The recent rollout of MobiFone’s 4G trial service left much to be desired as early subscribers reported choppy reception and a hefty price tag.
Earlier this month, MobiFone announced a test run of its upcoming 4G service in three local metropolises: Hanoi, Saigon and Da Nang. Users can either purchase a new 4G SIM card or sign up for data packages at a monthly rate of VND120,000 – VND600,000.
Almost a month later, the reviews are in, and it looks like customers are not happy with what was offered.
“I switched to a 4G SIM from July 1, but it’s been barely usable for 10 days. At some locations, there is 4G signal, but it’s also very weak,” an anonymous user shared with Thanh Nien.
Most early subscribers in Hanoi experienced inconsistent signals and slow internet speed, even in downtown areas of the city. In some wards of Dong Da District, MobiFone’s 4G download and upload speeds only reached 17-20 Mbps and 2.2-5 Mbps respectively when tested by online tool SpeedTest, reported Hanoi subscriber Le Thi Ngoc.
“With such a speed, one can only access the internet to read newspapers or check mail but can’t download, watch videos clips, or enjoy other entertainment services,” Ngoc told Thanh Nien.
The lackluster service speed experienced by users was a far cry from the promised 225Mbps/75Mbps of download/upload speed ratio MobiFone promised, according to Techz.
In an interview with Thanh Nien, a MobiFone spokesperson explained that the shaky service in Hanoi was because the company only enabled 4G service for a handful of districts, including Ba Dinh, Cau Giay and Dong Da. Even within these locations, only a few wards had 4G reception.
Most customers on the new 4G plan were upset that despite being offered on a trial basis, MobiFone charged them with the official rate, which was promised to be cheaper than current 3G plans.
Moreover, subscribers switching from 3G were not happy that 4G service was immediately shut off once the data packages ended. For most existing 3G plans, users can still have access to 3G even after the stipulated period, albeit at a reduced speed.
The 4G test run will end on October 23 this year, according to the Ministry of Information and Communication.
[Photo via Tinhte]
