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Since my recent review of private Internet Access Options in Bali from January 2007, things have changed quite a bit. Telkom Speedy (a DSL variant) is heavily promoted everywhere for land lines with analogue connections. And a few months ago, a few operators started to roll out 3G, that is 3rd Generation for Mobile Networks.
3G or UMTS, as it’s widely called, is basically an extension to regular GSM mobile networks, allowing them for higher bandwidth (throughput) and lower latency (less delay) for Data and Voice Connections.
While we evaluated the Telkom Speedy DSL Service already here, 3G is something new for Bali. As it’s fairly novel, it’s quite hard to get the information you need to make an informed decision.
3G Operators
So far, at least 4 operators are planning or are in the process of rolling out 3G services in Bali. Those are XL (a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia), Telkomsel (the biggest local mobile operator), Indosat (another local operator) and Hutchison Whampoa (an operator from Hong Kong, run by Li Ka-Shing, Hong Kong richest man). He is so rich, that his name even made it as a sound for money -”Ka-Shingggg!” (Okay I made that one up) 
Hutchison with their ‘3‘ brand and Indosat have no 3G coverage in Bali yet, though in other parts of Indonesia (Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya). GPRS works okay (I tried Indosat M3 prepaid a while ago), but is too slow and too expensive for longer surfing session.
So we are mainly left with XL and Telkomsel. The coverage for 3G is improving rapidly and even HSDPA (an even faster version of 3G/UMTS up to 3.6 Mbps download) is possible in certain areas. At least XL is providing coverage maps, an updated version can be found here.
While Telkomsel is showing plenty of advertisements island-wide but no real Data Tariff & Pricing Information, it seems they also want to cash in extra on Videocalls and other 3G Value Added services. There is a fee of Rp 1.200 per minute advertised for Videocalls as you can see here, which for me is a paradox, as it makes the use of Skype and other Call and Conferencing Programs more expensive or even obsoletes them, as the access and use of those 3rd-party-programs might be barred. I couldn’t find out more information on that so far.
So I restrict myself here to XL’s prices, which are volume-based:
Pricing Information
You can basically subscribe for one of 3 packages - 250 Mbyte, 1 Gbyte or 4 Gbyte, here the pricing info off their website:
250 Mbyte per month cost Rp 99.000 (around USD 11)
1 Gbyte per months costs Rp 279.000 (around USD 31)
4 Gbyte per months costs Rp 499.000 (around USD 55)
10% taxes apply. You will pay around Rp 4 for every 10 Kbyte exceeding your package.
What equipment do you need?
That depends how you want to surf. If you just want to check some websites, e-mail or weather information - a 3G mobile phone and the respective SIM card of one of the providers is all you need. Connect it to your Laptop via USB cable and you can surf with your favorite browser as usual and use all your applications, bookmarks, etc.
Last time I checked, the cheapest phone without contract here in Bali is the very slim and light Sony Ericsson K610 which costs only around Rp 1.800.000, something around USD 200.
Please note that most cheaper 3G phones up to date support only the basic 3G functions, faster standards or protocols like 3.5G/HSDPA are mainly supported by more expensive models.
So if you mainly want to surf with your Laptop or Notebook, be future-proof and want to use the full speed available, you better make use of a PCMCIA card for your Notebook, which are cheaper and offer even better performance.
While XL is offering their own PCMCIA card for Computer Users (for Rp. 2.200.000 with a 15% discount, if you sign up for at least a 1 GByte package); you don’t have to buy it to use their 3G services (and probably shouldn’t, as it’s more expensive and probably SIM locked to their network only, so not to interesting for travelers who might want to use 3G in other countries, like Singapore or the Philippines).
Instead buy an independent 3G PCMCIA card, like the Sierra Wireless Aircard 875, which is cheaper and not SIM-locked, thus you can use it with either 3G operator in Indonesia, or as well with 3G Globe in the Philippines or Mobile-1 in Singapore or T-Mobile in Europe or the US or wherever.
I was able to get the above mentioned card here in Bali for Rp 1.450.000 (around USD 160) as a Cingular-branded but not SIM-locked version. This card has good reviews and they offer Windows Vista drivers already.
If you look at EBay, these card are even selling for as low as USD 119 net at the moment, although you have to add shipping, handling and possibly insurance; as standard mail often gets lost when sent to Indonesia and usually takes weeks or even months to reach here.
So how is the performance?
I the corner where I live in Bali, at the edge of Seminyak/Kerobokan, I only get 2 bars out of 5 coverage for XL’s 3G service, but these 2 bars are steady or very constant.
