Great service at Tigo and Unitel: How to get Internet at home in Laos

About 6 month ago we subscribed to TIGO Internet, because that was the most affordable and fastest solution. We pay about 1 mill KIP for a 256/512 line, unlimited data transfer via Wimax. Unfortunatly, the performance declined steady in the last months, connections is getting slower and slower.
So I went to Unitels office today and ask for their offer. The staff there is very friendly and helpful served me immediately and explained me the different subscription models (I was asking for ADSL, they also offer 3G USB sticks). For 256/512 I pay only 400.000 KIP with Unitel, the setup will be free, the modem about 150.000 if I need one. The girl gave me a survey form, I filled it with name, phone number and a map where my house is, and she told me I will get a call within 5 days if they can technically provide ADSL at my home. Wow.

I went then to TIGO, initially for asking how to unsubscribe. After getting the answer from the person in charge (we know each other already from many visits) that I just have to fill a form and make an appointment when the can take the WIMAX antenna, I told him that I am somehow disappointed with TIGOs performance and price. He told me he know about that, and that Tigo will soon come up with better price model and also improve the connection. I was told they have problems with oversea connections. I was surprised again.

In both cases I met English speaking staff, what I don't expect. Also, they served me well and really competent. They knew exactly what they are talking about. In the TIGO case, he even admitted problems and explained me the reason.

I am still with Tigo on my phone, but if they not come up with a new price model in the next weeks, I switch to Unitel. Anyway, both companies did a great job in customer care.

Lao National Internet Center opened

Just read this article at LaoVoices:

The National Authority of Post and Telecommunications last Friday opened the Lao National Internet Centre (LNIC).
The establishment of the internet centre is in line with the Prime Minister’s decree No. 375/PM, dated October 22, 2007, which stipulates the organization and operation of the National Authority of Post and Telecommunications. (...)
The centre under the National Authority of Post and Telecommunications, is designed to monitor and control all forms of information operated through telephone and internet systems within, to and from the country.
The new internet centre is equipped with over 100 technical officials.

Not sure what "monitor" and "control" means in this case ....