AIS Aircard Changed From Edge to WCDMA

[Will27]

Hi Gang

I'm not internet savvy so please bear with me.

I'm in Chiang Rai and for the last few years have been using an AIS

aircard as it's the only thing that works where I am.

The Speed has always been dreadfully slow, even with the signal

at full strength. It shows GPRS/Edge on the connection box.

As of yesterday, my speeds have increased significantly. The signal

strength is about 3 bars out of 5, but it says WCDMA. Also, the light

on the aircard has gone from green to blue.

Needless to say I'm a very happy camper. What I need to know is,

will the speed always stay at WCDMA now or could it go back to Edge?

Also, I'm on a 800 Baht month per package. Do I have to change anything?

All advise/opinions gratefully received.

[lomatopo]

My best guess is that AIS recently turned up 2100 MHz 3G service in your location, and your AIS aircard is 2100 MHz 3G compatible.

You should contact AIS or visit an AIS/TWZ shop:

1.) Transfer your SIM account from AIS to AWN, the new AIS 2100 MHz subsidiary.

2.) Possibly replace your SIM as if it is more than a few years old it may not be compatible with the new system.

3.) Possibly re-subscribe to a new mobile data plan.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/649816-a-i-s-one-2-call-3g-pre-paid-sim-on-2100-mhz-3g-a-review/

http://www.ais.co.th/3g/en/coverage-checker.aspx

[Will27]

My best guess is that AIS recently turned up 2100 MHz 3G service in your location, and your AIS aircard is 2100 MHz 3G compatible.

You should contact AIS or visit an AIS/TWZ shop:

1.) Transfer your SIM account from AIS to AWN, the new AIS 2100 MHz subsidiary.

2.) Possibly replace your SIM as if it is more than a few years old it may not be compatible with the new system.

3.) Possibly re-subscribe to a new mobile data plan.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/649816-a-i-s-one-2-call-3g-pre-paid-sim-on-2100-mhz-3g-a-review/

http://www.ais.co.th/3g/en/coverage-checker.aspx

Thanks for that mate.

Sounds spot on as on the AIS Aircard connection box it says WCDMA 52003.

I called AIS this morning and they advised that my account has already been changed

over to AWN. They also advised that the SIM is sufficient even though it's a about 3 years old.

I asked about new packages and she advised that I'm on the 799 Baht per month unlimited

which is 3G speed for 3GB. She said I could upgrade to 3g speed for 5 GB next month for

no extra cost.

I don't do a lot of downloading but am happy with my current package so will probably keep it or

just go to the 5GB.

I have just done a speed test and my download has increased from 116 to 528

and upload 42 to 269. does this mean I am now getting 3G speed?

So just to clarify, do I need to do anything else?

Thanks again.

[lomatopo]

I have just done a speed test and my download has increased from 116 to 528

and upload 42 to 269. does this mean I am now getting 3G speed?

Yes.

The UI for your aircard should display the status of your connection, maybe across the top-most part of the screen. Some UI's also give even more detail, perhaps down a level or two within the management system.

You were probably relying on GSM (2G: GPRS/EDGE) mobile data before.

Edited November 10, 2013 by lomatopo