Which TOT ADSL internet package?

[ricklev]

I'm moving into a new place with a TOT line.

I've been using true on an 1190 baht per month package and it works very well for downloading torrents etc.

The previous tenant had the TOT 690 baht package and will leave it.

So I call TOT and ask if I should upgrade to the next level at 1299 as I do a lot of downloading/streaming video. The rather idiotic service person simply refused to say anything other than that TOT does not guarantee international speeds. I said I'm not looking for a guarantee, I just want to know if I should upgrade the package as I do a lot of international streaming/downloading. She literally refused to answer my question.

Anybody have any experience with the different packages?

Thanks

[muratremix]

Find another place with 3bb / cat / True online alternatives.

TOT must be avoided at all costs.

[Pib]

I expect the rep wasn't really sure what you were asking. The ol' Thai-English communication problem. I wouldn't even waste anyone time by asking about "international speed, torrent download, etc." as a rep won't be able to give you any specific answer and may just get confused....and then in turn confuse you or make you mad. You just need to ask about the plan pricing and is it available to your residence.

[muratremix]

Find another place with better internet options if you haven't moved in yet.

TOT is the worst choice. Don't go with it.

[noise]

I expect the rep wasn't really sure what you were asking. The ol' Thai-English communication problem. I wouldn't even waste anyone time by asking about "international speed, torrent download, etc." as a rep won't be able to give you any specific answer and may just get confused....and then in turn confuse you or make you mad. You just need to ask about the plan pricing and is it available to your residence.

Pib's answer matches my experiences when I had TOT. But let me suggest that you take a Thai speaker into a "real" office, not a sales booth in Lotus, say. Examples............

1. I had TOT ADSL for a year. Neighbor moved in across the street, new house. TOT, the only option then, said NO ADSL. It tooks a discussion in Thai to learn that the servers were maxed out and they were installing more. They forecasted about 3 or 4 months. Sure enough, in a little over 3 months they called him and set him up.

2. Fiber came to my area but it required new wiring. I had had good service with TOT so I went to their office and asked if they could give me the same speeds for the same or cheaper price. They asked me to wait, called the "back" room. The technicians checked my line and said that it could not handle any higher speed. Again, the number of users and the infrastructure were conflicting.

So, not only check what the different programs are, have them check the line capability.

[Bankrutfarang]

I use TOT for 3 years now here in Ban Krut, could upgrade to fiber cable one month ago, but had to pay a share for the new cable (700m), only 100 are free of charge.

Before I had a 10mb download speed contract, usually I got around 8-9, but it was pretty stable and so possible to download movies from Switzerland and to stream recorded things from tv stations and you tube in an acceptable quality, paid 690 Baht/month. The TOT told me, more than 10mb isn't possible with a standard cable.

With the fiber, I get a stable 30mb, pay 1'200 Baht a month. For me, it's fine. With services I was always happy, but had with my wife a helping hand to translate in Thai.

[ricklev]

Thanks for your replies!

[JetsetBkk]

When I lived in Phuket Town I had a TOT service - no problems there.

re. International speeds... it doesn't really matter if you're getting stuff via torrents, or a multi-link download manager.

I suggest you try the 690 baht package first to see what kind of maximum d/l rate you get using torrents. If you max it out (i.e. get the maximum rate) then the more expensive package will probably work to the maximum rate also.

[Pomthai]

I've got TOT 20meg down 2 meg up Fibre 2U. No complaints and maxes out the connection as above mentioned by JetsetBkk.

[muratremix]

When I lived in Phuket Town I had a TOT service - no problems there.

re. International speeds... it doesn't really matter if you're getting stuff via torrents, or a multi-link download manager.

I suggest you try the 690 baht package first to see what kind of maximum d/l rate you get using torrents. If you max it out (i.e. get the maximum rate) then the more expensive package will probably work to the maximum rate also.

It does matter if you use Voip or anything requires lower ping.

TOT likes to route everything via Los Angeles, USA, which is very very bad for Europe.

No problem for Thais, as they don't need stable connections to Europe or China.

Yes, TOT also lacks direct China connection (goes via TH - USA - CHINA)

[BenCrew]

I think that you'll find that every network company has had complaints over the years. I have had TOT the last 6 years, the last 2 years, a fiber optic15Mb connection. I pay 750 Baht/month. I've had a couple of issues which were dealt with efficiently, and so am satisfied with their service.....sorry!