I can use Skype Voice and Videocall; Videoconferencing with Singapore or Germany is very clear and without delay.
The speed increase compared to my Indosat Dial-up is sooooo dramatic, that I was jumping around my room laughing and celebrating! It’s subjective at least 5 times faster to surf regular international websites and download speeds pull everything from 15 kbps to 50 kbps currently - with only 2 bars out of 5! With increasing coverage this would even improve in the next couple of months.
Compared to Dial-ups 2-8 kbps download speeds, there is no doubt about the Internet Access I will use in the future. I’m currently using XL’s 3G for the last 10 days, where I didn’t notice any interruption of service or serious delays in internet access speed.
This is of course very subjective, as I don’t have full coverage and didn’t use any tools to measure the constancy of the download speed and latency yet.
To subscribe for XL’s 3G services, simply pop by their XL Center in Sunset Road, don’t forget your passport and a Credit Card. You can sign up or cancel their service monthly, which is convenient enough.
The installation of the Datacard and the application is all rather uncomplicated, it comes with instructions and driver disk for Windows PCs (including Windows Vista) - I had it all up and running within 15-20 minutes, which included a firmware update for the Datacard. If someone is interested, I can post the address of the shop in Denpasar where I ordered and bought the Datacard. Delivery takes 2-3 days.
I would like to find out more about Telkomsel’s 3G coverage and network, as they are the biggest provider of GSM services in Indonesia and should even have a better 3G coverage than XL. Their 3G portal can be found here, although their pricing plans remain currently a mystery to me.
I’m interested as well in a competitive pre-paid 3G service, as it makes matters even more convenient and you are less dependant on a contract with a certain provider.
Maybe someone of you has more experience already? Please share here!
(Disclaimer: I’m in no way affiliated with XL, Sony Ericsson, Cingular, Sierra Wireless or any other mobile vendor; neither was I paid or asked to write this post. This is just to inform other long-term residents in Bali about new, faster and more affordable ways of connecting to the Internet.)
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Thanks. Interesting. Looks like even the North of Bali has coverage now.
This is an interesting read, Chris. I could have done some review about wireless connection here in the Philippines as well. Wired communication is getting less complicated by the day…
That would be great Dodong! I would happily add your additions in a new post or link back to your website, Dodong. I’m very interested in 3G in the Philippines as well, as it probably is one of my next longer-term destinations…
There is a thread ongoing at the Bali Expat Forum regarding 3G XL/Indosat and CentrinOnline, which uses the XL 3G network for internet access.
http://www.bali-information.com/expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=42606#42606
Curious about that offer, I had to check it out. Coming back from the CentrinOnline Office in Jl. Kaliasem in Denpasar, this is what I found out:
- the special offer of Unlimited Volume via 3G XL Network for Rp. 245.000 plus tax is still valid until 31/7/2007, one-time fee is Rp. 39.500, the monthly fee will remain the same for 6 months
- you will get a ’special’ XL SIM card, where the Speed is artificially restricted to 6 kbps both upload/download
- The XL (Centrin) network shows only 3 bar out of 5 coverage even at the Centrin Office (2-3 bar at my location Seminyak/Kerobokan)
I brought my laptop and XL SIM card and ran both connections after each other using the same 3G PCMCIA Laptop Card (Cingular).
3G XL is definitely *much* faster (app. 5-10 times), subjectively felt when surfing heavy-load websites. Download speeds there where between 10-50kbps with 3G XL, Centrin about 5.7-5.8 kbps constant. Centrin speed seems to be pretty stable (probably due to the artificial limitation), but only *slightly* faster than Dial-up.
The price is for sure attractive, but would mean a huge step backwards for me considering speed, so I will stick with the XL 3G for now.
Another 3G addition: the LG Mobile KU 250 is a slim 3G phone with up to 384 kbps 3G speed. It has all modern features like MP3, expandable Card Slot. No support for HSDPA though, but you’ll rarely reach those speeds anyway.
Guess it’s probably a good choice for people, who want to buy a new phone anyway and want to use it as well for accessing internet either via the built-in browser or by connecting it to a desktop or notebook computer.
Just saw today in the ‘Bali Post’ that it’s currently on a country-wide promotion at affiliated shops, complete with USB cable for Rp 1.488.000.
In Bali that would be the ‘Handphone Shop’ in Jl. Teuku Umar 134 and BTC Shop in Jl. Teuku Umar 77.
