Temporary 3G Internet

[sunnyk]

Hi Guys,

I am coming Pattaya for 2 weeks. Please advise me on getting a good quality temporary Prepaid 3G connection. Price, Bandwidth and where can I get it. Do they ask for any ID Proofs (copy of passport etc) while getting a SIM?

Thanks

[lomatopo]

Do you have a phone? A USB aircard?

Can you share any details on the exact make and model of your devices?

Maybe best to go with a TrueMove H pre-paid SIM, and then layer on a data plan, assuming your device(s) support 850 MHz 3G.

You will probably not be asked for identification details but maybe easiest to carry that with you in case you do need to produce it.

iPlay pre-paid SIM: http://truemoveh.truecorp.co.th/3g/packages/iplay/entry/604

activate it, add value (top-up) with TrueMoney or a 7/11

Layer on a 3G mobile data plan: iNet http://truemoveh.truecorp.co.th/3g/packages/inet/entry/583

[sunnyk]

I would be using it on my Samsung Wave 2 (pretty old now) Smartphone while I am outside . I would be using it with my Huawei UMG 1831 dongle with laptop while in room.

Is iPlay SIM available on 7/11 and how much it costs ? Do they activate datapan by paper vouchers?

I checked the link, what is that unlimited Wifi ? Do TrueMove have wifi hotspots all across the city? I don't get it how it works.

Here in India we only have 3G,GPRS,EDGE.

Thanks

[lomatopo]

It looks like your phone supports 900/2100 MHz 3G, while your aircard supports 850/1900/2100 MHz 3G.

AIS/One-2-Call have 900 MHz 3G; DTAC/HAppy and TrueMove H have 850 MHz 3G. In addition all three are also rolling out 2100 MHz 3G, which would possibly be ideal for your application.

SIMs are typically 50 - 100 baht, and are available through many retail channels: 7/11's, telephone shops, and from the Service Providers own retail shops and outlets. Typically you would add value to the SIM, maybe via a scratch card or a paper receipt (again: 7/11, phone shops), and then use a subscription code to subscribe to a data plan.

TrueMove does have thousands of WiFI hotspots around the country. Some mobile data plans include complementary WiFI usage, either a fixed amount of hours or unlimited access.

http://www.truewifi.net/2011/index.htm

I'm honestly not sure what to recommend? Maybe a TrueMove H SIM for the aircard, and maybe try a new AIS/One-2-Call Freedom 3G SIM which should work on their new 2100 MHz network.

http://www.ais.co.th/3g-one-2-call/default.aspx

http://www.ais.co.th/3g-one-2-call/th/sim-detail.aspx?id=20

Experiment with both to see which works best for you.

[sunnyk]

I would be going to Islands and other places.

I checked this page - http://www.ais.co.th/3g/th/smartphone-sim.aspx?package=AIS-Multi-SIM#tips

What's the diff between Netsim and Multi SIM ? I can't understand because page is in Thai.

Thanks

[lomatopo]

^ I think those are post-paid/contract plans: NetSIM for data-only applications, say in a tablet, while multi-SIM refers to having up to give (5) separate physical SIMs, for use in five different devices, all associated with the same telephone number/account.

AS these are post-paid they may not be applicable for your requirements.

You only mentioned Pattaya in your original post, and it is important to understand that many services and frequencies vary by location.I think I'd still stick with my current recommendation(s).

[sunnyk]

Ok, I would try TrueMove and AIS. I don't want to rely on hotel's WiFi.

Also, I would like to stay in Bangkok for 4-5 days. Can you suggest a good budget place (within 500 bahts per night) in Bangkok which is at a good location from Bangkok City attractions. Also, are there any good guided City tours you can recommend? What are the must see attractions in Bangkok and nearby Bangkok ?

Thanks!

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Ok, I would try TrueMove and AIS. I don't want to rely on hotel's WiFi.

Also, I would like to stay in Bangkok for 4-5 days. Can you suggest a good budget place (within 500 bahts per night) in Bangkok which is at a good location from Bangkok City attractions. Also, are there any good guided City tours you can recommend? What are the must see attractions in Bangkok and nearby Bangkok ?

Thanks!

New Siam I perhaps. Close to the Old City and easy to take a River Taxi from Phra Athit for 15 baht or so to connect with the SkyTrain at Saphan Taksin.

[sunnyk]

Thanks Jiu-Jitsu

Any more options?

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Thanks Jiu-Jitsu

Any more options?

This is the Mobile Internet and devices section. Ask in the appropriate section.

[wpcoe]

BTW, If you go with True, make sure you get a "TrueMove H" SIM and not a "TrueMove" SIM. The former is 3G (and in test areas, 4G), whereas I think the latter is strictly 2G now.

[sunnyk]

Thanks for clarifying that out.