Hello guys,

We are now getting closer and closer to our relocation to Samui (so exciting!!!), so have a few practical questions

Can someone please advice if there is a GPRS coverage on the island - just was wondering if it will be possible to use Blackberry over there.

Also what is the monthly and set up cost of Satelite Internet connection? Is it the most reliable way to have Internet connection 24/7? What is the speed in comparison with a broadband available?

thanks a lot

Anna

Writing this from my blackberry at the Samui airport- blackberries work fine via gprs or edge (if you have the 8700). Edge coverage is spotty.

Most people would recommend against satelite internet (ipstar) unless it is the only option.

Samui does have cheap adsl as well as wireless around the IT Center north of Lamai.

If you are sticking with your foreign provider, find out who their international roaming partners are- I spent over 30 hours on the phone with customer support when I was in an area with only AIS gprs coverage. DTAC seems to be generally more reliable, especially when you are in an area covered by edge.

As far as speed and reliability go, it can be pretty bad. Check out the internet forum for more information/horor stories.

thanks!! thats great news about blackberry!!!

the reason why I was looking at the satellite option is that we need to have 24/7 relatively fast internet connection for our business, so having an unreliable broadband is not really an option

will go and read the horror stories.......