Dtac 3G/Edge.

[Bettyboo]

Today, I decided to go with the 3G offering from Dtac because I can keep my own sim. It's 399 baht per month for 1GB with unlimited GPS.

Firstly, it's much slower than wifi. But, the wifi and edge seem to somehow work together to do the navigation (does the wifi help to locate your current location somehow?).

I'll give it a go for a month.

The other option is True which has the 3G and wifi hotspots - I had the wifi hotspots before for my laptop and it was pretty extensive in Bangkok, so that may well be a better option.

Anybody have experience of these?

Also, I've been told that 4G is very similar to current wifi speeds, so that'll be great when it comes along.

[harrybarracuda]

IIRC Google collect data on Wifi connections and use that for location services. I believe they got slightly in the shit when it turned out the Google Street View cars were also grabbing data from unsecured Wifi connections.

[Bettyboo]

^ makes sense, when I was using the Edge connection and wanted to use the navigation it asked me to turn on the wifi, and even though I didn't connect into a local wifi network, the navigation started working. Great it was actually, put in the destination (I tried a few around Bkk) and it told me how to get there by car, by bus/train, walking... Quite impressed I was.

[Kwang]

Firstly, it's much slower than wifi

So that blows your Xperia vs iPhone 4 theory out the window


Read this about A-GPS, should make you understand it

"Standalone" or "Autonomous" GPS operation uses radio signals from satellites alone. A-GPS additionally uses network resources to locate and use the satellites in poor signal conditions. In very poor signal conditions, for example in a city, these signals may suffer multipath propagation where signals bounce off buildings, or be weakened by passing through atmospheric conditions, walls or tree cover. When first turned on in these conditions, some standalone GPS navigation devices may not be able to work out a position due to the fragmentary signal, rendering them unable to function until a clear signal can be received continuously for up to 12.5 minutes (the time needed to download the GPS almanac and ephemeris).[2]

An Assisted GPS system can address these problems by using data available from a network. For billing purposes, network providers often count this as a data access, which can cost money depending on the plan.[3]

[harrybarracuda]

An Assisted GPS system can address these problems by using data available from a network. For billing purposes, network providers often count this as a data access, which can cost money depending on the plan

And you wouldn't believe the number of people that forget to turn off Data when Roaming, and get bills the size of Spanish Bailouts!

ALWAYS use a local SIM card with a data plan or allowance (12Call do them if you're only visiting) or turn off Data when Roaming!

That's one of my two tips for the week. The other one: Don't eat yellow snow.

[Bettyboo]

^ Arry, I'm on a 399 baht per month plan which allows 1GB and unlimited GPS; I've got everything on, is that okay - I'm on a top up SIM, so they can only take what credit I have, but I was hoping that, excluding calls, it'll all come within the 399 unless I'm a really heavy user, which I won't be - at home and work the wifi takes over, it seems to prioritize the wifi when it's tuned to a network.

Have I missed/misunderstood anything?

[harrybarracuda]

I use my Internet all the time, but I've never broken 1Gb on 3G in a month (I get 5Gb).

I have a pay as you go 1-2-Call card, which if you top it up is valid for a year. I think they charge Bt500 for a month of Internet with 3Gb; handy if you're only visiting.

You'll probably find you have an online feature somewhere where you can check your data usage, give DTAC a call and ask them.

You should find out what happens if you *do* reach the 1Gb - do they throttle it to GPRS only or start charging you stupid amounts? And do they sms/tell you when you are near your limit?

You might want to look at 3G Watchdog (your phone is Android, right?), which will actually monitor usage for you and let you check it; you can choose yourself what action to take if you do hit 1Gb.

[The Fresh Prince]

I thought you only wanted the phone to make calls, texts and take the occasional photo?

[Kwang]

You should find out what happens if you *do* reach the 1Gb - do they throttle it to GPRS only or start charging you stupid amounts?

Hmm, he is on PAYG but I see what you mean because he will need to top up seperately for his calls by the look of it

It's 399 baht per month for 1GB

All Betty needs to know is how many of these kinda pics can he get to the Gigabyte

[Bettyboo]

You should find out what happens if you *do* reach the 1Gb - do they throttle it to GPRS only or start charging you stupid amounts?

In the Dtac shop today, the guy spoke Thai, so I was the nodding smiling foreigner... I think he said that if your limit is up or your month is up you get a text to let you know and you have to top up... I think he said that.

your phone is Android, right?

You know it is, Arry; the True and Dtac shop were wowed by my Xperia; they both told me that my phone wasn't 3G, too small, but when they checked on the computer they realised it's a top notch little (and cheap) performer... I'm looking through teh Android/s/w/whatever settibgs, as you say, it would be good to know where you are and how much you are using.

[harrybarracuda]

^ What version of Android. Boo?

I thought you only wanted the phone to make calls, texts and take the occasional photo?

When have I ever said that? You might be confused about me saying that if that's all you want to do (well more specifically, calls, texts and mail), then Windows Phone 7 is the way to go. Very intuitive.

[Bettyboo]

I thought you only wanted the phone to make calls, texts and take the occasional photo?

Yeah, but mate, once you get into the stuff these phones can do it's addictive - I've found out routes on buses and by taxi to places I will never go and others that I've already been to and know well; every time I go out I check my GPS location, even though I am there and I know I am; I got a great delight today by reading that I was in Big C Rama 2, which I obviously knew already...

All Betty needs to know is how many of these kinda pics can he get to the Gigabyte

Youse gonna be in trouble again, mate!

[Bettyboo]

^ What version of Android. Boo?

