A handset, tablet or USB modem will need 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz band capability for use with this 4G/LTE service. LTE 1800/2600 MHz devices produced in Hong Kong/Shenzhen are likely to be compatible while those intended for the US market or countries using the 700/2100 MHz bands, are not. South Korea (home of Samsung and LG), the UK and some European operators have access to the 1800 MHz band and possibly 2600.

A quad band LTE USB air card/dongle modem such as the Huawei E392 sells for around $200 (1.6M kips). The Samsung Galaxy S II i9210 LTE phone and i957 8.9” tablet are about $750 (6M kips). Note that the Apple iPad 3 (promoted as 4G) will not work with Beeline LTE.

To avoid compatibility issues, Beeline Lao suggests that potential users wait for their service to be announced officially in the press, with data cost and suitable hardware recommendations.

As seen in the video below, results are impressive as Beeline continues testing their 4G/LTE service, with more than 50Mbps for download and over 10Mbps upload speeds and very low latency (ping speed).

Posted originally on January 11, 2012

Beeline, formerly Tigo Lao recently became the last mobile operator in Laos to upgrade from GPRS and EDGE, by launching a “3G+4G” service from January 2012 in Vientiane and Luang Prabang and Savannakhet in March. Other 3G providers are Lao Telecom, ETL and Unitel.

Depending on user location and traffic, Beeline 3G service is faster than the others if using a high-speed capable phone or USB modem. A typical 3.6 Mbps phone or 7.2 Mbps modem will probably produce similar results to the 1-2 Mbps download speeds from LaoTel or ETL. Unitel performance should be better than those, although throttling is imposed on some plans.

Beeline sells a badged locked ZTE MF 656A (14.4 Mbps) and MF 668A (21 Mbps) USB dongle for 300,000 and 350,000 kips respectively. Data plans are suited to mobile phones with low daily, weekly or monthly internet requirements; plan prices are comparable with the others. See more below.

A Tigo or Beeline SIM (with phone number, so not data only) should automatically switch to 3G on a capable phone or device where service is available, so there’s no need to upgrade or change any settings. APN is beelinenet.

Beeline is testing a 4G/LTE network for Laos – not WiMax as employed by Lao Telecom and Planet. This is still in development and service is not yet available. LTE requires compatible phones and modems such as used for LTE systems deployed in the USA, Korea and Singapore. See related post.

Get more Lao mobile and internet information on the R-A Lao communications and Lao data plans pages.

April 2012 update

The Beeline AD1 and AM1 ‘unlimited’ data plans now have restrictions due to what the operator feels was excessive downloading by some subscribers. Limits are currently 1GB per day with a monthly maximum of 10GB. Connection is not affected, bandwidth reduces to 256Kbps if the limits are exceeded, sufficient for email and web browsing.

Current coverage in Luang Prabang is between the airport and the stadium. In Savannakhet it’s from the airport in the south to beyond the Dinosaur.

Although ‘unlimited’ plans were made available, excessive usage by some subscribers has resulted in limits being imposed and these are 2 GB per day or 10 GB per month. Other Lao operators also have limits or use bandwidth throttling on certain plans. See Lao 3G data plans.

Since 2010, members and stakeholders have been sporadically updated with ‘progress’ by founder and spokesman, Irishman Christian Fortune, with explanations for changes of tack and delays in launches of various new services, with several network name changes along the way. Many like myself, although frustrated, took a ‘wait-and-see’ stance while others have tried to cash in on the original scheme by steering Sqip and GreenWin members into others.

Although I have almost certainly lost some money, compared to other schemes I’ve been involved in or tempted by, I don’t think of this one as a scam; more a failed business model. I believed in its founder and his plans; his vision of the future of social networking and personal communications has in fact proved correct. However, it seems he either missed the boat, chose the wrong partners or simply lost out to bigger players.

I don’t hold any grudge as there is still the vague possibility that my equity known as PEPs, which has seen a series of moves, over several years now, from SQIP to GreenWin Network/MyCrowd and apparently converted to a Swedish company stock, might one day actually be worth something in monetary terms. But I’m not holding my breath!