Hi Chris,
I was surfing looking for any experience so far with XL 3G when I found your blog-web.Nice.
Just signed up for 3G XL three days ago, paid Rp. 1.85 mio for the USB 3G-HSDPA modem and was tied up to a contract of 12 month subscription.
I live in Sentul-Bogor, and only get a constant and stable downstream 60-64 kbps while XL stated that the area in in their 3G coverage.
Then, I connect to internet on my way to the office, and..and..I got 5 bar constant 3G signal…the downstream speed stays on 300-330 kbps….what a speed!!!
So, now I am awaiting their response to my email regarding downstream speed in my residence area.
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hey man, i was just in bali a week and a half ago and i used indosat’s time based 3g at rp100 per minute. it was fast in the beginning but it began to falter towards the end (hotel reception?). anyway this xl shit looks good. do you know if it could work on a mac? i’m gonna try with my z610i phone first but if it works out i might want to look into buying a usb modem or something. any ideas? oh and i’m moving to bali semi-permanently in jan/feb, maybe you could point me out to some cool hotspots?
Dear Chris
Thanks for all that information. I have a Mac with an Australian Telstra Sierra Turbo-7 USB modem. I am coming to Ubud to teach for six months from February. Have you any information on whether or not I can use that modem in Bali? I think the modem is locked into Telstra at the moment, but if I got it unlocked before I come to Bali in January would i be able to use it there? Thanks for your very informative website. and it is great that internet is coming of age in Indonesia. It is very expensive here in Australia.
Do you know of any hotspots in Ubud?
jerm and Angela McCardell, Hotspots in Bali are notoriously unreliable and slow, especially when used by more than a few people. If there is a good one, it soon is swamped by too many users. Therefore I wouldn’t completely rely on them.
It’s better to subscribe to one of the modern 3G services, as they truly show the speedy way and will soon replace the fixed-line dependent offers or the overpriced bullies like Blueline or GlobaleXtreme.
There are 3G offers now by XL, Indosat and Telkomsel Flash, both volume and time-based. Based on your requirements and area of coverage I would check out one of those 3 and go for it. It might be necessary though to find an Indonesian friend who can borrow his/her telephone bill to get the contract set up for you.
If I’m not wrong, XL offers a prepaid package for 3G too, but the conditions may vary and are adjusted all the time.
is there any hdspa coverage in ubud? i’ve heard traditional net access there is bad. thanks
steve5000, as far as I know there isn’t HSDPA coverage in Ubud yet, but 3G should work at least with XL, maybe Indosat and Telkom Flash also. I’m rarely in Ubud and when, then without my laptop to check it out. Maybe some other reader knows more about the current situation? You could as well check with the providers.
In general - despite its popularity - Ubud has worse Internet Access than other touristy areas in Bali.
hey Chris,
it is 21 january and 3G service has been maddening. In fact, it is down to 2G and even though all the bars are showing, I can’t even open up google.. or any other site. Any idea of what might be causing this? Getting an answer from the folks at the sunset road office is tough.
The service is unstable at the best of times (even with 3G/all bars, I sometimes get “connection was reset” error messages because it just isn’t fast enough to load before the connection fails or hiccups).
thanks,
cg
celeste, it’s sometimes hard to tell why it won’t work. I had similar troubles a few times, but couldn’t reproduce the case or find the reason.
Sometimes when it’s heavily raining, you will surely have some outage. Currently it’s rainy season, so depending on your location, it could be well it. But it works quite well most of the time for me now.
One thing happened to me once that it didn’t work from one day to the other. It connected with full bars but no data came through. After trying everything for 2 full days I went to Sunset Road and they told me that they had troubles billing for a month and therefore I was over the agreed limit per month. Their problem actually. So instead of sending me a SMS they simply capped the data flow and I was left clueless without connection.
Welcome to Indonesia!
Hi Chris,
Glad you’re keeping this updated as I have left Bali for a few month, and had to drop my Centrinonline subscription and was looking at other options since, as you mentioned earlier, Centrin has now limited the download speed to ridiculous levels.
XL does seem to be the way to go these days but I’m not quite sure what a data packet gets you in real time usage. Assuming one doesn’t download anything but just surfs the net for a couple hours each day how long will it be before your 1Giga package is gone and what do they charge you (and how) after that??
Also you mentioned some 3G modems -I guess PCMCIA card is the right word but it’s really too much for me- can be sim locked. How does one find out if it is, I got mine from Centrinonline when I subscribed, an O2 card at about a $100 which i thought was a fairly good deal at the time but wouldn’t be if it’s locked. But I imagine if they found a way to unlock an iphone, unlocking a 3G modem should be a piece of cake…..???
