Oceanhippie.net - Tom's Blog

eSim eScam it absolutely was.Ubigli

I am not sure what exactly Ubigi (do not buy) have do to this eSim, or their “partners” it probably one or more of the following three. 

• QOSs it (quality of service) it to the lowest possible level of service. 

• Bandwidth throttled it to about dialup speed. 

• Sending out all the data through their own servers which are glacial. 

Whatever they are doing, and its deliberate, they managed to produce a data sim that technically work but is horrifically slow. Is it deliberate - absolutely something are clearly more throttled than others, google maps works well but try loading https://www.maxis.com.my a real Mobile Provider from Malaysia where I am and it takes minutes. 

Before you say ‘its Malaysia’ – well I’m here with a bunch of Ex Pat Malays.  They buy real sims and for a reason apparently. There’s with me, 2 kids and 2 Adults hanging off a real sim all getting real speeds! 

Now the sign up process was borked. same as the last time I had to help someone with an eSim. Before you scoff – yes it absolutely possible to artificially slow internet connections down and can that be nuanced for corrupt self interest? Absolutely. Net neutrality is the concept of treating all the data traveling across a network with the same priority, or at least with fair and reasonable priorities so prioritizing voice traffic over file downloads is reasonable and fair. Prioritizing google over duck duck go? no! 

That’s why I smell a very big rat here, we’re dealing with international Sims so no regulation. Visitors so no comeback to the local provider. I see these eSim companies advertising all over and sponsoring. Calling out Ubigli for scammers. But i doubt the others are any differnt - why would the be? 

Now in the time it took to write this I have STILL not downloaded the MAXIS app I need to buy an eSim direct off the mobile provider. If that works I will do that next time.

EDIT: Guess what the MAXIS app only works when I am on a VPN surprised – NOT still to slow to purchase. Damn. 

Unexpected Bonus

I have  been an absolute fan of the Garmin Fortrex 201 for more than 20 years. Its Garmin GPS watch (the the term 'Smart Watch' hadn't been invented yet).  Robust as they are 20 years of the sort of abuse I hand out will killem. Just.

I have converted the the Fenix (sod the stupid spelling) Garmin watch because I really wanted on. Didn't buy one cos they are frickin expensive.

I bought one, its good, its an outdoor watch NOT a Smart watch. Its battery life is good (as in weeks not hours) it navigates my boat like my old foretrexes have been doing for 20 years and more.

- does NFC payments.
- Navigate your boat
- Sends you notifications that you can't reply too.

When I forgot my Phone - I was FUCKED. in Trumpy Caps. My wallet is a slot in the back of my phone case with a credit card and an id in it. So with out it I had nothing. Twice this week I left it behind. Didn't go back. 

Now if in need the time I look at my watch. Not Facebook. If get a notification I glance at my watch and ignore it. I f I need to Pay I used to pull out my watch hand get distracted by facebook Now I don't .

I am addicted to ignoring shit. Best Feature of the Garmin is not using your phone.