This was an investment and all investment has risk. It is up to the individual to decide how much of a ‘fortune’ they can afford to lose. In my case it’s a only couple of hundred euros, but the last valuation of my stake was around a thousand dollars.

I am not at all confident of a positive outcome as ‘our’ Christian Fortune (not the movie star or tagline for a Nigerian reverend’s millions-of-dollars scam) disappeared from the radar early in 2012. Currently, none of the links for the site or member ‘back office’ work – not a good sign.

See previous related posts:

February 2010

March 2010

May 2010

3G services are firmly established in many territories and coverage is being extended to areas in most countries. With future goals always being increased data throughput or bandwidth, so-called 4G is seen as the next step towards higher speeds and is becoming available in certain areas.

However, achieving consistently higher speeds is far more complex than just an upgrade from the 2G/3G standard, well-defined for GSM/UMTS networks and the mobile devices that use them – phones, tablets, laptops, USB modems, routers etc via a SIM card contained within. As long as devices are not ‘locked’ to a particular network, there is a high degree of compatibility so that mobile voice and data services can be used worldwide as new ‘quad’ phones can be used on any of the four popular frequency bands.

By comparison, ’4G’ is not a fixed set of parameters adhered to by hardware manufacturers, service operators and their marketing departments. Firstly, there are different systems and architecture that can be used, WiMax and LTE being the most common. But there are variations within these two technologies that make it difficult/expensive to manufacture devices that are compatible with both types of service. Providers in different countries have to take many factors into consideration before testing and implementing a 4G service that will be both efficient and economically viable. However, there are devices becoming available that can connect to both 3G and 4G networks.

While WiMax is quite common in SE Asia, LTE seems to be gaining in popularity. There are several frequency bands (allocated by each country to mobile operators) that may be used. For example, the USA, Canada and India have opted for 700 MHz while other parts of Asia (and much of Europe) use 1800 or 2600 MHz. There are also ‘FDD’ and ‘TDD’ variations. It’s too complicated for the average user to try (or need) to understand at this relatively early stage.

It’s still unlikely you will become ’4G-ready’ by buying a new phone or tablet that is advertised ‘with 4G’. Chances are that it will only work with a single network in its country of origin or distribution. Examples are the new Apple iPad 3 and Samsung Galaxy models now being sold in the USA and Europe. American or Chinese market 4G devices are not likely to work elsewhere in Asia and not all European products will be compatible either.

Rather wait until a mobile operator in the country you are living in announces the type of 4G service it intends launching and compatible phones, tablets and modems are made available locally for that service. Incompatible (e.g. the wrong frequency) devices will not work for 4G, but if their modems include 2100 MHz, they should work with 3G SIMs and services in most of SE Asia.

Beeline in Laos has begun 4G/LTE trials with FDD on the 1800 and 2600 MHz bands as used in Europe while AIS in Thailand is testing both FDD and TDD LTE at 1800 and 2300 MHz. Initial tests show that Beeline’s 4G is already ten or more times faster than a fast 3G connection, as the Speedtest result shows here. They are aiming for higher than this when the 4G/LTE service is launched later in 2012 by which time, compatible hardware prices may have reduced and also multi-network products becoming more widely available.

As part of the lead up to 4G, Beeline is also the first operator in Laos to offer the new IPv6 protocol to their subscribers. Although this may not seem important to the average user, there are enormous implications for use of the Internet in years to come. Apart from computers and phones, more and more devices are being produced with internet connectivity including vehicles and even household appliances. Each one requires a unique IP address and the number of free addresses left on the current IPv4 system is diminishing rapidly. IPv6 is the solution. No connection setting changes are required at end user level.

Beeline Laos recently introduced new SIMs which can be changed to data-only SIMs for USB modems. There are two new unlimited data plans: 4,900 kips per day and 130,000 kips for 30 days. Like Beeline’s previous SIMs they cost 10,000 kips and have 5,000 kips credit and are available from the VimpelCom Beeline Office on Lane Xang Avenue, and later from phone shops and Beeline roaming sales teams who may also sell the air cards.

Once activated (SMS 121 [number] or send *121*[number]# (the number begins 20 and is found inside the packaging) the SIM can be used in a phone or modem with the current data plans, and any remaining credit available for voice calls (not possible with a modem).