I look forward to your answers, TX
O
Olivier, you could bring your card to the provider (XL/Telkomsel/Indosat) you are planning to sign up with for your area and let them try to get it to work. That’s what I did.
The XL card they offered at that time (as a bundle) only allowed plain vanilla 3G, but no HSDPA, so I bought an unlocked one (the one mentioned above in the article) and it works quite well.
Good luck for your 3G trials!
Thanx for the tip Chris though I’m still wondering about how long my 1 giga packet would last me???
Olivier, it really depends on your usage.
I can only talk from my experience, mainly casual surfing, maintaining my website/uploading few pictures and downloading the usual patches and tools. I can fairly survive on 1 GB, had a few months with less (when I was busy otherwise) and exceeded it 2 months out of 12 so far.
You can forget of course online gaming or video download, as well as latency intensive applications; although stock brokerage/online banking should work fine.
The excess charges are not that bad and you can change your package to 3GB or more easily. So I would suggest to maybe subscribe to the 1 GB package first and see how you get along with it.
Check out their price plan here, excess volume costs Rp. 0.4/kb or Rp 10 for 10 kb, which isn’t that bad.
Hi Chris…
i have about 1GB traffic a day :P.. i would die i guess, if i had to use 3G with 1GB a month lah!!! >
Even Globalxtreme has now god cheap packages starting from 700.000Rp unlimited… of course the install cost one time.. 2,5mill Rupiah.
The 3G is not bad if you in a good coverage area, but then a fast line makes you might surfing more.. watching some youtube videos etc.. guess you must have a lot self control hehe
Any idea if XL supports Mac if i get a Sierra aircard?
sjbali, you are definitely right. I’m quite disciplined in that regard. I just don’t want to spend that much money for internet only.
Of course it would be nice to surf more, but then I also would spend a lot more time in front of the computer, while Bali has soooo much more to offer.
So I condition myself and think that it’s a good thing for me. Haha!
As well - I don’t dig Global Extreme. The few times I had to do with them (inquiring for internet access in my area) they were rather arrogant and didn’t show any effort. And the prices are quite hefty for what they offer, but yeah, that’s maybe only my humble opinion.
Angela, although I’m not familiar with Apple systems, I guess it’s more a matter, if the 3G card supports your Mac. What I found on the Sierra Website is that they do. Click here to download drivers, Macintosh is one option.
A few months back, AT&T took over the further support for those Sierra cards, you might want to check on their site for drivers as well. Although I’m still using the Sierra Drivers on Vista and never had a problem with them, I tried but de-installed the AT&T drivers, which came with more system clutter.
You don’t even have to necessarily get the Sierra Card anyway, meanwhile there should be plenty of 3G cards (even cheaper) on the market. Just make sure that they are not SIM-locked, support HSDPA and come with Macintosh drivers and you should be fine. Or get an USB device, which you could even use for desktop computers without that PCMCIA slot.
Well, a few of us are madly weighing 3G services and collecting info - and it’s coming down to Indosat or XL.
Anyone know where to find a USB 3G modem for Macs here in Bali? Found one in Denpasar, quoted for 3 million (!). Are there better (cheaper) ones available?
XL is realy good at this moment for its 3G/3.5G service. I just suscribed it few days ago. Much better than Matrix familiy he he he. I’m living in Teuku Umar DPS, very fast from there. from Mocca Cafe Canggu also fine
Yes I have a Telstra Wireless Sierra Aircard modem in Australia which works fine on my Mac. There is no problem connecting to it - you just have to go to the SIerra Website and find the type of modem you have bought and just follow the instructions there - it was very simple for me and I am looking to get one here in Bali as that modem was locked into Telstra in Australia. Does anyone know about the reception of wireless in Ubud Kelod, near the Tchampuan bridge?
Hi congratulations for your website !
Do you know if XL offers a prepaid 3G service ?
francois - currently there isn’t a prepaid 3G service in Bali, as far as I know. All providers only offer postpaid, although the minimum contract period is usually as low as 3 months.
Gabrielle, usually there isn’t any specific Mac equipment regarding 3G/UMTS. You have to buy a generic one and make sure that it comes with Macintosh drivers.
[...] Electricity Costs and Internet Costs (not in this chart - but more details here or for 3G internet here) falling into that [...]
