise I get a bit edgy

"Lomatopo" has been very helpful with all the info and websites and I thank you all for your replies and advice.

Thanks

[lomatopo]

You need to talk to neighbors in order to determine if 3G is available; look for someone using it already.

Having said that, a SIM is 50 - 100 baht and a daily 3G plan is 49 baht so a small expenditure will allow you to determine what is truly available. This assumes you have a phone which supports 850 and/or 900 Mhz readily borrowable. Experiment before committing.

You can view the AIS/One-2-Call 3G coverage maps here (they use 900 Mhz 3G): http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/3g/coverage/#7

I see Pak Chong covered, YMMV.

I believe TongueThaied is a bit behind the curve re: this subject, judging by his posts.

[touch]

Just to clarify a little. The "AIRNET" from AIS isn't a 3G offering as such, but some kind of "wireless internet". You get a microlink on your house and an ordinary router inside. Depending on which side of the highway you live on the AIRNET is available in Pakchong. If you live on the Khao Yai side, there is coverage,inside Pakchong proper I am not so sure. as you might know, or not, there is a lot of AIS bigwigs having vacation homes here....

[nitram]

Thanks again for the last link "lomatopo".....it looks like I am out of luck with the coverage as I am in the Mu Si area which looks like it's on the fringe.

AIS did ask for my address and said "NO"..it was just outside of coverage. But "trueMove" said it did cover the area...... maybe!!!!..... but wouldn't test it for me by sending out a tech.

I am using an AIS aircard that is extremely slow (384 kbps)...but it doesn't look like it's 3G. I think I will have to put up with this instead.

But again, I appreciate all the replies and advice.

[lomatopo]

Thanks again for the last link "lomatopo".....it looks like I am out of luck with the coverage as I am in the Mu Si area which looks like it's on the fringe.

AIS did ask for my address and said "NO"..it was just outside of coverage. But "trueMove" said it did cover the area...... maybe!!!!..... but wouldn't test it for me by sending out a tech.

I am using an AIS aircard that is extremely slow (384 kbps)...but it doesn't look like it's 3G. I think I will have to put up with this instead.

But again, I appreciate all the replies and advice.

Can you tell us the exact brand and model number of the air-card? Do you have an AIS or One-2-Call SIM? Have you appled for a data plan? What does the user interface look like (screenshot maybe)? Can you talk to any neighbors about what services might be available? Typically word spreads fast when a new TrueMove H site gets turned up. Does anyone nearby have an iPhone 4 or 4S? Samsung Galaxy SII?

[touch]

If you are in Mu Si then AIRNET definitely has coverage. At the local Telewiz office they don't know much. You have to contact Airnet direct phone 1742. even they don't know about the coverage in our area, but they can get you in touch with the techs. in Korat. Website is http://www.ais.co.th/airnet/th/.

[nitram]

I have taken a pic of the USB Aircard....it is a AIS MF180.... the connection page that comes up on my PC says that the type of connection that I have is "HSPA".

I do not see any sign of the 3G connection icon.

So I can see that I am not connected to any 3G connections at all.

I will contact AIS on Monday as Telewiz was the company that said through AIS that there was no 3G in my area.

[lomatopo]

OK, that aircard does support 900 Mhz 3G, and HSPA is another name for 3G, so to me it looks like you have 3G? I assume you have some sort of AIS or One-2-Call SIM? Have you subscribed to a 3G data plan? My best guess is that you can get 3G, at speeds TBD, but since you have not subscribed to a 3G plan you are limited to GSM data: aka 2G, GPRS.

You could test this buy spending 49 baht and subscribing to a 3G data plan for 24 hours. Put the SIM in a phone, or if the User Interface allows you to send USSD messages, and enter *138*49# SEND

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/internet-package/

[nitram]

I've noted down what you have said "lomatopo".. but now I really am confused.