However, once an unlimited data plan is requested, the SIM becomes data only and with the 5,000 credit can then be used for one day without recharge (SMS 234 AD1). Further usage will require refill. Balance can be checked by sending C to 234.

Confirmed by the Technical Manager and now by my own tests, there is no bandwidth throttling or data limitation – at least for now. Performance will depend on the speed capability of the device (best with a 14.4 or 21Mbps air card). Beeline sells the ZTE MF-668A for 350,000 kips ($44 or 1,350 baht); download speed will also be affected by base station location and traffic (like all cellular services).

By comparison, Unitel Lao currently offers an unlimited data plan for 5,000 kips per day, but this is throttled to 512Kbps download, 256Kbps upload. Full speed rates of up to 8Mbps down and 2Mbps up cost 450,000 kips per month or 120,000 kips for one week and there may be a daily maximum, as there is with LaoTel.

See all Lao mobile and USB modem data plans.

There are several books in print on teaching English in different countries where you don’t speak a word of the main local language, but the recently updated edition of “How to Teach English Overseas” by Matthew Kepnes is one that’s definitely worth downloading and reading on your mobile phone, tablet or laptop.

Expanded to nearly 200 pages, it explains everything you could possibly need to know about this popular activity for early retirees as well as the ‘travel brigade’. It’s also worth a lot more than the paltry $9.99 price.

This is a comprehensive guide that eases the way from knowing what preparation is needed, to actually finding a suitable teaching job in another country. It teaches you what to expect before you start.

The pages include not only the author’s considerable personal teaching experience, but also that of others. Chapters include  an introduction to teaching English, TEFL Certificates, Teacher Requirements and Suitability, Different Types of Teaching Jobs, Benefits and Salaries, Country-specific facts (and local contact links) for Thailand, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Central & South America, Western & Eastern Europe, Russia, the Gulf States – even Ghana in Africa. Most importantly there are in-depth Q&A interviews with 14 teachers who have taught English in those countries. Nothing matches real life experiences.

I would have appreciated being able to get my hands on this book before venturing into unknown territory myself some years ago. Buying “How to Teach English Overseas” would have been an instant decision – and at $9.99, a ‘no-brainer’ – but Matt kindly sent me a review copy!

More on on the R-A Teaching English pages.

While higher speeds and lower ping times will be achieved from relatively nearby Vientiane, Bangkok or Hanoi servers, what happens in the real world upstream (between Vientiane and servers in say London or New York) is another story and of course download speeds will be affected by many different factors.

Using the well-known SpeedTest.net, I was quite surprised with some of the results. I used the 21 Mbps USB modem from Beeline, a 7.2 Mbps dongle from Unitel and Planet’s 4G WiMax Indoor CPE modem. While having seen increased speeds from local servers, I certainly wasn’t expecting to see over 5 Mbps download speeds and very low latency from many thousands of miles or kilometers away from Southeast Asia. Here are the results:

Unitel Lao (Star Telecom) HSPA – London, UK server

Unitel Lao HSPA – New York City, USA server

Planet Online Laos WiMax – London, UK server

Planet Online Laos WiMax – New York City, USA server

Beeline Lao HSPA+ (ex Tigo Millicom) – London, UK server

Beeline Lao HSPA+ (ex Tigo Millicom) – New York City, USA server

This was by no means a definitive test which, in fairness, ought to be made at different times of the day, night and week, using different local and overseas locations and servers.

Currently, Beeline’s new HSPA+ service using a high speed USB modem such as the ZTE MF 668A wins hands down. Both the ping times and download speeds were impressive and unexpected. Let’s hope as the subscriber base expands that performance doesn’t deteriorate too rapidly as it has with Unitel.

Here’s a more recent Beeline test using a Los Angeles, CA (US West Coast) server, done at 6.30 pm Wednesday 18th.

Beeline is part of VimpelCom, a huge Russian-owned mobile provider. I found even less latency to Moscow – 48ms.

Strangely, I have since received much higher ping rates using Pingtest.net from these and other locations. I am looking further into why there should be such discrepancy.

