Internet access now offers a competitive advantage for both providers and users. But unfortunately, wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) in Thailand is still too expensive for many people to access comfortably.

Bangkok and other cities in the Kingdom have a long way to go before they reach the Wi-Fi status of Seattle. That North American city - the birthplace of software tycoon Bill Gates - has become the most wire-free city in the United States, according to the annual survey of Intel Corp last year. With Wi-Fi Internet access available 24/7 right across the city, Seattle really is living up to its 'Sleepless' moniker.

But while most Thais may not yet be able to afford wireless service, ADSL-based broadband access allows Internet users to surf the Net faster than via a regular dial-up connection.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a form of DSL, a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional modem can provide.

Connecting via ADSL is faster than the dial-up system that many are used to.

However, connecting with ADSL also comes at a cost.

To start with, the specifications of your desktop computer or laptop must be compatible with the technology. You will also require an additional device such as a router to connect to the service.

Until recently the price of the ADSL service was rather high when compared with the regular dial-up connection. However, to attract more customers many Internet providers have slashed their prices and brought out special offers, heralding a price war among providers that can only benefit subscribers.

ADSL providers offer a monthly service that commits customers to the high cost of connection devices. But they will often waive the charge for the device if the customer signs up for a long-term contract for the service.

For example, True Corp offers a Bt2,900 router for only Bt1 if customers sign up to the service for at least one year.

There are currently plenty of ADSL providers in the market, including True, TOT, TT&T, CS Loxinfo, KSC, Buddy BB, Ji-Net, Samart, INET and I-SAN.

On average, ADSL offering data transmission at 256 kilobits per second (kbps) with unlimited usage time ranges between Bt500 and Bt600 per month.

As expected, the higher the speed, the higher the price.

As this monthly all-in tariff may be rather high for those who don't usually surf the Internet all day and night, TOT and True have brought out low-cost broadband packages.

TOT's campaign offers an access speed of 256kbps at a monthly fee of Bt290 for 30 hours, undercutting True's offer for a speed of 128kbps.

Additional hours cost Bt12 each up to a maximum of Bt585 per month, compared to a Bt590 maximum under the True package.

TOT subscribers are also offered unlimited surfing hours during the first two months after signing up.

Subscription to the service costs Bt500 and users have to stay with the service for a minimum of 12 months.

While the ADSL service may look more expensive than dial-up connection, when you take into consideration the time wasted while waiting for each page to appear when connected via dial-up, you may feel that a little additional money spent is worth it for the time saved.

Before signing up to a package it will pay you to have a look at Web boards that talk about the providers to get the latest on performance and services.

For example, because of the high number of customers that some providers have, the speed of the Internet may not be as fast as promised as many people have to share the connection.

To find the fastest Internet access and the best deal, you need to think faster and do some homework.

The world of the Net is supposed to open up your eyes, not fool you into giving your hard earned money away for nothing.

To get an overview of the Thai Internet scene, log on to www.adslthailand.com, where you will find up-to-date information about offers and can compare prices, services and promotions.

Piyarat Setthasiriphaiboon

The Nation