Gingerbread, but it's due to go ICS any day.

When have I ever said that?

No, he was after me, Arry - on my new phone thread I said I only wanted a phone, I didn't want bells and whistles; FP pointed out that that might change once I have an Android phone, and he was right...

[Kwang]

So have you sussed the phone out now Betty ?

I bet you cant do a screenshot.

Come on, let's see your Boyzone Wallpaper

[harrybarracuda]

Well I can't remember if Gingerbread does it, but in ICS under Settings is "Data Usage", and you can set the limit there. Seems most of my usage is from the Play Store (probably updates and the occasional new app), but you can set that to Wifi only.

[Mr Earl]

Heads up BB DTAC 3G and gprs suck. You will end up spending much more than 399 i can guarantee you. All the fucking fine print is in Thai, and you will be fucked regardless. 1G is not much bandwidth so if the dtac account is your primary IT source you will exceed that in a week surfing TD.

I've had dtac for over ayear with mixed results

I recently subscribed to true/move3g 5G + unlimited.

What I noticed right away was the true/move is honestly very fast with 1+mbps speeds.
Dtac the speeds are generally very slow.

I like having both accounts because when one balks the other generally works well.
I have the dtac on my galaxy tab which works also as a wifi hot spot.
My true/move is an aircard with 5G 3G access + unlimited. It is really fast honest 3g service.

[harrybarracuda]

In fairness, you can reduce the fuck out of your usage by using the right browser (Opera Mini) and the right sites (e.g. pda.sky.com, bbc.co.uk/mobile.i, etc.).

[Bettyboo]

Heads up BB DTAC 3G and gprs suck. You will end up spending much more than 399 i can guarantee you. All the fucking fine print is in Thai, and you will be fucked regardless. 1G is not much bandwidth so if the dtac account is your primary IT source you will exceed that in a week surfing TD.

What I noticed right away was the true/move is honestly very fast with 1+mbps speeds.

Makes sense Earl, but I'll rarely use the edge; I have True wifi a home and fast connection at work, it's just something to have when I'm out and about - I will probably change to the True 3G with wifi so I can get the wifi hotspots when I'm having a coffee in town, etc.

[Mojo]

I think you mean your got 1GB 3G/HSPA data per month with unlimited GPRS/EDGE meaning once your 1GB of fast 3G data is used up they drop you to EDGE speeds?

GPS use is always free, it's direct connection to the satellite so no billing between from your operator. A-GPS as mentioned above also uses data connection to help and locate faster and needs data connection. When i say data connection it can be WiFi or your mobile data (2G or 3G).

If you use Android the google maps are not stored in your phone but online. Thus the map application does not work unless there is data connection open. This means you are using up your 1GB quota when using the maps app.

So far only Nokia phones have maps that you can download to your phone and use them for free without data connection. That and their free turn by turn voice navigation that works everywhere.

Also good to note that DTAC 3G network operates at 850MHz frequency, are you sure your new phone supports that frequency for 3G? You should see small 3G or H icon in the top of you screen when connected to data like browsing the internet. This means you are 3G or even better HSPA speeds.

[Bettyboo]

^ that makes sense, I think I just have Edge speeds. I actually have very little idea what I am doing... I think I might kick it to the kerb at the end of the month.

[Mojo]

Quick look from one of the thai pages says Xperia Mini supports UMTS (3G) frequencies of 900MHz and 2100MHz.

So it means you need to get AIS sim card as they are the only ones operating 3G at 900MHz frequency.

2100MHz is the global "standard" but as we know too well in Thailand they haven't issued any licences for it. Maybe end of the year maybe not.

So get AIS sim card to make use of the phone. Using maps etc in EDGE connection does not make any sense. And there is thing called number portability in place so you should be able to get your number with you i.e. get AIS sim with same number.

[Mojo]

And worth of noting is that some phones get manufactured with different spec for different markets. So dig out your manual and see what are the actual frequencies it supports. Or try first with AIS sim card with data package to make sure you get 3G in your area (in general bangkok is ok).

[Bettyboo]

^ many thanks, looks like AIS here I come; Dtac have mugged me off...

[Cthulhu]

Firstly, it's much slower than wifi. But, the wifi and edge seem to somehow work together to do the navigation (does the wifi help to locate your current location somehow?).

It's called A-GPS (Assisted GPS), by using both cell-towers, WiFi hotspots, and the GPS, it is able to acquire a GPS location faster. Usually, actual GPS acquisition can take between 4-5 minutes - by adding a lookup from a cell-tower and WiFi hots;pot database, it is able to provide an initial location within seconds, and subsequently fine-tune the signal as it acquires GPS.

It works very well, which is why I always suggest people get the 3G/4G version of the iPad, as it provides faster and more accurate GPS acquisition, than just a wifi system alone (you do not need an active data plane for the GPS to benefit from the cellular tower triangulation)

Also, I've been told that 4G is very similar to current wifi speeds, so that'll be great when it comes along.

Don't hold your breath.

I prefer TRUE's offerings to DTAC's, as I find they are faster, actually have pretty wide-spread 3G coverage, and are pretty reliable. Heck, I was able to get TRUE signals on Koh Chang and even Koh Kood.

[Cthulhu]

I bet you cant do a screenshot.

Now, that's just plain mean.







In order to have a compatible 3G xperia, you need the X10a (if you can't do 850MHz, you just have the x10). Bummer. See if some guys at MBK will swap it for a small fee. Basically the 'a' extension supports 850MHz.

iPhones, by the way, support all frequencies, so work just fine with 3G in Thailand (or anywhere else, for that matter).