Suitable mobile SIM internet package for occasional live TV streaming?

[WorriedNoodle]

Is their such a thing as a suitable mobile SIM internet package for live TV streaming on a DAILY package from any service? For example if I was to sign up for a days internet on any SIM I cannot find any that would provide sufficient 3G allocation (100 or 200MB max?) under terms of their fair usage that would allow one to watch a live streaming TV sporting event of a couple of hours - or is that the idea - i.e. one is not supposed to use 3G to watch live TV? It seems it can only be achieved with a fixed line ADSL account?

[build6]

Sometimes I find the "full speed" data allocation for packages too low for my use - so I buy the "higher" package even if I'm not in Thailand that long. E.g. I'm in Thailand one week, but I buy the 399 baht dtac monthly package. And I can use that up too (in which case I get the SMS with a code to top up more data for about 150 baht more).

[WorriedNoodle]

Sometimes I find the "full speed" data allocation for packages too low for my use - so I buy the "higher" package even if I'm not in Thailand that long. E.g. I'm in Thailand one week, but I buy the 399 baht dtac monthly package. And I can use that up too (in which case I get the SMS with a code to top up more data for about 150 baht more).

Thanks for reminding me, now I do recall previously getting an SMS code to top up full speed allowance. Does this only apply to monthly packages or also weekly do you know? I cannot find any reference on their site about this. I know the daily (19THB) package I use now does not offer it.

[build6]

Weekly too. There are two weekly packages with DTAC, one with pretty low high-speed ("fair use") allocation.

Anyways per your other thread, I really don't think it's that hard to cancel a package...

[WorriedNoodle]

Ok, thanks I'll try the weekly.

[BKKdreaming]

is DTAC or AIS better for the monthly internet rate

is there a chart somewhere comparing what is available , and gets updated since there seems to be many promos

[TinaKohChang]

I am replying to this topic since I have recently tried both 3G mobile internet providers being desperate by TOT's lack of service and no internet since they've had messed up with my line which was not working for 2 weeks and even multiple daily calls didn't force them to check and fix. I've used AIS 3G using my iPhone as a router with my laptop, which was not always a satisfying experience as I had expected with 12 GB. I've paid for the package about 800 Baht if I remember right, I used it as well to watch Internet TV. Since I was not really happy with the bandwidth, I could get around 500 to 800 kbit/sec, as an average which always interrupted the films I was watching. For normal use of the internet for browsing, emailing etc. it was ok.

Desperate, I decided to try dtac and purchased the air card, which I upgraded with their monthly package for 799 Baht/855 Baht incl. tax. I am quite happy with the DTAC package, with an a average of 6000 to 10000 kbit/sec. I've been watching Global TV and it is good for a very fast download of about 8 movies and watching live for about 4 hours, until fast 12 GB's have been use. You can use the remaining package for 30 days at a low download rate which is still enough for browsing the internet, checking emails etc... remaining bandwidth is definitely not enough for more live streaming. If you would like to get more bandwidth, they offer 1 GB for 100 Baht! If that is not enough, you need to buy another monthly package, while the 1st one will be cancelled. I would not use the packages of both providers for live streaming purpose, if I would not being forced to, since TOT is the only provider of WiFi home internet, where I live and since I need internet for working purpose, and like to watch some TV from time to time... hope this helps

[Digitalbanana]

If that is not enough, you need to buy another monthly package, while the 1st one will be cancelled..

How did you cancel the monthly package?

As an somewhat related example I tried cancelling a package (actually daily not monthly) to get another package by selecting CANCEL button on my My Package details of the DTAC Happy web site I registered with and was responded to with another prompt "sorry! package plan authorization is not granted". I then messaged DTAC from same page to ask what was problem, they didn't answer but cancelled my package without asking and informing me by SMS the package was cancelled - before the time due to expire. Only after that was I able to activate another package and give them more money by coding them.

* I presume the CANCEL button should work, but in this case failed and DTAC couldn't be bothered to answer my message or explain what the problem was.

