Internet, phone and 4G connections

All of Krabi now has ADSL (broadband) access, which is pretty reliable; and high density areas (Krabi Town and parts of Ao Nang) have fibre connections as well, which do not require a phone line. Internet services are available from the government phone company (TOT), which has a poor reputation, as well as private ISPs 3BB, True and CAT Telecom.

It is worth going to their offices in person: all are located in Krabi Town and they will immediately be able to check what type of service is available in your street, and give you details on all the current promotions. All contracts will include a router; or you can buy your own easily if the one provided is not very good.

Some parts of Krabi, including all of Ao Nang and Krabi Town, have coverage from the major mobile networks’ 4G and wi-fi services, with more places being added all the time. This is especially welcome news as only a few houses available for rent or even for sale will already have a phone line installed – and the waiting list is usually several months. Now anyone (including foreigners) can buy a cheap, pre-paid 4G sim and get a reasonably fast connection speed instantly. Plug in dongles are also available that act as a hotspot for connected devices.

Unlocked mobile telephones are widely available (or bring your old cell phone and have it unlocked here). Domestic calls are very cheap – most operate on a pay-as-you-go system, with top-up cards and no registration required, and all mobile networks allow international calls for around 5 – 9 baht per minute.

Mobile network coverage is widespread in all but the most remote areas – though look out for ‘blackspots’ behind one or other of those famous Krabi rocks.

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