See the Lao Communications page on our website for details of phone and internet services in the Lao PDR.

There are quite a few types on the market from manufacturers such as Kingston and SanDisk, and they come in different capacities; several gigabytes are common on today’s new phones and tablets. For many, this extra memory functions as part of the system, without needing setting; they may not even be aware of the card or its features. But problems can arise when the card is nearly full and files need deleting, transferring to other storage, or replacing the current SD card with a higher capacity one.

Having had issues myself, I created a Micro SD page on the R-A website several years ago. Since then it has been consistently one of the most popular, receiving hundreds of hits every day – over 85,000 by 2010 and over 180,000 by 2012. There’s no doubt that many have problems and card failures; there are numerous forums where people post, including phone and card manufacturer support sites.

Two common problems:  microSD file transfer & Nokia phones with password-locked cards

1.  If a microSD cannot be recognised by a computer (read, write, format etc), it may not be the card itself but a microSD to SD adapter typically needed for it to fit in a standard size card reader slot. The adapter usually comes with it. This is the first thing to check for a fault. Try using a different adapter (Kingston seem to have dud ones); better still, get  a USB reader with a Micro SD slot for $3.50; in the UK for £1.40.

2.  Nokia phones with locked microSD cards that need a password for access (happens suddenly without user intervention). Retrieving or removing the password depends upon the model. Some Nokias have an “MMC store” folder; copy this to a computer and open with Notepad to find the password. Reformatting the card (losing all content) allows a new password e.g. 1234 to be set if needed.

Ways to copy/move files between SD cards or transfer to and from a computer

There are different options for working with files. One is with the USB cable supplied with the phone and used in conjunction with a software program also supplied by the manufacturer. e.g. Nokia Data Suite. Another is Bluetooth – a wireless link between the two, as also is WiFi. If you have a built in or USB card reader, removing the microSD card from the phone and connecting directly to a computer is easiest.

Some card readers now accept a micro SD card directly (see above); previously it needed a micro to standard size SD adapter often but not always supplied with a micro SD purchased separately and often the cause of problems, one of which is the write protect switch (on the adapter – the micro SD does not have this).

Whichever way you connect the card to a computer,  a file manager such as Windows Explorer should see an extra external hard drive . The drive letter (G in the image) depends on how many drives are already in the computer, including the CD or DVD drive.

The card’s folders and files (not always all of them) will be visible too and can be copied or moved by dragging and dropping them to a folder on another hard drive or perhaps burning a CD for archiving purposes.

Sometimes they are hidden or copyright-protected by the manufacturer and other means are needed to move or copy them. See our main MicroSD page for how to copy all SD card content to another location.

Due to the sheer scope of this topic, and the different problems that users experience, the web page  is long and rambling – even more so than this post – especially for someone looking for a ‘quick fix’. When I find the time, I will sort the information into categories and incorporate a summary on this blog, where issues will be easier to identify. Readers can also comment below and see answers which hopefully help others with similar problems.

NOTE: Before posting a problem with your SD card, PLEASE visit the MicroSD page at Retire-Asia.com. There are a lot of things you can try and tools you can download and use; most are free.

If you cannot find a solution there, (or you have found one and want to help others) you are welcome to post a comment. BUT you must provide the make and model of the phone, camera or other device, the card type (SD microSD, SDHC, SDXC etc), brand name and capacity (Gb) of the card. Describe the nature of the failure and the procedures you have already tried to fix it with the tools offered here or elsewhere.

Don’t comment “My card doesn’t work, I’ve tried everything; what can I do?” and expect an answer, but if you don’t see your problem listed here, below in comments, or on the R-A MicroSD page, then I am probably going to suggest you replace the card under warranty if possible, go to a phone service centre or ‘byte the bullet’ and just get a new SD card! They are pretty cheap now.

You can find all the information you need about Asia, part or full time retirement and how to earn extra income on the many pages of Retire-Asia.com.

We also have a compact R-A Mobile version as well as the associated RetireAsia App for Android which were launched in late December. There is limited content at the moment, but new pages are being added regularly and the App shows new topics immediately they are published on the website.

May we wish all our Retire Asia visitors and followers – young, mature, old or new – a happy and successful 2012!