Edited August 18, 2014 by Digitalbanana

[build6]

Organizationally I think if you need "immediate" response you need to call 1678; their website isn't fully plugged in to their back end systems I believe.

[TinaKohChang]

If that is not enough, you need to buy another monthly package, while the 1st one will be cancelled..

How did you cancel the monthly package?

As an somewhat related example I tried cancelling a package (actually daily not monthly) to get another package by selecting CANCEL button on my My Package details of the DTAC Happy web site I registered with and was responded to with another prompt "sorry! package plan authorization is not granted". I then messaged DTAC from same page to ask what was problem, they didn't answer but cancelled my package without asking and informing me by SMS the package was cancelled - before the time due to expire. Only after that was I able to activate another package and give them more money by coding them.

* I presume the CANCEL button should work, but in this case failed and DTAC couldn't be bothered to answer my message or explain what the problem was.

They did it for me, I called them and asked for a possible upgrade when they told me there is only upgrade by 1 GB or, they could cancel the current package, they would so after I have topped up the new package fee and calling them again, which I did and a minute later I'd got my new package.j

I think that it is always better to call the callcenter directly instead of doing it online.

[Digitalbanana]

If that is not enough, you need to buy another monthly package, while the 1st one will be cancelled..

How did you cancel the monthly package?

As an somewhat related example I tried cancelling a package (actually daily not monthly) to get another package by selecting CANCEL button on my My Package details of the DTAC Happy web site I registered with and was responded to with another prompt "sorry! package plan authorization is not granted". I then messaged DTAC from same page to ask what was problem, they didn't answer but cancelled my package without asking and informing me by SMS the package was cancelled - before the time due to expire. Only after that was I able to activate another package and give them more money by coding them.

* I presume the CANCEL button should work, but in this case failed and DTAC couldn't be bothered to answer my message or explain what the problem was.

They did it for me, I called them and asked for a possible upgrade when they told me there is only upgrade by 1 GB or, they could cancel the current package, they would so after I have topped up the new package fee and calling them again, which I did and a minute later I'd got my new package.j

I think that it is always better to call the callcenter directly instead of doing it online.

Yes much as I thought. I don't have time for that, but agree it is the only way. After 24 hours they did explain by email to me why the daily package could not be cancelled online, but the answer in English was unfortunately unintelligible despite their good efforts. Like you say a discussion would be needed via the call center to resolve any package changes and for me that is not very efficient or convenient but others seem to accept it.

[WorriedNoodle]

Sometimes I find the "full speed" data allocation for packages too low for my use - so I buy the "higher" package even if I'm not in Thailand that long. E.g. I'm in Thailand one week, but I buy the 399 baht dtac monthly package. And I can use that up too (in which case I get the SMS with a code to top up more data for about 150 baht more).

I've just been experimenting with the weekly DTAC 199THB plan (1GB) and it was all used up within a few hours watching streaming TV. I then got an SMS offering 150THB booster for 30 days, so I assume that would last only a few hours anyway and then need to be cancelled by calling the service center as cannot be re boosted until 30 days? I haven't tried that or wasted the 150THB yet tho, so not sure if multiple boosts are possible, but that would get pricey.

So imho mobile 3G is useless for watching TV streaming in Thailand - even the best monthly 799THB 12GB from DTAC would be gone in under a week?

I recall in the past I used CAT CDMA and that was uncapped and unlimited albeit slower at around 1 or 2mbps, but at lease faster than the 384kbps the 3G's default to now when capping out.

Therefore I presume the only way to watch streaming TV is by fixed line, I wonder if this is case in other countries as well or whether uncapped unlimited 3G is available or will never be available due to bandwidth infrastrucure?

[build6]

(1) multiple boosts are possible, and will be offered by SMS (from my personal experience)

(2) I have to say when you said you were going to watch TV like this, I did think "hrm, that's going to be expensive". I would say its uneconomic, not just here, but everywhere. Mobile bandwidth *is* expensive, that's why landlines/WiFi etc still continue to exist. I've never been to a country where it would be cheap. The countries that have "mobile TV" depend on TV receivers in the phones and not streaming data.