Hi
I will be going to the eastern side of Flores Island and was wondering if anyone can tell me what service to use for high speed internet. Will be leaving from Bali. Don’t mind paying for it.
Thanks
Sarah
Hi,
Wow — thanks for the great site and infos Chris ! I bookmarked and follow-it through RSS too.
As a Internet-worker-traveler coming in Asia in May 2008 for 7 months with wife and kid, with the follwing itinerary:
- Indonedia/Bali (60+30 days, beach house renting)
- Thailand/Koh Samui (60+30 days, beach house renting)
(And some small trip to Malaysia, VietNam, Singapore and China)
I was wondering what is the best Mobile-Internet solution for me.
Having bought the Sierrra “unlocked-card” on eBay yesterday.
My current concerns are:
- Speed, availability and extra bandwith costs, since I am an Internet Developper working 24h / day
- Do I have to sign-up with each 3G provider 1 by 1 of the countries I’ll visit or there is a Global Southeast Asia 3G Provider ? So my acccess will be Southeast Asia-wide ?
Thanks in advance for the precisions.
Max
Sarah - I’m sorry, I don’t have any idea regarding internet in Flores. Please keep in mind that Flores is even less developed than Lombok or other, much smaller islands in Indonesia. It would be tough to get “high-speed” internet there. Even in Bali most people consider something around 128 kbps as high speed.
Maxime Roy - I would recommend you buying a separate SIM card for every country you are in. Of course you could use a provider who has roaming agreements with all other countries, but you would end up paying double, triple or even more for that privilege not to change your SIM card when traveling.
South East Area is a vast and diverse area, the countries you mentioned are simply too different and although there are roaming agreements between providers, these are more meant for a quick-call or some SMS only - but for constant internet access via Roaming you will probably pay with an arm and a leg.
Hi all,
I think this link is really interesting for people looking for a 3G, HSPA providers anywhere in the world, you can also sort by continent, country.
http://hspa.gsmworld.com/networks/default.asp
Looks like Thailand is late implementing HSPA compare to others countries.
Thanks Maxime Roy - that is really a great find! Very good for a check when traveling to another country and in need to know which providers to contact for that 3G SIM card.
My partner and I are located just behind the Ultimo sign in Oberoi - does anyone use XL’s 3G internet in that area with success?
I got this link from a friend of my customer.
It will be too long to write here what I’ve been through to have good internet connection in Bali since years ago. I haven’t had the time to build my website nor starting a blog thus unable to share my thoughts & knowledge.
Specifically for 3G HSDPA system under GSM network, it is currently the best solution for those who are mobile or in remote area. I’ve been selling some different model and brand of modems as well as supporting the Macintosh users scattered all over Bali. I’ve put an advertisement at Bali Advertiser since last year and got so many inquiries. I work closely with XL office on Sunset Road, Kuta too far before Telkomsel launched their high speed HSDPA ‘Flash’. Don’t expect any good help from any of these operators for your connection problems if you don’t know anyone working inside.
Feel free to call, +623617437138, +62818548095, +6281558834560. Try other number if one fails.
ı heve got a lecture which about 3g…ıf you help me,ı will be happy….thanks
ferit, I sent you an e-mail, but please bear in mind that I’m no expert in 3G, only a happy user.
Thanks to this BLOG , I am now using XL Xplor 3G post-paid service for 3G/data/month in Nosa Dua, Bali.
2 bars / 5 signal in HSPA.
Quite fast for Mobile Internet.
there’s a new package that you might find interesting:
http://www.telkomsel.com/web/hot_offering
Especially considering XL will kill all their unlimited offer by July.
Maxime Roy, glad you like it. In my area I have now constantly 4-5 out of 5 bars and speed is just great. I’m currently using the 3 GB package.
Wow Philip, I just checked the link and those prices really look interesting! I’m not so sure about the coverage of Telkomsel Flash, a few months back it was just a few spots mainly around Kuta. Maybe I should give it a try now.
What do you mean with the unlimited XL offers getting killed in July? I wasn’t even aware they offer some. You are talking about unlimited bandwidth, aren’t you?
On XL:
they do have unlimited volume package, but not unlimited bandwith. Those package was retailed via Centrin, Quasar, CBN, and several other ISP. Those package are limited to 64 kbps.
Even the Telkomsel Flash new package are not fully unlimited, as there are bandwith limitation and volume limitation (after 3 GB you can only get 64 kbps)
Here in Ubud, I used Centrin package, but the performance is not to high, as most BTS in Ubud still stuck in GPRS speed.
