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Technology Thailand

Where Thais and technology clash

by Jesada Chandraprasert, Thailand


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Free Wi-Fi, coming to a Bangkok street near you

Jun 27, 2008 19:21

As of Thursday, half a million Bangkok-ians will have access to 15,000 access points throughout the Bangkok metropolitan area. The municipal administration is attempting to alleviate some of the strains caused by rising fuel prices through allowing people to conduct business and transactions over the Internet. This pilot program will run one year and each access point will allow people to connect to a blazing 64kbps pipe.

Though slightly better than dialup, one has to wonder how much bandwidth anyone will actually get. Nonetheless, this is a step in the right direction and should give WiMAX a run for its money since this service is being offered for free. Next time my fellow CNET Asia blogger Bernice is in Bangkok, I'm sure she'll have a pleasant surprise :).

Anyone living in range of one of these hotspots? Please do let me know how it works out for you. The Bangkok administration has been handing out access cards at most shopping malls and public places.



6 comments   |   Share


 

    Talkback
stdennis2 says...
K'Jesada,
I've already signed up for this free service, which is offered under Bangkok's co-operation with True Corp. (not sure if there is any relationship thing due to the fact that the current Bangkok governor used to be one of its executives)
The speed is acceptable for a freebie but it is only good until Sep 30, when I think True will eventually offer some kind of plan to the subscribers at a cost.
All in all, I think it's some kind of marketing scheme to stimulate the wifi market.
However, as long as it's free, I'm not complaining.


Your Thai blog follower

Jul 01, 2008 16:41
 
 
Jesadac says...
Glad to hear that its working out for you stdennis2. Hopefully, by the end of this promo period, there will be more permanent options similar to the free dial up internet access that was provided by TOT/CAT. I hear Chiang Mai is getting blanketed by TT&T's wifi access points but my sources are also still in the dark a to whether its going to be a free service an add on to their current services. Interesting times for those in Thailand, now that we're catching up with the rest of the world.

Jul 01, 2008 22:47
 
 
stdennis2 says...
Chiang Mai users also have another option for internet with AIS 3G service despite it being on 900Mhz instead of the more popular 2100.
If I remember correctly, DTAC is to launch Wi-Max in Phuket soon after they finish their testing phase.
Seem like Bangkok is no longer focused on for wireless internet because wired internet at very cheap price is very much available in most areas.

Jul 02, 2008 12:03
 
 
Jesadac says...
Definitely true about the cheap wired option. Also, telcos like to test out their new technologies in more rural areas (but not too rural) where they can be sure there will be some early adopters to help them weed out any glitches as well as ensure that there will not be too much demand that it will crash their new technology the instant it is deployed. But for CM users, I find it a bit annoying that at this day and age, AIS are still trying to make people buy a "compatible" handset which comes with the 3G SIM, rather than opening things up for people who have compatible handsets already. Just another way to reverse-subsidize (aka passing on the cost) I guess.

Jul 02, 2008 12:08
 
 
thomashsu says...
It is a good news to hear your sharing, due to I will go visit Bangkok for business trip, how could I find the wifi access points or how to link and test. Thanks

Jul 23, 2008 09:37
 
 
Jesadac says...
Hi Thomashsu.
You can visit this site for privately run free hotspots: www.bkkpages.com...

The free municipal wifi access card should still be available at most Government tourism offices in bangkok, major malls like Paragon, Central World, etc...

Jul 23, 2008 11:21
 
 
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About Jesada Chandraprasert

A firm believer that he/she who dies with the most toys wins.

 
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