Phone & Internet Problems from Chiang Mai?

by Donna R
(Langley, BC, Canada)

Is phone and internet service really bad in Chiang Mai, Thailand? Anyone there having issues calling home or using Internet cafes to Canada?

My friend has been traveling in the region since the 21Jan2011 and was able to use phones and some internet in Brunei the two weeks previously with clear phone and picture downloads, but since being in Chiang Mai has repeated problems phoning home to Canada to 3 different landlines.

Also has had email disconnect while composing lengthy email and cannot download pictures at all. He will be away for two more months. Please advise if you can.

Thanks, Donna