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.

The good news is something the US overseas investor may not know and that is that the IRS has no interest in foreign real estate holdings. Overseas properties often do not even have to be reported to the IRS. Unlike other worldwide income or assets, US owners of second homes for either personal use or investment purposes are not subject to US taxes on the property itself; in most cases they don’t even have to be declared to the authorities such as with the recently introduced IRS Form 8938.

Something else the US tax payer or investor may not know: It is legal and possible to move IRA funds offshore and use them to buy foreign real estate – in spite of what a tax or IRA adviser might say.

Learn more about this and investing money abroad.

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.

Many men in search of a new partner (including those that just immediately fall in love with an Asian bar girl) will decide they prefer the local lifestyle (Thailand and the Philippines in particular) and decide to settle in the partner’s country, usually without realising the full implications of such a move; others bring their new love back home (a wholly different exercise). Either way, some of these relationships work out and everyone gets what they want. However, I would guess that most don’t (not the first time, anyway).

But perhaps there is another, less obvious, underlying reason for so many men wanting to go on a cross-cultural relationship adventure. It may be found  not in ‘personal chemistry’, although science knows a lot about women and men being attracted to each other for various reasons. However, the answer is not likely to be among the clichés, misconceptions and generalisations that many Western men have and make about women from the East.

Common perceptions of  ‘Asian women’ are that they [all?] are more (naturally) beautiful, more loving, more caring, more loyal, more docile and more forgiving than their Western counterparts who are [all?] typically selfish, fickle, demanding, independent, aggressive.

What if the answer lay within the man himself? It could be due simply to his basic lack of self-confidence, especially with women from his own country. He feels he is just not naturally attractive to women, especially his own kind. He has also heard and read that Asian women don’t care about looks and age; in fact they actually prefer older men. He hasn’t heard or doesn’t want to believe that Asian women want financial security for their family more than anything else, and that as long as he continues to provide for them (which he will be obliged to do if he settles in his new partner’s country), he will be a great catch – even if he is old and smells. Love and loyalty are less important, and Asian men are typically at fault. Generalisations work both ways, but there is no stereotypical Western man either!

If any of that homespun psychology (I’m certainly not an expert!) strikes a note with you (or someone you know), then there is a completely new avenue you could explore – by looking within. I know many will shudder at the mention or thought of self hypnosis, but it can and has solved countless emotional problems, allergies, afflictions, addictions and even perceived illnesses. Science could possibly make you become naturally attractive to women – whether they are in your home country or Asia. Worth looking at, and much cheaper than foreign travel!

Many men simply don’t know the formula for flirting with women using the natural masculine qualities they are born with. But there definitely is one, and one essential element is being able to talk to women with confidence. Find out more about an ebook that explains it all in detail.

Visit our page with more downloadable resources for dating, romance and making love.

By the way, did you notice the date of this post? Valentine’s Day!

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.

Traders who are au fait with binary options trading will be interested in an opportunity to profit (they also know the risks) from buying options on the Facebook IPO – the initial public offering of Facebook shares which is expected to take place within the next few weeks. The opening share price has not been decided yet, but the value of the offering is expected to be above $100 billion.

Facebook One Touch options is inviting traders to predict the stock’s IPO valuation by buying options at a chosen price. There is a range of “put” and “call” options for predicting the valuation from as high as $140 billion down to $53 billion. Something for everyone!

All of the options offer high returns of up to 300%. For example, a trader can receive a return of $400 by placing a $100 position on Facebook 140. The outcome is determined by the market value of Facebook being above $140 billion at the end of the first day of trading in Facebook shares.

Learn more about this unique opportunity (possibly the only one available for non-US investors) from anyOption.

Anyone who has been to Bali appreciates its unique charm and attractions, and many return on vacation or to invest in a villa property development as a holiday home, rental or a place for their future retirement.

Investing in property overseas can be risky without proper research and due diligence, and Indonesia is no exception. Knowing all the ins and outs of local regulations, taxes, residence status, legal rights and potential costs involved in a property purchase are essential for a successful and potentially lucrative investment. The key is to deal only with an established and reputable developer. For those that may be concerned, this has nothing to do with vacation timeshare.

There are many real estate developments going on in Bali, a place where property prices are rising rapidly as the infrastructure improves. The recently-completed eastern coastal highway links the north of the island all the way to the capital and airport at Denpasar to the southern tip. This has made new and relatively undeveloped areas far more accessible from popular places like Sanur, Kuta and Ubud.

One of these new locations is Ketewel (a well-known surfing spot, with views of Mt Agung volcano to the north) and this is where Prof. Michael Doliveck and wife Marayam of Balifornian Tours and Villas have chosen to build the Purnama Residence, an exclusive compound of five luxurious villas, ideal for retirement living or as a part or full time vacation rental – at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Importantly, they do provide full details of the development, building and site plan of the property and ALL the ancillary costs, plus investment return projections, and are more than willing to answer any questions a potential investor might have before they visit Bali – or from those who would just like to vacation in luxury.

Visit the Balifornian Villas website or if you are already in Bali, call manager Yani on 0818 0540 6768 and arrange a meeting with her.  For a personal response from Michael Doliveck, please submit the form.

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