3G Mobile Services Attracting Large Numbers Of Users, Kicks Off In Thailand

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

DTAC's 1.5 GB (64 Kbps FuP)/280 minutes is 529 baht.

Having hard caps with overages, then increasing FuP speeds as volume/price increases seems like a smart decision re: product packaging/positioning, forcing the customer to more heavily factor FuP into their decision, and force them upstream. I'd do that as a Product Manager.

DTAC's new TriNet service also has 64 Kbps fair use throttling???

So the comparable AIS plan is

599b -- 1.5. GB -- 64 Kbps fair use throttling -- 300 minute voice calling

20 more voice minutes. 70 baht per month more expensive.

[lomatopo]

Hope this is not too much off-topic, but there seem to be a lot of tech-savvy comments here.

I would use 3G primarily for streaming, specifically an environment similar to "Go To Meeting," audio only chat room for five hours at a time. 2G charges based upon time, but 3G charges in megabytes. I don't do much in the way of downloading files or streaming video. So, I am having a hell of a time figuring out how that translates to megabytes. AIS is clueless. They are pleasant enough, but it makes me crazy talking to them over the phone! What I specifically need to know is how many megabytes do I have to have to be sure than I can stay in the chat room for five hours? My concern is not the money, but rather insuring that I always have enough megabytes to maintain a connection whenever I want it and for as long as I need it.

Is there any way to guesstimate that?

Thanks, lah!

Rex in Khon Kaen

This would be highly variable, and based on the audio codec your chat room service provider is using. You may wish to contact them, or Google them along with keywords like"bandwidth", "codec", "usage", etc.

A G.711 codec will use ~ 90 Kbps in each direction, so 180 Kbps, 180,000 bits per second. Multiply that by 60 to get minutes, then 60 again to get hours, then 5 hours (your chat time, per day?), then 30 to get a monthly figure then divide by 8 to get Bytes. Obviously you'll go way over any FuP, even with a low-bandwidth codec like G.729 (65,000 bits per second), so get a plan with a FuP which guarantees acceptable operation.

I assume you can't get fixed line broadband? Have you looked at TOT Wi-NET?

[techboy]

"The country’s three operators will roll out their 3G mobile services, starting with Advanced Info Service (AIS) today, True Move tomorrow and DTAC on Thursday."

When the world moved on to 4G in 2009, Thailand launches 3G on Thursday! Welcome to Amazing Thailand where even our poorer neighbors have already launched 4G as well!

First of all Thailand already has 3G and the article is speaking of "kick off" on the 2100MHZ frequency. Previously this 3G freq was not available with DTAC and True Move. The new service will certainly increase competition among the providers as the article states. Yeah those neighboring countries that claim to have 4G in place may have the ability to produce it but the coverage is often poor and the networks cannot support the number of users. One will frequently be shifted down to GPRS. Even high tech Singapore has this problem. I am speaking from personal experience. On the other hand I have been using 3G on a dial up modem with DTAC and the connection is excellent and dependable. And FYI 3G mobile service was in place here on 850 & 900MHZ even when it was not officially in place- you could get 1MPS speeds- 3G is actually included under the previous WCDMA designation. How boorishly typical. You have just posted a generic uninformed slight towards good ol' Thailand! And hoo-boy!!! Triumphantly embellishing your "deadly" thrust with many exclamation points!!!!!

[wilcopops]

"The country’s three operators will roll out their 3G mobile services, starting with Advanced Info Service (AIS) today, True Move tomorrow and DTAC on Thursday."

When the world moved on to 4G in 2009, Thailand launches 3G on Thursday! Welcome to Amazing Thailand where even our poorer neighbors have already launched 4G as well!

First of all Thailand already has 3G and the article is speaking of "kick off" on the 2100MHZ frequency. Previously this 3G freq was not available with DTAC and True Move. The new service will certainly increase competition among the providers as the article states. Yeah those neighboring countries that claim to have 4G in place may have the ability to produce it but the coverage is often poor and the networks cannot support the number of users. One will frequently be shifted down to GPRS. Even high tech Singapore has this problem. I am speaking from personal experience. On the other hand I have been using 3G on a dial up modem with DTAC and the connection is excellent and dependable. And FYI 3G mobile service was in place here on 850 & 900MHZ even when it was not officially in place- you could get 1MPS speeds- 3G is actually included under the previous WCDMA designation. How boorishly typical. You have just posted a generic uninformed slight towards good ol' Thailand! And hoo-boy!!! Triumphantly embellishing your "deadly" thrust with many exclamation points!!!!!

Why not start with an inaccurate premise? "First of all Thailand already has 3G and the article is speaking of "kick off" on the 2100MHZ frequency. Previously this 3G freq was not available with DTAC and True Move"

[skippybangkok]

WOW, AIS 3G power users beware....

