UAE is way behind Saudi Arabia

Well there was a time when Saudi Arabia used to have slow internet that just suck your wallet of but not anymore. Well comparing to the world Saudi is still backward in regards to speed and pricing but think about this - Once upon a time when 256kbps used to cost 300-400 sAR per month, the very same speed costed only 149 Dhs (~155 SAR) per month. But whats the condition now cost of internet in UAE stays stagnant while it plumps down in Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless i was disappointed to see the cost for the 3.5G data packages in UAE and infact I will be doing my 4 years study course in UAE. There is no unlimited package and the largest data package available is 10GB per month which cost a whopping Dhs 495. That is the most insane price I've ever come across. Is this Etisalat's way to deal with us or is it just TRA (Telecom Regulatory Authority)? Or is it both of them who planned to rip us apart? I dont see why UAE should build those awesome buildings and suck in providing a decent internet connection.

Comparing 3.5G internet with Saudi Arabia,

• 10mb per mo. limit cost 25Dhs. While in Saudi Arabia for 25 SAR you get 100mb package and for 10SAR you 30mb limit.
  
• 100mb per mo. limit cost 95Dhs. That is the most insane price I've ever seen again for that data package it cost Just 25SAR in Saudi Arabia.
  
• 1GB per mo. limit cost 195Dhs. Why the 95Dhs extra? 100SAR for 1 GB in Saudi Arabia.
• 5GB per mo. limit cost 295Dhs. 250Sar in Saudi. Ok thats somewhat close though the 45 SAR extra.
• 1GB per mo. limit cost 495Dhs. Yep thats hell expensive. pay 145SAR less (350SAR per mo.) and get Unlimited Data Package in Saudi Arabia.

I dont know what is the intention of the TRA, Etisalat or Du for such type of cost and service. There was a time when they had the least costly internet service in middle east. Maybe it's just a way for the govt to loot us and avoid any international operators from barging in. After all Du, Etisalat and TRA are all run by the prince. Don't think cousins will bother to compete each other.

Edit: Oh and mobily,STC, and Zain if you read this please dont think your way ahead and stop improving your internet!

There is a penalty for banality

This document was send by Saudi Arabian Airlines to specific people via Email. I think it was written by a 1st grade student. Or a 25-30 year old with a 1st grade student who argued its "benality"? Anywho seriously a big company writing so lame? "Banality"? Its Penalty! Penalty! Penalty! High time to close down Saudi Arabian Airlines!

Follow my twitter

Yeah I know my blog has turned completely dull. But will get back to it after my exams. Till then you guys can follow my twitter at http://twitter.com/sharbeen

Dont speak arabic? blease... mobily. stc. all the companies.

Well please is blease for them. Who? The saudi people working in call centers. You call 1100 (mobily customer care) what do you hear. Yeah Press "2" for english. Done. Press 3 for Other helps. "To talk to one of our agent please press 9". Ok pressed 9.
Most of the time it goes to the main menu. How Horrible! Is it because they dont want to talk to us or are they doing it on purpose? Or is it because their call center is congested and the whole IVR just gets reset and I hear the begining? Wonder whats the truth. Anywho I tried 8 times and I got the same. On the 9th try finally it rang was pleased.
Agent: "Alo Mobily Care Asalamulaikum"
Me: "Walaikumasalam, I have a problem with my Wimax today."
Agent: "Sorry sorry you no speak arabic?"
Me: "No"
Agent: "Ok blease call 1100 press 7 and press 2 for english"
Me: "I already did that"
Agent: "Do it again"

funny they can have this convo in proper english. Seriously saudis learn some english! anyways let me continue

Me: "How many times should I do it? Your system is facing problem. Please transfer it to a person who knows english right now I cannot hang up"
Agent: "ok blease wait"

Finally got a person who can speak english. Had to complain to him about both problems I faced then the actual problem for why i called them in the first place. He said he'll take action (yeah i know, type it on the complaint list in front of his screen).
Well my point is, the customer care of most of the companies in Saudi Arabia is horrible. On a scale of 1 to 10 its 1 always. Call 907 for saudi telecom you wait for 30 minutes sometimes.
My friend called Arab Media Company to subscribe to arabnews and he had to call them several times to get someone who can speak english.
Saudi learn english please! Dont insult this place to the core. I mean it!

GO telecom begins!

Ah! I should've just taken mobily wimax one month so that I could try GO telecom's Internet. Anywho I got an offer from GO, subscribe to their package and get double time period. Nice ehh? But wonder how reliable it will be in the begining. Price not known. Will let you know about the price soon. But why horrible advertising from GO? And the site? Horrible!