As far as I believe, the aircard that I have now, I have subscribed to 50 hours at 200 Baht. I do connect to the internet but at only 384 kbps. There is no mention of 3G on my connection icon on the AIS connection page that loads automatically when I start the software to connect.

I thought that this aircard tries to connect to 3G but when that fails, it connects to a slower connection (2G??).

Shouldn't this card automatically connect to 3G if I already have a package..albeit 50 hours @ 200 Baht

[lomatopo]

I've noted down what you have said "lomatopo".. but now I really am confused.

As far as I believe, the aircard that I have now, I have subscribed to 50 hours at 200 Baht. I do connect to the internet but at only 384 kbps. There is no mention of 3G on my connection icon on the AIS connection page that loads automatically when I start the software to connect.

I thought that this aircard tries to connect to 3G but when that fails, it connects to a slower connection (2G??).

Shouldn't this card automatically connect to 3G if I already have a package..albeit 50 hours @ 200 Baht

OK, in your previous post you said, "the connection page that comes up on my PC says that the type of connection that I have is "HSPA"." Maybe I misunderstood what you were saying, or meant by that? HSPA = 3G. If it says HSPA then you have a 3G signal, if it says "EDGE" or "GPRS" then you have a 2G signal.

The time-based packages seem to have a limit of 384 Kbps even on 3G:

http://www.ais.co.th...rnet-package/#1

scroll down to see, "*Maximum speed of 3G is 384 Kbps".

I suspect you have a 3G signal, how good it is remains to be verified. Now you just need a real 3G plan.

[nitram]

I certainly hope you are right "lomatopo" about my 3G. the fact that AIS said "No" was disconcerting. I will be chatting with AIS in the next few days.

I really wish to give you a "huge thanks" with all the new info I now have.

before I was muddling blindly along and listening to all the sales staff....... but now I feel as I know a little bit more.

[lomatopo]

I certainly hope you are right "lomatopo" about my 3G. the fact that AIS said "No" was disconcerting. I will be chatting with AIS in the next few days.

I really wish to give you a "huge thanks" with all the new info I now have.

before I was muddling blindly along and listening to all the sales staff....... but now I feel as I know a little bit more.

Maybe just best to buy a new One-2-Call SIM for 49 baht, add 50 baht to it, subscribe to the 49 daily plan for one day, to figure out exactly how good or bad your 3G connection is?

(I don't want you to do this with your existing SIM as you will potentially void your current 50 hour plan.)

Generally the Telewiz, AIS, One-2-Call staff are nice, bright, intelligent but not necessarily experienced in all the nuances of the massive service provider's offerings. I'd submit that neighbors probably know much, much more about which services are available in your general area, and that you should be talking to them.

[4grent]

No need to invest on expensive aircard. I recommend you to go with 4grent. They provide 4G wireless internet services like 4G aircard and WIFI for rent. Hope it helps.

[lomatopo]

Just to clarify a little. The "AIRNET" from AIS isn't a 3G offering as such, but some kind of "wireless internet". You get a microlink on your house and an ordinary router inside. Depending on which side of the highway you live on the AIRNET is available in Pakchong. If you live on the Khao Yai side, there is coverage,inside Pakchong proper I am not so sure. as you might know, or not, there is a lot of AIS bigwigs having vacation homes here....

If you are in Mu Si then AIRNET definitely has coverage. At the local Telewiz office they don't know much. You have to contact Airnet direct phone 1742. even they don't know about the coverage in our area, but they can get you in touch with the techs. in Korat. Website is http://www.ais.co.th/airnet/th/.

Yes, AirNET from AIS and Wi-NET from TOT are longer-distance point-to-point WiFi services which can deliver multi-mega-bit services to consumers who may not be able to get fixed lines (for DSL) or even 3G. Both services seem to get very positive reviews, and are attractively priced and have not fair-use limits. I assumed the OP was asking about 3G, originally, but AirNET and Wi-NET may be alternatives to consider?