Prespd
join:2004-03-10
Wyoming, MI | China vs. US phone service/rates I just found it interesting and want to post a few things.
I spend a ton of time in China (50%) with my job now. So I carry two phones with me.
1. My work issued iPhone4 using an AT&T SIM. (global)
2. My personal iPhone5 using a Sprint SIM (in US), China Unicom (in China).
And yes, they are both unlocked.
So my point is this:
In China, my AT&T based 4 will stream Pandora with no issues, 3G is too slow for Netflix or Hulu.
My 5 with either SIM won't stream Pandora, Hulu, or netflix.
I'm on an international unlimited data plan with AT&T, but wickedly expensive roaming on Sprint. Thus the choice for the China Unicom SIM.
That's sort of a weird instance isn't it? At least Songza isn't blocked in China.
In the US:
~$150/month for two iphones on unlimited data and shared 1500 minutes on Sprint in the US
~work phone bill varies around $200-400/month. no issues unless the bill goes over $500/month with corporate.
~150 RMB/month (~$25US) when in China on the 5 and that gets me 500 minutes and a gig of data cap.
Who's ripping me off more/most? my guess AT&T. But sprint seems fair. And China Unicom is cheap and fast even if there is no LTE yet.
And last thing, had the 5 unlocked after buying because I travel internationally. Before it was launched in China, China Unicom already had the nano-sim card when I went to buy it. So fast to market over there. Some of you might not like China, but what a wonderful country, people and culture.
Happy Weekend! |
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rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | Regarding China. Liking and trusting are two different qualities. Being in IT, I work with many international folks. Most are professionals of good character. Every now and then a few are a tad arrogant but most are reasonably humble and willing to do whatever it takes.
As such, I don't have a problem with the Chinese people but I don't know if I trust their government. Of course this must be considered in the context that I don't trust my own government. For that matter, neither did our founding fathers. That's why they divided the power of our government.
You might want to check into the "dual sim" phones that are supposed to be available or coming soon. It might enable you to carry one phone or at least not have to swap SIMs on your phone when travelling. |
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KearnstdElf WizardPremium
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ | reply to Prespd
I could make a comment about how China spies on everybody's telecom.
But then I remembered that all Telecom in the US has a direct side feed to the NSA to the point they are building a data center in Utah to store it all.
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[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports |
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Prespd
join:2004-03-10
Wyoming, MI | reply to rradina
Yeah, liking and trusting are two different things.
Let's be honest. I know/assume the Chinese government is spying on my phone and computer, maybe bugging hotel rooms, especially given who my employer is. That's why we tunnel out with secure VPN for work related stuff.
On the personal side, I got my Alien work permit and residence permit for China on my last trip. If i wasn't tracked in the system before, I am now. The physical required to get the permits is a full on medical exam, inclusive of blood tests, x-rays, and a full physical checkup. That, plus the background check form the US, letters from my employers, and automatic residence registration with the local police once you check in to a hotel. There's no hiding when on the grid in China. Camera's with flash and photo every 500 yards on the highway. Some checkpoints now and again.
That being said, don't protest the gov't, stay out of fist fights over taxis (yes it has happened to me twice, once a passenger fight, and once a driver demanding money he didn't deserve), and stay under the police radar and you are fine. Foreigners get alot of leeway to mess up before the cops get involved.
Trust the Chinese gov't? Not a chance in hell
Trust the Chinese people? Sure, but only if you establish real guangxi. And once you realize you can trust em, you can trust forever.
Trust you expat friends? You'll find out once the time comes. |
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Prespd
join:2004-03-10
Wyoming, MI | Ohh and no more dual sim stuff. No need. I like my 5 on China Unicom. I just keep the US one on so work people can call it simply. Also good for calling the wife on the company nickel if all else fails. |
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rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | reply to Prespd
said by Prespd:... If i wasn't tracked in the system before, I am now. ...
By both sides!  |
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 camaro92Question everythingPremium
join:2008-04-05
Westfield, MA
 ·Comcast
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said by Prespd: inclusive of blood tests
Fuck that in plain English, I will go live on the streets before any company, government etc. will get my blood for a job, I can see a physical and what not, but that goes over the moon and then some.
Thank you for that piece of info, just another tid bit of info to add to my very long list of why they are a leach on the world scale, and of course to share with people another reason to stay the hell away from that country, whether it be a vacation or pretty much any other reason people may want to go there. |
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rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | I'm an IT professional and I've been drug tested for jobs since the late 80s. I wasn't drug tested for my very first job out of college, but since 1989, every new job required passing a drug test. The tests involve a urine and blood sample.
Given your vehement opposition, I must assume you have never had your blood tested for a job. May I ask your occupation and/or how you have avoided it? |
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camaro92Question everythingPremium
join:2008-04-05
Westfield, MA Reviews:
·Comcast
| I have been piss tested before that's nothing new. That's not the issue, in my state it is illegal for any company to request that, same as a lie detector. At the government level that changes, but any private company can not ask for that. I am IT also like you I work for one of the largest healthcare providers in the country (I can't disclose which one I work for a bunch of privacy crap) and I know they don't ask for anything like that. If anyone is curious it's on this list, if you see my location then it shouldn't be to hard to figure out. »health.usnews.com/health-plans/n···ompanies I am curious if you could list any company's that you have worked for that require this as a condition of employment in any state you have lived in would be appreciated. |
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rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | The state is MO but I'd rather not mention companies given my user account is actually formed using my real name. (I gave up "handles" when CB radio went out of fashion. In those days I used the handle "Double Trouble".)
Maybe the tests I've taken were more stringent because I do a lot of contract work. However, I've also held corporate positions and I thought they asked for blood and urine. Corporate positions were for 2.5 years, 6 years and 11 years. Regarding industries, that's all over the map too. Construction, insurance, manufacturing, telecom, retail, wholesale (probably a few more but I forget...)
My finger prints are already on file and I really don't care if my blood is too. I was mugged as a teenager. The police asked for my prints to eliminate them from the crime scene. I probably didn't have to provide them but I didn't care.
The only thing that pisses me off about tracking is the fact that it really isn't anyones business what I do, what I own (don't own any guns but if I did...) or how I live unless I'm a criminal suspect. |
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