Nevertheless it sounds like an interesting package, Philip. Will check them out in about 10 days. Currently have a visitor and am mainly on the road.
Does any of you know if there is at least a GPRS provider working in Labuanbajo, Flores?
Thanks a lot!
Cheers Andy
hallo chris..i’m new in your blog!
i’d skimm your blog before… its quite complete
I just install Bali Medianet in my house (128kbps ratio 1:10) unlimited for 490rb/month.. its still in trial time
i’m about to cancel it and use telkomflash unlimited..
what i’m asking here is what is your experience on telkomflash unlimited…
thank you
makoo, as mentioned before, I’m very much interested in that Telkomsel Flash offer, due to the flat fee. I will check it out in the coming weeks, at least for a month in parallel to my current XL 3G. If they have good coverage in my area and the service is stable, I will probably switch due to the lower costs.
I’m just a bit busy currently with visitors and it will take a few more weeks. You will probably have it then earlier than me.
hello and thanks again for keeping up this blog! just want to share some of my recent experience with Indosat and XL “customer service” regarding canceling package subscriptions - both companies make it very difficult! I won’t even bore blog readers with the details of the XL transaction (i’ll never use them again) and I am still furious with Indosat. Called their office to cancel, was sent an email with instructions (send form, copy of passport, etc). I complied with these instructions, got a note that my cancellation had been processed. End of story, I thought. 3 WEEKS later I get a call from an Indosat rep, informing me that I have to come into the office, sign a form and return my card in order for the cancellation to go through. So…Indosat was able to bill me for that extra month even though I thought I’d cancelled. There’s a massive disconnect between the Jakarta and Bali offices; there are no supervisors/managers in Bali and there’s absolutely no recourse. What if I hadn’t been on the island and able to come into the office? I think that Indosat and XL are using slightly deceptive practices and I’m going to avoid both of them wherever and whenever possible. Did I mention that I was referred to Indosat by a customer service rep at XL??!
The more choices that become available on Bali, the better…so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s up with this new Telkomsel service.
I’m back from Labuan Bajo, Flores because I found no usable internet access.
First I tried indosat: With them I had a 0.4 - 1kb/s GPRS connection which was disconnected every 5 to 10 minutes. No signal! After 10 to 15 minutes the signal reappears and I was able to connect again. Honestly saying: A pain in the arse.
Then I tried a/the local internet cafe. They didn’t allowed me to use my personal notebook.
Next I tried a simPati sim card: No luck either.
My last attempt was to use the internet connection of a newly build luxury hotel. They were very friendly, they would let me use their connection for 4′000′000 (four million!) Rupiahs a month, but they had the same problem with disconnects and slowleyness.
The bottom line is that I’m back in Bali and finish my work here before I can go back to Flores
celeste and Andy - many thanks for sharing your experiences with Indosat, XL and simPati here! I agree with you that the more options and competition we have, the better. Flores will probably need another few months, as it’s pretty remote and not so densely populated.
Some update regarding Telkomsel Flash 3G:
Just coming back from the Telkomsel HQ in Denpasar, where I tried to speed-test their Flash 3G service following the attractiveness of above mentioned unlimited 3G Promo. Although the HSDPA sign was shown all the time with 5/5 bars, it was pretty inconclusive. The surfing speed looked quite promising at first, but some websites didn’t connect at all. Trying http://www.speedtest.net, ping times were >999 ms to Jakarta and Brisbane, with disconnects when measuring DL and UL speeds. One time the download speed ran through with 552 kbps to Brisbane, a second time with 80 kbps only, but overall plenty of timeouts, pretty unstable. Speedtest at 2wire.com showed around 80-90 kbps. That was around 2pm.
They mentioned administrative problems to cover the area south-west of Denpasar (Kerobokan) where I live, but recommended to give it a try anyway with a prepaid starter package of simpati (Rp. 10.000) and activated 3G (SMS 3G to 3636).
I did that when back home, but unfortunately couldn’t get a 3G signal here at all. Phone signal is 4 out of 5 only as well.
With XL’s 3G I have 3-4 bars, but steady downloads of 40-60 kbps, although the upload is lacking throughput. I will stick with them for now and wait and see for another few months, if Telkomsel improve their coverage area and stability. It might work better in other areas - anyone who is interested should give it a try with that starter package and a 3G phone or card. Nothing much to lose.
Hi Chris and all,
I have subscribed to Telkomsel Flash Unlimited, Pro package. I too live same area as you Chris, Seminyak / Kerobokan. I get full signal in both Seminyak and Ke