CAT Telecom To Dismantle Its Entire CDMA EV-DO Network

[bobl]

What I'm wondering, how many customers who download data on average of 200kbps can one BS antenna support. Just to get an overall idea.

That's a tricky question altogether, because it depends entirely on the equipment they're using. For example, a 6 sector Motorola Canopy cluster could handle up to 180Mbps (total throughput) and up to 1200 subscribers (with a MIR of 20Mbps each).

[cdnvic]

Troll posts and troll removed

[bobl]

What I'm wondering, how many customers who download data on average of 200kbps can one BS antenna support. Just to get an overall idea.

Sorry I misread your question - you're asking about current 3/4G data capacity I thought you were asking about the "last mile" wireless technology that's cropped up in this thread.

My experience is as an ISP, less so with 3 or 4g. Off the top of my head it would depend on their licence and the spectrum allocated to them. I've seen somewhere on these forums messages of how the spectrum's broken up but I can't remember if they're selling 10 or 20MHz chunks. It makes a big difference.

Anyway. 200Kbps "average" you said? The only figures I have to hand are in volume not speed so I need to convert. That's roughly 45GB/month which if I got my sums right, means they could only support 100,000 users (HSPA+ on 10MHz of spectrum) up to 500,000 (HSPA+, 40Mhz wide). That's if ALL your users were averaging 200kbps 24/7 which is extremely unlikely.

Realistically, such a network could support 20M subscribers at an average of 1GB/mo each (which you begin to see, is where the telcos get their 1Gb "fair use" figures from).

If you're interested in digging deeper, you'll find this interesting

[Gary A]

I have had Cat EVDO for a number of years. It goes up and down like a yoyo but is pretty dependable and reasonably priced. I have no idea what I will use when they pull the plug but hopefully Cat will have something to replace it by then. Living out in the boonies has benefits for me but a choice if service providers is definitely not one of them

Putting a download limit on the service is fine with me. If people want to download movies, they should have to pay for the bandwidth. I have NEVER downloaded a movie so I doubt that I would ever go over my limit.

[bobl]

Putting a download limit on the service is fine with me. If people want to download movies, they should have to pay for the bandwidth. I have NEVER downloaded a movie so I doubt that I would ever go over my limit.

Congratulations. Please find attached your MPAA approved merit badge.

Meanwhile, you might want to consider your words carefully. I suspect, that you have no idea what your monthly usage is because you've never needed to think about it. So I also suspect that there is a good chance you will learn very quickly, how little 1GB when and if you switch over to 3G. 1GB on 3G is roughly $5. 1GB on a $30/month 5Mbps broadband line is roughly $0.02.

[Gary A]

Putting a download limit on the service is fine with me. If people want to download movies, they should have to pay for the bandwidth. I have NEVER downloaded a movie so I doubt that I would ever go over my limit.

Congratulations. Please find attached your MPAA approved merit badge.

Meanwhile, you might want to consider your words carefully. I suspect, that you have no idea what your monthly usage is because you've never needed to think about it. So I also suspect that there is a good chance you will learn very quickly, how little 1GB when and if you switch over to 3G. 1GB on 3G is roughly $5. 1GB on a $30/month 5Mbps broadband line is roughly $0.02.

You're right. I rarely look at my usage but since you questioned it, I did have a look. My CAT CDMA keeps track of my connection history. It only goes back for two months and I have not exceeded 1 GB either month.

I do remember a big download of 1.8 GB several months ago but that is a rare instance indeed. That download was a GPS map of the USA and Canada.

[bobl]

I do remember a big download of 1.8 GB several months ago but that is a rare instance indeed. That download was a GPS map of the USA and Canada.

That's fine - but your argument was that heavier bandwidth users should pay. I'm not arguing with that, it's how much they have to pay I have an issue with.

At the moment, you pay your money and don't do > 1GB. The point is when you switch to 3G you pay your money and can't do > 1GB (without paying again).

Going back to the food analogy, Gary McSlim and Bob McGlutton go to an all you can eat buffet. Gary has 1 plate of food and Bob has 4.

Restaurant 'a' operating costs, food cost, etc etc are all carefully calculated to be able to satisfy both customers at a fixed price. That's how ISP's work.

Restaurant 'b' not only charges significantly more "per head" than restaurant 'a', but also charges Bob 4 times what they charge Gary. That's how 3G works.

[nocturn]

I have had Cat EVDO for a number of years. It goes up and down like a yoyo but is pretty dependable and reasonably priced. I have no idea what I will use when they pull the plug but hopefully Cat will have something to replace it by then. Living out in the boonies has benefits for me but a choice if service providers is definitely not one of them

Putting a download limit on the service is fine with me. If people want to download movies, they should have to pay for the bandwidth. I have NEVER downloaded a movie so I doubt that I would ever go over my limit.

funny i thought i was.

i even pay for a server (seedbox) in europe so i am not torrenting off my own connection.