I just saw this chart in their quarterly financial results this week that I linked above (page 15 of the pdf document), and it seems to show that their new 2100 Mhz 3G data plans have bandwidth throttling as low/slow 64 or 128 Kbps once the customer has surpassed their monthly plan data limits, which start at 500 MB...

So their 299b, 399b and 599b per month new 3G plans all throttle down to 64 Kbps once you've reached your monthly limit. That's SLOW!!!!!! Almost just like being on EDGE.... Yikes! They don't seem to be advertising that too much in all their promotional campaign materials.

PS0788.jpg

No body is talking about a more serious issue, which will hit AIS hard. Double edged sword - they have a big mass of customer (good), who they want to move to 3G........ ... 15Mhz in central bangkok will congest very very quickly.

i predict

[Phil Conners]

I understand LTE consumes more battery power than 3G, and given that you don't actually get anywhere near the international throughput that 3G can handle, I really don't see the point. What is the point of getting 40 gbps to the transmission tower when the CAT lines to the rest of the world is throttled to around 500 kbps.

[lomatopo]

AIS 3G Available all over Chiang Mai Province

May 8, 2013

Lifestyle

CityNews – On 7th May, at Three Kings Monument, Advance Info Service Public Limited Company (AIS) officially opened their new 3G service under the concept of ‘AIS 3G 2100 World Class Standard.’

After receiving permission to provide 3G service from the Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, AIS now provides 3G in 20 provinces including: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakarn, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Phuket, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Nakorn Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udorn Thani, Chonburi, Rayong and Phitsanulok.

Dulayadet Shinawatra, the director of AIS Chiang Mai branch, said “Thailand has stepped forward concerning technological services now that the 3G service 2100 MHz is provided.”

He added: “3G 2100 MHz is a world class standard. All mobile phones with 3G can use it, even if you are roaming. It is expected that there will be 15 million mobile internet users using AIS by the end of 2013.”

Hui Weng Cheong, chief Operating Officer of AIS, told the press that AIS had spent 70,000 million baht to expand the 3G service. Currently there are more than 5,000 3G stations that serve 10 million users around 20 major cities in Thailand he said, adding that at least 800 new 3G stations will be added every month. He believes that before the end of 2013 the 3G service will covere all 77 provinces of Thailand.

[hml367]

We live in Chiang Mai. This morning my wife received an SMS from AIS that her phone/number/and SIM number would be upgraded to the 2100 mghz tonight (11 May). I have not received anything for myself yet. My wife has the number I originally purchased about 13 years ago. My number is maybe 8 years old. We signed up for the upgrade and got new SIM's at an AIS kiosk at the same time.

The SMS had a number to send a SMS to if the upgrade is not wanted.

I'll try to remember to post tomorrow what may be different.

MSPain

[bobl]

Am I the only one who doesn't understand what the SIM card could possibly have to do with it and why they're making people get new ones?

[lomatopo]

Am I the only one who doesn't understand what the SIM card could possibly have to do with it and why they're making people get new ones?

Probably not.

There are many, many different types of SIMs. I think you need a UICC-type SIM for some of these newer services; and an 8 or 14 year old SIM is an older style/technology; and APNs can be 'baked-in". Also, older SIMs can suffer from "SIM exhaustion" and need to be replaced.

AIS is doing something weird to allow users to get onto the 2100 MHz network before the mandatory porting (from AWS to AWN), they are sending some network forwarding and configuration information OTA, so maybe the new SIM type is required to support this provisioning mechanism.

I had to get a new SIM from T-Mobile in the U.S. when they upgraded to 1900 MHz 3G.

[muratremix]

I understand LTE consumes more battery power than 3G, and given that you don't actually get anywhere near the international throughput that 3G can handle, I really don't see the point. What is the point of getting 40 gbps to the transmission tower when the CAT lines to the rest of the world is throttled to around 500 kbps.

Its up to the provider to throttle International bandwidth or not. They throttle for home internet connections, but it is unthrottled for premium / business lines.

So yes, they can give 10-20 Mbit speeds on a single connection over mobile 4G if they want.

[muratremix]

AIS 3G Available all over Chiang Mai Province

May 8, 2013

Lifestyle

CityNews – On 7th May, at Three Kings Monument, Advance Info Service Public Limited Company (AIS) officially opened their new 3G service under the concept of ‘AIS 3G 2100 World Class Standard.’

After receiving permission to provide 3G service from the Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, AIS now provides 3G in 20 provinces including: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakarn, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Phuket, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Nakorn Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udorn Thani, Chonburi, Rayong and Phitsanulok.

