(this is actually a continuation of the thread started in the News forum - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=96652&hl=)

Lucky you. I pay for 1024/512 and rarely get more than 350/100 these days. That's with Maxnet - the 1,000 baht/month package.

When I first got it about a year ago it was cooking, but now it's hardly simmering. I'm now testing CSLoxinfo's alternative, also 1024/512 @ 1,500 baht/month - they gave me a free 5-hour testing account to try it out with.

Monty, I'm surprised they're supposed to use Singtel, the traceroute's I've done have all gone directly from Thailand to US, not via Singapore - either way. One thing though is that there are much less packet errors on CSLox's network than Maxnet. Often when I am using a shell with servers in the US I can type ahead for 30 seconds or more before the data suddenly trickle through. So far it has been good with CSLox, but it could just be luck.

I know I need better, faster and more reliable internet, but I'm not sure which way best to get it. I have both TT&T and TOT lines - TOT was recently opened for ADSL so I'm considering getting a Dual Wan router which would allow me to use TT&T/Maxnet on one line and TOT/CSLox on the other.

Dual Wan routers are available in Thailand from both Linksys and D-link at < 7,000 baht. They automatically loadbalance between two lines and if one is down, route traffic through the other.

Question is, what would be the fastest and most reliable solution: One line with a higher "quality" ADSL line (i.e. Maxnet Premium instead of the "cheapo" line) or using two "cheapo" lines from two different providers. In the latter case, which two providers to choose for best chance of high availability.

And what about the market? If CAT no longer has a monopoly will we start getting better alternatives from new players?

I have TOT GoldCyber (1024/512) and am pretty satisfied. Consistent number from Thai Visa's speed test (850/399), although I think that that test is not very useful as it down/uploads from/to Singapore. US would be better ...

Most downloads are around the 100Kb/s all day (don't see a lot of difference between day/evening and early morning) and videos stream quite well.

I give TOT 8/10.

I was doing a search and came up with this gem of an historical post from Phil. Only 4 1/2 years ago we considered 1024/512 a fast service in Thailand.

As far as reliability is concerned, I don't think much has changed since this post was made. It's still bad or getting worse. More players offering even more inferior products. Too many lines or cables all over the place as each ISP feeds their network into the urban sprawl... and still waiting for foreigners to pay the initial setup costs.