If you are going to be in Thailand, hopefully this comparison will help you to make a decision on which Internet broadband provider to choose
. Of the three services tested, one utilizes a mobile wireless system that uses GSM Edge to connect to the Internet. The other two are standard ADSL services from competing companies in Thailand. All of the tests were performed using the same laptop, at approximately the same time of day. Tests were performed withing 5 KM of each other in Chiang Rai Thailand.
The first broadband type I tested was the AIS wireless Edge solution. I purchased a USB Edge card from 7-11 convenience store which are everywhere Thailand. The USB card cost me 1200 Baht (around $37 USD). The price included 20 hours of wireless time.
You can purchase additional hours to the card. Adding 20 hours of time is 150 Baht (around $4.50 USD) The USB card itself houses a SIM card just like the SIM card that goes into your phone. In fact, you can swap AIS SIM cards between your phone and USB card if you want. The USB card has software built-in and I successfully Installed it on Windows XP and Windows 7 laptops. I was not able to get the card to work with Mac OS X. The software works just like any other dial-up/3G/4G modem where you click a button to connect and disconnect from the Internet.
Why test Edge and not 3G? Well, Thailand is currently caught up in legal problems with wireless carriers about allocating 3G frequencies so the current 3G offerings are very limited. Edge is the best option for nationwide coverage unfortunately.