Line Mobile

[karenmw460]

Anyone using Line Mobile?  There doesn't seem to be much information available on how it actually works. I have bought a package and SIM card but it came with no instructions. 

I can see that you need to change your telephone number and cannot keep the existing one, but what differences are there between using a line Mobile sim and using a normal sim ( e.g. True etc)?

thanks 

[mtls2005]

I think it's just come out, after a lengthy beta test

 

Looks like they're an MVNO via DTAC? An MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) resells branded service from a network provider - in this case, DTAC - to their own customers via unique offerings of packaged services. There've been some MVNOs here but not so many. In many other countries MVNOs are quite popular.

 

There would be no difference per se, other than pricing/packaging. You'll have a 10 digit number; there may be a built-in mechanism to use VoIP for LINE-to-LINE calls?

 

Not sure if you can port in?

 

(use google translate)

http://mobileocta.com/review-sim-line-mobile/

 

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Corporate/30323164

 

The last I heard was that the NBTC was going to block this, back in June, but maybe it's a go now?

 

Dtac could lose license over “illegal” Line Mobile registration: NBTC

 

https://disruptive.asia/dtac-illegal-line-mobile-registration/

 

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.linemobile.th&hl=th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[everett kendall]

been using it for at least 2 years.

Great app for chatting and making worldwide hone calls free

[Lamkyong]

1 hour ago, everett kendall said:

been using it for at least 2 years.

Great app for chatting and making worldwide hone calls free

re read the OP

[2008bangkok]

I think its not a good option, they give you a gimmick where you can use line for free but the reality is that Line doesn't use a lot of data even if you are calling others on 3g/4g.

[mtls2005]

5 hours ago, 2008bangkok said:

I think its not a good option

 

Well the pricing is pretty incredible. 40 GB of 4G data and 600 minutes voice (on DTAC's network) for 269 baht. (Admittedly that's a promotion from 1,099.) In addition to the inherent LINE features, functions and capabilities.

 

MVNOs typically compete/succeed on pricing/packaging, addressing distinct market segments/applications and tie-ins with segment-oriented partners.

 

LINE has quite the following here, making a ton of money on games, stickers, promotions, etc. And they've made a significant investment in local R&D/app development.

 

MVNOs are more entrenched in Eur, APAC and U.S. WhatsApp! is an MVNO in some countries, Google is an MVNO in the U.S. AirAsia had a brief run as an MVNO here with TuneTalk.

 

I suspect if this LINE Mobile thing takes off that the "authorities" will find a way to shut it down - I'm actually surprised it's made it this far, all in the name of Thailand 4.0. But it would be nice if TrueMove H and AIS joined in, but they may just want to stifle progress.

[elgenon]

Making free Line to Line calls is no biggie as you could always do Line to LIne video calls with the app. It would have to have great pricing to get me to change my number.

[mtls2005]

1 minute ago, elgenon said:

Making free Line to Line calls is no biggie as you could always do Line to LIne video calls with the app.

 

Yes, assuming both parties have LINE, and you know they have LINE, and you've added them (and they've allowed you to add them), the LINE to LINE calls are relatively straightforward and does not require the LINE Mobile SIM/plan.

 

My sense is that, under certain circumstances (called party is also a LINE/Mobile user), the calling party is offered the option when initiating a call from the dial-pad/directory to make a "free" LINE-LINE Voice (or video) call, thereby avoiding using some of their bundled "regular" mobile minutes?

 

I am not certain why one cannot port-in to LINE Mobile, but my best guess would be that allowing TrueMove H and AIS customers to port-out to LINE Mobile would provide the "authorities" with a way to shut down this MVNO.

 

Under 'normal' circumstances one would be legally allowed to port out to an MVNO, but Thailand's regulatory bodies are far from normal.

[2008bangkok]

 
Well the pricing is pretty incredible. 40 GB of 4G data and 600 minutes voice (on DTAC's network) for 269 baht. (Admittedly that's a promotion from 1,099.) In addition to the inherent LINE features, functions and capabilities.
 
MVNOs typically compete/succeed on pricing/packaging, addressing distinct market segments/applications and tie-ins with segment-oriented partners.
 
LINE has quite the following here, making a ton of money on games, stickers, promotions, etc. And they've made a significant investment in local R&D/app development.
 
MVNOs are more entrenched in Eur, APAC and U.S. WhatsApp! is an MVNO in some countries, Google is an MVNO in the U.S. AirAsia had a brief run as an MVNO here with TuneTalk.
 
I suspect if this LINE Mobile thing takes off that the "authorities" will find a way to shut it down - I'm actually surprised it's made it this far, all in the name of Thailand 4.0. But it would be nice if TrueMove H and AIS joined in, but they may just want to stifle progress.

That is good, how long does the promotion last for, 12 months?

[mtls2005]

18 minutes ago, 2008bangkok said:

That is good, how long does the promotion last for, 12 months?

 

I couldn't determine that in a few minutes of searching. My best guess? 12 months, as that would encourage people to take up the offer. Thai people seem more inclined to switch numbers - whether to dodge some creditor, ex, shiftless family member, or because it's "unlucky" (monk/feng shui) - than us westerners.

 

[2008bangkok]

1 hour ago, mtls2005 said:

 

I couldn't determine that in a few minutes of searching. My best guess? 12 months, as that would encourage people to take up the offer. Thai people seem more inclined to switch numbers - whether to dodge some creditor, ex, shiftless family member, or because it's "unlucky" (monk/feng shui) - than us westerners.

 

Well i need to get a new number for village dad, if that was 12 months i get it then after 12 months change the package or go back to a normal number.

Where you buy the sim from?

[karenmw460]

The promotion only lasts until December 

[stament]

Any further feedback on line, looks interesting and done half price offers available now

[Argus Tuft]

On 21/02/2018 at 7:42 AM, stament said:

Any further feedback on line, looks interesting and done half price offers available now

 

I signed up the other day and ordered a sim on one of their packages to try it out (10Gb for 249.50 baht + VAT)

 

You can choose a number through the website, although there aren't a lot of choices with double/triple digits

Paid by debit card, Thursday night, tracking came through Friday afternoon and it was delivered locally in Bangkok on Saturday after lunch. 

 

I arrived to Bangkok Sunday and stuck it in a 4G router

 

First impressions - its VERY slow.  Huge ping time (250-350ms), 0.3Mbps down and maybe 1.8 up

Same location with AIS 4G 35ms 5.4Mbps down and 18 Mbps up speed

 

Got a month package so will test it some more in the mobile and in different locations (heading to Phuket later in the week)

 

My questions:

What is the validity of the SIM? I am only in Thailand every other month or so, and if I want to keep the SIM active I don't want to be paying for a full package every month.

Might give them a call on their support LINE (ha) and see what I can find out

 

Would be good to hear other opinions also.  Else I'll trigger a new topic to explore further