Buck up, even Phuket's broadband is better
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Mar 29, 2011 - ST Forum
ON MY recent trip to Phuket, Thailand, earlier this month, I purchased a prepaid Hi-Speed Net SIM by TrueMove so I could surf on my smartphone ("Slow broadband: IDA's rules are not effective enough", by Mr Jeremy Chen; yesterday).
First, it was cheap at 70 baht (S$3) and bought from a street vendor at some local carnival. It provided 100MB of 3G usage, access to Wi-Fi hot spots around the island, some free SMS and MMS, and calls as well. Top-ups were also easily purchased at 7-Eleven stores.
To my surprise, the Internet speed was efficient and quick, and the 3G signal seldom dropped even though most parts of Phuket are rural. A quick check on TrueMove's website on my return showed that the costs of its monthly price plans are a lot lower than what Singaporeans are generally paying.
My StarHub $98-monthly 3G plan pales in comparison when using my smartphone's online features. My 3G speed tends to slow down, and the signal falters or disappears altogether even while I'm travelling around town.
There should be no reason for customers to experience worse service here than in Phuket. Being a First World, first-class city, it is time our Internet service providers (ISPs) buck up and improve their service standards, or at least reduce the prices of their plans to what our neighbouring ISPs are offering.
Lim Whei Lei
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Remember Phuket is fast becoming the hot spot for rich investors, you will be surprised to know some prime houses there are no less than those in Nassim Road.
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I went there 3 times, find the place very nice and comfortable.
Pple also nice too.
Food is ok.
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Korean drama are 100 times better than Singapore drama.