absolutelyBangkok archive · Business & Economics
Originally published Jan. 21, 2010
You got a shiny new iPhone or any other really smart phone and are pissed off, and rightfully so. The phone allows 3G or 3rd Generation mobile telecommunication for superfast data transfer on the 2100 MHz bandwidth. But as we all know there’s delay upon delay due to technicalities if you know what I mean — showing the whole nation that greed in powerful circles is stronger than any belief in progress, sense of duty, loyalty or moral value for that.
But wait, why bother! We have 3G already! Hey, I’m using it. After being a stubbornly loyal AIS customer since the mid-90s last week me bought my first TrueMove post-paid number. TrueMove’s a newcomer in comparison — and they offer Hi-Speed Mobile internet. Including 3G at selected locations, such as in Bangkok’s central business district, Hua Hin, Cha Am and Phuket. Offering speeds of a whopping 4 Mbps. That’s what I got tethering the iPhone.
But still, this is a “2G 3G” so to say, or a 2.5G to be exact — clear? TrueMove is currently operating a 3G service on the 850 MHz frequency on a non-commercial trial basis waiting for approval to launch the service on a commercial basis. An auction will also be held by the government in the near future of 3G licenses on the 2.1 GHz frequency… Meaning, during the trial phase you’re charged 2G, EDGE and GPRS rates. I can live with that. This speed at this price. And now AIS jumps on the bandwagon:
Tired of waiting for a proper 3G license AIS launches it’s “2G 3G” services on Feb. 1 along with TOT ’s 3G services through a data roaming agreement. Using the 900 MHz frequency AIS subscribers have access to 3G in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi and Hua Hin. AIS plans to expand its 3G services on 900 MHz into another 15 provinces this year. AIS’ price plans are not yet available.
So let’s take a wild guess:
Will Thailand skip the 2.1 GHz 3G?
My money’s on a… yes.
The industry’s patience with the regulators runs thin and if the old infrastructure can do, why spend billions on a whole new hardware when countries are moving closer to 4G adoption already, the next generation of mobile telecommunication and computing.
Still, proper 3G on the 2.1 GHz frequency offers a whole new dimension of speed and also playing field regarding rural development, rural communication and the general advancement and empowerment of the rural masses.
Those are obviously no priorities of our rulers. Live sufficiently, don’t ask for too much. If you’re living at the right place though, enjoy the benefits of Thailand’s, well, pseudo-3G.
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By the way, if you bought your iPhone 3G from TrueMove* and not a gray import, then you’re allowed to subscribe to the 599 baht monthly package including unlimited GPRS/3G/Wi-Fi and 300 voice minutes. That’s dirt-cheap compared to regular 3G services overseas. A deal that’s even harder to beat by AIS’ monthly unlimited GPRS package for 999 baht… Am not a DTAC guy, maybe they’re an alternative.
* TrueMove 3G-compatible phones currently available in Thailand are: Nokia’s 3120 Classic, 6120 Classic, 6267, 6500 Classic, 6500 slide, 6555, 6600 Slide, 6600 Fold, 5610 Xpress Music, 7900 Prism, E51; Sony Ericsson’s K850i, W760i, C510, W508, W705, W995, C903, T707; Apple’s iPhone 3G & 3GS; BlackBerry’s iBold 9000; HP’s HP iPAQ 912.
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