I easily download 15-20 gig per week, but that would take well less than an hour a day with my 30m connect pegged.

and i apologise, i wrote this bfore i remembered we were talking about CAT and their wireless services, that case is somewhat different, but a ceiling is not unreasonable, if, indeed the network is in danger of being congested.

I must say my CAT on Phangan was pretty dam_n good though. rock solid if not ragingly fast.

ive heard 3g is pretty good round my way down there

Edited July 20, 2012 by nocturn

[Guest]

I went to pay my CDMA bill today and was told that after this month the price of CMDA network will be 1 bath / minute.

That is about 43.000B/month for unlimited usage.

I guess it's time to move on to another system.

[portly]

Went to Chiang Mai office a month or so ago , I was told service for 580 aircard would cease sometime near or at end of year . Apparently the My Click can be taken up , 1000baht for new card for laptop and 590 baht month for unlimited , bumff shows asterisk but no details ! Lady there. mentioned extra charge but not specific . Anyone go there and get some more sense. ? I,m only on computer for about 30 hours a month and not big on downloading too much . Is this new card and system gonna be worth it ? or shall I go elsewhere ?

They really arent a lot of help down at the office and don,t seem to know whats happening themselves

[portly]

I should add that I sent e mail to BKK office asking for clarification, no reply as yet

[Guest]

I visited the CAT office at Phuket town yesterday.

They are still on the impression that the promotion will be canceled after October.

This means that the service will be up and running, but the price of the connection is charged 1 baht/minute. -> 40.000+ bath / month if using the connection 24/7. So be aware!

If the promotion is going to continue, they will said they'll call me back on 26th/27th of this month. They did call last time the promotion was extended.

If one changes the existing subscription to the new 3G, then the fee of SIM card is waived (99 bath).

For new subscriptions there is 2 models.

1) If you have an work permit, then pay just for the SIM card and monthly fee of 599 + VAT

2) Without work permit the user have to pay 6 months fees in advance. 6*599 = 3594 + VAT

Sounds fair to me as I suppose they don't have up to date charging gateways. At least I have always been a bit late to pay my bills in the past. One time they did cut my line, but that was when I forgot to pay the bills for maybe 4 months.

In general CAT offers great service and that's one of the main reasons I wish to keep using them.

[Pormax]

Help info if can please.

I live in Buriram, Noth East Thailand - Rural village approx 22Kms from nearest Town.

I have had CAT CDMA picking up a signal from the nearest tower via a large ariel on the side of my house for about 2 years.

Though the CAT office say they will not close/shut down this service now they have the new service I am sceptical to say the least.

because of other feedback on this forum. They say the new service is not available where I live or with the system I have.

So now looking into an alternative as a precaution.

Recently 10 of the households in the village got together to get TOT install a very large Tower in the temple grounds. This was the minimum amount of people required to get TOT to do this.

My question is: Is the maximum users one can get a connection from a tower 10 or can more users be added.

I know I can go and ask TOT themselves but I have not found them too helpful in the past and would like to go back in armed with at least a little knowledge. But there again if the answer is no, it is not possible for more than 10 users for one tower, I don't want to waste my time trying travelling over 50Kms to get sensible answers from TOT.

Thanks.

[lomatopo]

Help info if can please.

TOT does offer 3G on 2100 MHz, you can check coverage here to locate the nearest tower. http://icoverage.tot3g.net/

TOT does also offer a longer distance, P2P, WiFi service called Wi-NET. AIS offers a similar service called AirNET and 3BB also has a similar service.

http://www.ais.co.th/airnet/th/

http://www.3bb.co.th/product/product_detail.php?lang=&id=2095

http://www.overclockzone.com/forums/showthread.php/1197169-TOT-WiFi-Wi-Net-%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81-TOT

Maybe best to talk with neighbors, or nearby businesses, to see what they are using?

[mellow1]

CAT and TRUE are now in bed together. I believe the reason for the caps (future cap for CAT) on their service is due that TRUE does not want you downloading torrents because they want you to pay for their TV service. I will also be looking for an alternative to CAT, but I also live out of town in the same way as PORMAX. I spoke with the people at CAT to find out the changes and they said that you can turn in your current aircard and they will give you a new one which can also be connected to your directional entenna.

There was no mention of charging 1Baht/Min. As to how long the current service will last, they said until the signal stops.

[taninthai]

There is no way they can cut your unlimited tariff and put you onto 1baht/ min without you signing a contract for it

[Pormax]

Help info if can please.

