ADSL - It never rains but it pours

[leemo 0]

This morning I was pulled up by the lobby lady and told that TT&T have got it together for an ADSL service in my block, provided you have a TT&T phone line. My 17 months of patience had finally paid off, but TiT so the past is forgiven!

 

OK, off to TT&T at Carrefour, organised a line for 3k which includes a telephone, 12 month free caller ID and a couple of other extras, and was shown a sheet with dozens of internet service options...from drought to abundance!

 

Did the rest of the paperwork and I'm pretty sure there's a catch somewhere because according to my understanding the monthly rate for the TT&T service I subscribed to is a suspiciously low 790 bt/month for unlimited 512/256. They asked for 2 months up front...at that rate I was prepared to tie in by paying a year up front, but the girl said their system does not support advance payments beyond 2 months. Taking this together with other access availability and pricing, it may be that 790 is their fishing rate for only the first 2 months, so expect a major whinge around this time in July.

 

Then they said I would need a USB modem, so off to ComCity to look for an internal, but none available and the externals run from 1200 - 5000 (wireless), with True doing a compact USB for 1800. Now, a couple of years ago, wireless was generally regarded as a bit unreliable, so if anyone has info on current wireless tech (i.e. is it really worth the extra 3-4k) that would be appreciated, and also, having not had any previous experience with ADSL, is there any difference between one regular USB modem and another, or are they much the same?

 

Also, as I'm now committed to TT&T, the best I can hope for is a positive service review by other TT&T subscribers.

 

Tx in advance.

 

 

leemo

Edited May 22, 2005 by leemo

[Eneukman 1]

leemo, where in Pattaya do you live? I'll be there in a matter of weeks and at present am considering View Talay as one option. Also, would an external modem be acceptable?

 

Thanks,

 

Alan

[leemo 0]

Welcome to Pty, and VT takes very little getting used to.

 

Seems a USB ADSL modem is required, but according to all the stallholders I spoke with at ComCity only externals are available, so I guess the choice now is between USB and wireless.

 

Phone due for install (crossed fingers legs and eyes) 26th and connecting on the 2nd, so am sure to research until the last minute.

 

 

leemo

[Eneukman 1]

Thanks leemo. I arrive on the evening of 15th June and will begin my search for somewhere to live the following Monday. Need to buy a new mobile and get a couple of other things sorted out first!

 

Stress levels are beginning to climb. Need a few soon.

 

Alan

[leemo 0]

Mid-June will be no shortage of accommodation, mobiles, or beer. You're made!

 

 

leemo

[wombat 5]

leemo

im running wireless in a commercial situation.....it all works fine...line of sight is about 500 mtrs.....inside a building...room to room depends on how much concrete and reo (metal re-inforcing) gets in the way of the signal.

 

http://www.dlink.com/#

 

this is the mob i use.....no idea if its available in los

hope this helps.

[SunnyValentine 173]

About the modem: I would consider a router (with Network Cable access rather than USB!) instead of a USB modem.

USB Modems need Software drivers, these can sometime make problems, or in case you change the Operating system they might not be available, so an external modem/router (which needs no drivers at all, configuration and settings are done through your Internet Browser) is the most flexible solution. This also gives you the possibility of adding more than one Computer to your ADSL line, and it adds security to your Installation, as your PC is not directly connected to the Internet, thereby cutting lots (but not all!) threads that are around.

I use Wireless myself here in Pattaya, it is great if you want to use a Notebook, as you can use it in all your rooms as well as on the terrace or balcony. The technology is stable, and there is not a lot problems to expect. Security is an issue though, but new models carry strong encryption!

 

Hope that helps!

 

Sunny

[leemo 0]

Here we go with a little knowledge being lethal...ok...

 

Sunny: It's a domestic setup, one computer with no plans for networking, so I guess I shan't be needing the router, but with no reinforced concrete between modem and anything, wireless becomes an option.

 

wombat: the DLinks I saw were router and USB, so that sort of narrows it down to DLink USB or wireless, of which there were several in the 3000 - 5000 range.

 

Another week for connection, and if no further info/recs/advice forthcoming, bladder will make the decision on the day.

 

Many thanks.

 

 

leemo

[wombat 5]

imho...i would go wireless...if the worst came to the worst and your provider goes offline you could always go to mistys as a back up location.......................

[spacebass 0]

Welcome to Pty, and VT takes very little getting used to.

 

Seems a USB ADSL modem is required, but according to all the stallholders I spoke with at ComCity only externals are available, so I guess the choice now is between USB and wireless.

 

Phone due for install (crossed fingers legs and eyes) 26th and connecting on the 2nd, so am sure to research until the last minute.

 

 

leemo

 

Check out ebay.co.uk search pci adsl and you will find a stack of modems for around GBP10 and down, maybe someone could bring you one?