Mobile data SIM package without contract? (for smartphones)

[thebears]

I'd like to know if it is possible to obtain a mobile data SIM for always-on smartphones that is non-contract-based. Charges need to be by volume of data, rather than connection time. To keep things simple and avoid a monthly bill, I'd like to use a non-contract top-up account (also known as PAYG account).

I do not even necessarily need 3G, as GPRS is fine for what I need.

Is there anything like this available at present? I used to use an AIS Internet SIM that was top-up based, but it had a monthly time limit, in hours. Obviously with an always-on smartphone, the time-based limitation is inappropriate and price needs to be based on data volume. Thanks for any advice.

[buksida]

Yes, I use an EDGE/GPRS one on a One-2-Call sim, it just tops up automatically and deducts the charge when my time runs out. You need to turn data connections off on the phone else it'll want to connect all the time. More info on this rather confusing website: http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/

[Pleng]

buksida - he's looking for volume packages so he won't need to turn his data connection off

thebears - look at this page and click on 'volume base pacakages' to see what's avaliable.

[thebears]

[quote="Pleng"...and click on 'volume base pacakages' to see what's avaliable.[/quote]
Many thanks indeed Pleng and for noting that I require an always-on connection. Yes, these AIS packages seem to be ok. From looking at those, I've also been able to find DTAC's equivalent (Happy) product.

AIS has some really annoying consumer 'features' such as the infuriating text message it sends to anyone who's attempted to call you when the mobile is off, informing them that you are available!

So, for anyone else who's interested, here is the link on DTAC's site. Thanks to both of you for pointing me in the right direction.

[utl=http://www.happy.co.th/index.php?option ... 8&lang=en/]this page[/url]

[Super Joe]

AIS has some really annoying consumer 'features' such as the infuriating text message it sends to anyone who's attempted to call you when the mobile is off, informing them that you are available!

I think entering *108*2# will cancel the notifying of others that you are available again, but keep on notification to you when others switch back on...

Double check that though pls as that was a while ago, I'm with TrueMove now. The girl on the helpline will switch stuff for you... if you got a spare couple months to get through. You can ofcourse also cancel the notifications to yourself.

This service is only inter-AIS I believe

SJ

[H2ODunc]

[quote="Pleng"...and click on 'volume base pacakages' to see what's avaliable.

Many thanks indeed Pleng and for noting that I require an always-on connection. Yes, these AIS packages seem to be ok. From looking at those, I've also been able to find DTAC's equivalent (Happy) product.

AIS has some really annoying consumer 'features' such as the infuriating text message it sends to anyone who's attempted to call you when the mobile is off, informing them that you are available!

So, for anyone else who's interested, here is the link on DTAC's site. Thanks to both of you for pointing me in the right direction.

this page[/quote]


I fail to see how this feature is in any way annoying ? To me it is the total opposite. if I call someone and the phone is off then I get a message when they switch it on so I can call them. very handy when you need an answer quickly or in an emergency. the same when I have no signal and someone calls me.
AIS also do an unlimited internet access package which is pay as you go with no download limits for around 1000 Baht a month.

[Murray]

Hi Guys,

I'm currently using a blackberry and we pay a set monthly fee and recieve free internet, i see above that AIS does the same thing. Can you just pay that fee monthly or would you have to take out a specific contract? Also is it worth having the free internet or are the data charges fairly reasonable? I'm not one to camp on my phone but it is useful from time to time considering the data charges across here.

Murray

[Pleng]

These are pay as you go plans, no need for contracts. I don't know how much ad-hok data usage is here, but I'm suspecting it's quite expensive.

[BaaBaa.]

If you're using it alot the pay as you go plans are a joke.

Just ring up, pay the 800 baht ish for the month and be done with it.

[Cityman]

AIS new data plan: 999 baht for 7Gb 3G limit. After 7GB exceed, the speed will be reduced to 384 kbps

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/ ... m-package/

[wpcoe]

A friend of mine recently (last month) signed up with True for a prepaid monthly 3G plan with 1GB 3G data for B350/month, so seems comparable to the AIS chart (above).

He intended to get a post-paid package, but didn't have his passport with him. They require a passport to create a post-paid account, but not for a pre-paid, so he got pre-paid.

[sourdough]

So than how about with no contract? Can I just buy a SIM (with data) and pop it in - and if funds run out recharge it?

I guess hotels will have Wifi or Ethernet connection, but it's sweet to have Google Maps while getting lost outside.

[Pleng]

Don't use data without getting yourself a package first - the charges are astronomical!

The packages are easy enough to apply, just dial a number from your handset. I use DTAC for my 3G. It costs me 107bt for 30 days of data up to 75Mb, or 214bt for up to 250Mb/30 days. Without applying the package you can easily get through several hundered baht in an evening!

[wpcoe]

A contract is not necessary for prepaid, but yes, use a data package.