Dulayadet Shinawatra, the director of AIS Chiang Mai branch, said “Thailand has stepped forward concerning technological services now that the 3G service 2100 MHz is provided.”

He added: “3G 2100 MHz is a world class standard. All mobile phones with 3G can use it, even if you are roaming. It is expected that there will be 15 million mobile internet users using AIS by the end of 2013.”

Hui Weng Cheong, chief Operating Officer of AIS, told the press that AIS had spent 70,000 million baht to expand the 3G service. Currently there are more than 5,000 3G stations that serve 10 million users around 20 major cities in Thailand he said, adding that at least 800 new 3G stations will be added every month. He believes that before the end of 2013 the 3G service will covere all 77 provinces of Thailand.

Covering 77 cities and city centers is possible by 2100 mhz 3G but it is no where close in terms of coverage (15 km on 850 mhz vs 5km on 2100 mhz) of 850 mhz 3G.

For those who travel to Isaan, AIS/DTAC/TRUE-N 3G is hardly a good choice.

I'll stick to True-H, but I may give Dtac try if they can implement this 2100/1800/850 mhz trio network and install atleast one base station that covers my village on 850 mhz band.

[Phil Conners]

I understand LTE consumes more battery power than 3G, and given that you don't actually get anywhere near the international throughput that 3G can handle, I really don't see the point.  What is the point of getting 40 gbps to the transmission tower when the CAT lines to the rest of the world is throttled to around 500 kbps.

 

Its up to the provider to throttle International bandwidth or not. They throttle for home internet connections, but it is unthrottled for premium / business lines.

So yes, they can give 10-20 Mbit speeds on a single connection over mobile 4G if they want.

I've never got more than a few hundred kbps on Truemove-H 3G. Technically it should be possible to get a couple of mbps, so I still don't see the need for 4G for most people.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Am I the only one who doesn't understand what the SIM card could possibly have to do with it and why they're making people get new ones?

I noticed in AIS' materials the other day, they were advertising a code number to dial that would perform an automated check of whether the user's current SIM card either is or isn't compatible with the 3G 2100 Mhz service.

I dialed it, tried it, and got a message saying my two-year-old AIS SIM was compatible with the new service.

[hml367]

My wife's phone (S3) has an 'R' next to the signal strength this morning. She turned the phone off and back on as the SMS from AIS had instructed. She got another SMS saying something would come in another SMS and to install whatever that is. I can't read Thai so I am just saying what she interpreted for me.

I could call her phone, so it is on the network anyway.

So far it has all happened just as AIS said it would. I'll post more when available.

MSPain

By the way... I still have not received any of the messages on my phone.

Edited May 12, 2013 by hml367

[lomatopo]

That "R" is usually indicative of "Roaming". In this case you could be roaming onto the new AWN 52003 2100 MHz 3G network (likely) or onto TOT's 2100 MHz 3G network. AIS and TOT have a roaming agreement.

If you go to Settings, About phone, Status, what does it say for "Network", "Mobile Network Type" and "Roaming"?

http://www.ais.co.th/3g/th/new-3g-ais.aspx#tips

Edited May 12, 2013 by lomatopo

[hml367]

That "R" is usually indicative of "Roaming". In this case you could be roaming onto the new AWN 52003 2100 MHz 3G network (likely) or onto TOT's 2100 MHz 3G network. AIS and TOT have a roaming agreement.

If you go to Settings, About phone, Status, what does it say for "Network", "Mobile Network Type" and "Roaming"?

http://www.ais.co.th/3g/th/new-3g-ais.aspx#tips

I will try to check later, lomatopo. My wife's phone has Thai as the language, so that makes it a little difficult for me. The thing that is preventing me from doing it right now is there are so many app updates downloading right now on her phone. That happened after she turned on WiFi this morning. As I said, her phone has Thai language so I am lost as to what is actually going on.... I do know it is downloading lots of updates for apps.

She did have an SMS about "roaming" and I didn't understand her translation to me... I just turned off the Mobile Data on her phone and then turned it back on.

MSPain

Edited May 12, 2013 by hml367

[lomatopo]

I assume that you know you can toggle the Android language to English, and then back to Thai?

"About phone" is the bottom-most, or last selection in the Settings menu. "Status" should be the second selection down in "About phone", if that helps you navigate.

Also, there is a Google Translate app. in the Play Store, and this app supports SMS Translation, which can come in handy.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate&hl=en

Edited May 12, 2013 by lomatopo

[hml367]

I assume that you know you can toggle the Android language to English, and then back to Thai?

"About phone" is the bottom-most, or last selection in the Settings menu. "Status" should be the second selection down in "About phone", if that helps you navigate.