TOT does offer 3G on 2100 MHz, you can check coverage here to locate the nearest tower. http://icoverage.tot3g.net/

TOT does also offer a longer distance, P2P, WiFi service called Wi-NET. AIS offers a similar service called AirNET and 3BB also has a similar service.

http://www.ais.co.th/airnet/th/

http://www.3bb.co.th...p?lang=&id=2095

http://www.overclock...¹ˆà¸ˆà¸²à¸-TOT

Maybe best to talk with neighbors, or nearby businesses, to see what they are using?

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately the web site for tot3gcoverage does nor seem to be working, all I get is a blue blank screen.

The other web sites ate not very informative ans mostly in THai.

Do you know the answer to my question about how many users can use one tower.

The only internet that is in my village is TOT via the new tower (not sure if this is only wifi connection) and of course my CAT CDMA.

AIS not an option here as the signal for AIS even on mobiles is not good with signal strength maximum 3 bars and in a lot of areas nothing.

Edited October 17, 2012 by Pormax

[Guest]

Update: I got an call from CAT (Phuket) and got an message that the current 'promotion' will continue. Most likely next 2 months.

They said that this time I have to visit CAT office and bring my company papers (the contract is on company's name), fill up some paperwork etc.

I'm planing to visit the office either tomorrow or day after.

[Guest]

I got this email.. and now my CDMA promotion is continued until end of the year.

Hurry up if you wish to continue the service.

----------------------

According to use CAT CDMA Internet service after Oct.31,2012, Customer must to change new sim card to my by CAT with new device. Otherwise the promotion will be

change to easy promotion that is 1 baht/minute forInternet.

There are three reasons that customer could use CAT CDMA. First they are not 3G area coverage, no have T-type device(Fax device) and they are not ready to find a new device. but Coutomer must to fill in the request form as attachment with company register and stackholder's Passport. Please send to CAT Customer Service Office within Oct. 31,2012. by this request form customer may receieve the old promotion without tranfer to my but this is temporary only. Customer must to chage your account and promotion after send request.

----------------------

[Pormax]

Ok Update for CAT CDMA in Buriram region.

As I said before CAT Buriram will not confirm that they will be closing their old service at the end of the year.

Recently went into Buriram computer shop who works with CAT and they said yes100% closing and will have to change to the new system

which they assured me will work in my rural village if I buy the new sim card from CAT and a box from them. Had to wait for sim card as none in stock.

Meanwhile had a phone call from TOT who as you will see in my previous post has put up a tower in the village temple grounds. Initially when I enquired about connection was told to find a total of 10 more homes who require the service then they would come and put a new box on the tower and connect all the houses. This time was told they will connect me to the box already on the tower (where 10 homes had aleady been connected) and if I could find one more house then they could be connected aswell. Had by then 4 people wanting connection but TOT said could only take 2 more including myself. So it seems one 'box' on tower can feed a maximum of 12 houses.

Anyway paid the money 4,500B and 3 days later they came to run the line from the tower to house and two days after came with modem and connected. Had to pay 5 Baht per metre for the wiring with the first 500 metres free.,so another 4,000B I had to pay.

Unfortunately the old modem and Huawei dongle plus the large ariel on the side of my house (total Paid18,000B) are useless after only 18 months. Rather expensive internet service for the time period and a connection which was very slow..

But now a lot happier, TOT not particularly fast at times but can at least use video on Skype calls which I could not do before.and it is 250B a month cheaper than CAT.

So bye bye CAT.

[Guest]

I visited CAT office yesterday and now the cut off date seems to be 26.1.2013.

[crazykopite]

Went to cat office on koh Samui today and they told me that as of 1st January 2013 they will only offer pay as you use at 1 baht per minute my unlimited contract will finish on 31st December 2012. why they cannot tell you when sending the bill leaves me confused I asked if I would get a refund on my dongle I was told no so as I got my bill today for usage in November I am considering not paying it . What a great way to start the New Year cat shitting all over us !!!!!!!!!!

[taninthai]

^

was told the same as above in the krabi office they did say they would confirm it in writing but who knows,

[lomatopo]

True, CAT to wind up CDMA network in March

Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation January 19, 2013 1:00 am

True Corp and CAT Telecom will switch off their separate CDMA (code division multiple access) cellular networks nationwide at the end of March, ending more than 12 years of the CDMA cellular business in the Thai market.

Adhiruth Thotaveensaksuk, managing director for the mobile-phone business at True Corp, said yesterday that there were about 40,000 subscribers in the CDMA network in 25 provinces under True management at present.

"We have informed the subscribers about our plan to switch off the service," he said.

The switch-off was postponed from the original date of January 27 as CAT Telecom was not yet ready to shut down its CDMA network in 52 provinces.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/True-CAT-to-wind-up-CDMA-network-in-March-30198224.html