Also, there is a Google Translate app. in the Play Store, and this app supports SMS Translation, which can come in handy.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate&hl=en

Yes, I do know. I don't play with her phone too much.

It finished updating and I checked what you asked and it is connected to 52003 that is what it says, not 3G or AIS with the 52003. There are no letters next to the signal strength.

[lomatopo]

52003 is the new AIS 2100 MHz 3G network. Congratulations.

Can you share your approximate location? And maybe a speedtest?

[hml367]

San pak wan, Chiang Mai.

Now we are going on a family outing. Probably will not get back until this evening.

I will try to check her phone in our different locations.

[hml367]

About 35 km North of Chiang Mai (Mae Faek) the carrier still shows 52003 and signal type HSDPA.

[hml367]

At the turnoff to Bua Tong waterfall (about 55 km north of CM) 52003 no signal; AIS ThGSM on Edge; True Move H 3G (850) signal full

[skippybangkok]

At the turnoff to Bua Tong waterfall (about 55 km north of CM) 52003 no signal; AIS ThGSM on Edge; True Move H 3G (850) signal full

Yep, been saying that all along. True Move H has proclaimed to have 13,000 sites, which is about 5,000 more than their old 2g. Considering 850 also propagates further than 1800 MHz, its safe to say you would be nuts to stay on true move 2G unless the cheap voice offerings are attractive to you.

850mhz @ 13,000 sites for True move H, AIS would need about 25,000 to 30,000 to have the same coverage. Currently only 3000.

[hml367]

At Bua Tong waterfall the phone with AIS 2100 connected to ThGSM on Edge, so at least ut still connected.

There is nothing in our possession which is True 2G. The TrueMove H is in an iPad - my wife's, not mine because I don't use Apple products myself. I must say my wife's iPad gets good speeds almost everywhere we go.

[retell]

At Bua Tong waterfall the phone with AIS 2100 connected to ThGSM on Edge, so at least ut still connected.

There is nothing in our possession which is True 2G. The TrueMove H is in an iPad - my wife's, not mine because I don't use Apple products myself. I must say my wife's iPad gets good speeds almost everywhere we go.

says something about those dreadful apple products again out here in the sticks only thing i can get is 2g ( and 4g from laos if stand outside the house)

[hml367]

Do you mean the Apple product made the TrueMove H signal good there? That doesn't make sense to me.

MSPain

[retell]

Do you mean the Apple product made the TrueMove H signal good there? That doesn't make sense to me.

MSPain

perhaps, or all his other devices just have crappy reception of the signal any way the only reason i do not use apple myself is the priceple of price ,,, too bloody expensive for the rest they make some pretty solid stuff

[lomatopo]

(this article may help some to understand the specifics of AIS/AWN and porting vs. "call transit".)

Regulator tells clearinghouse to give porting data

Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

May 13, 2013 1:00 am

The office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunica-tions Commission (NBTC) has instructed Clearinghouse Co to submit its information on porting mobile phone subscribers with incumbent telecom operators to three 2.1GHz licence holder networks to see if the porting complies with related regulations. The office requested information of porting made from April 1 to May 10. The information has to be submitted to it by May 14. The move followed the debut of 2.1GHz cellular service by some licence holders last week. Clearinghouse was co-founded by five telecom operators to handle the mobile phone number porting, which enables mobile-phone users to switch to new networks and can keep using existing mobile-phone numbers with the networks they switch to.

Clearinghouse can handle porting of 4,000 subscribers a day from each of the five telecom operators. "The NBTC has to closely monitor the porting to ensure the process complies with regulations," NBTC deputy secretary-general Korkij Danchaivachit said. Last week Advanced Info Service (AIS) disclosed that its 2.1GHz service subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network (AWN) now has 800,000 subscribers, who were migrated from AIS network via two ways - porting and the call transit process. But it declined to specify how many were migrated via porting and via call transit. It just said 60 per cent of them are postpaid mobile users. An NBTC source said it doubted if NBTC regulations permitted a customer migration via the call transit system. NBTC secretary general Takorn Tantasit said the office was looking into this.

Takorn said he had already asked AIS about its customer migration and it told him that only customers migrated via complete porting would belong to AWN, while those migrated via call transit still belonged to AIS.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Regulator-tells-clearinghouse-to-give-porting-data-30205966.html

[francescoassisi]

am I missing something.?- as far as I can make out AIS are not offering ANY new internet packages on the new service except one by phone which is about 10 times as expensive as the old 3G packages on the low mgz rate.

It's all very well getting technical....I suspect you know a lot more than the staff at AIS .......but what I want is faster download on my tablet and my dongle........ Apparently not an .option at present.

Edited May 13, 2013 by francescoassisi