The Internet is now considered to be one of the most important tools for running a business. Internet applications help improve efficiency and productivity as well as reduce overheads especially communication cost by using emails. The Internet also helps businesses keep up with the rest of the world.

In Lao PDR, there are 4 main Internet Service Providers:

1. Lao Telecom
   Lao Telecom provides 3 types of Internet service:
   • Dialup Access: users can access the Internet by connecting to a server of Lao Telecom using a modem. Connection speed is varied depending on the quality of the phone line up to 64KB/s. Currently, there are 2 options for dialup users, postpaid and prepaid. (if using Lao Telecom fixed line to dial, call charge will be free).
   • ADSL: this is considered to be high speed connection, connection speeds are different between upstream and downstream links. Connection speeds range from 64/128 Kb/s, 128/256 Kb/s, 256 / 512 Kb/s. ADSL is suitable for medium-sized businesses.
   • Broadband or Flash@: this service provides a very high speed Internet connection and suitable for businesses where the connection can be shared and for international organizations.

   More information can be obtained at:

   Lao Telecom
   Head Office, Lane Xang Ave. 0100
   Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
   Telephone: +(856) 21 216465
   Fax: +(856) 21 219690
   Or calling Call Center at 101
   Website: www.laotel.com

2. Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao (ETL)
   ETL provides 3 types of Internet service:
• Dial Up: users can select between postpaid and prepaid (if dialing from ETL fixed line the call charge is free)
• ADSL: there are several speed options from 64/128 Kb/s, 128/256 Kb/s up to 256/512 Kb/s
• HIL (Hi Speed Internet Leased Line) this is a very high speed connection with the same speed between upstream and downstream links.

For more information please contact:

Enterprise of Telecommunications Lao
Head Office, Sihom Road , PO Box 7953
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Telephone: +(856) 21 260015
Fax: +( 856)21 260051.
Website: www.etllao.com

3. Planet Online
   Planet Online provides 2 types of Internet service:
   • Dial Up: prepaid and postpaid are available
   • Wireless: high speed connection by using radio frequency with a range of speed from 64 to 512 Kb/s
     
   More information can be optioned at:

   Planet Online Co. , Ltd.
   Vientiane Commercial Building
   Telephone: (+856)21 218972-4.
   Website: http://planet.laopdr.com

4. Lane Xang Internet Service (LIS)
   LIS provides 3 types of Internet service:

• Dial Up: users pays on monthly basis (postpaid)
• Wireless: high speed connection by using radio frequency with a range of speed from 64 to 512 Kb/s
• ADSL: with a range of speed from 64/128 Kb/s, 128/256 Kb/s, up to 256/512 Kb/s

For more information please contact:

Lane Xang Internet Service (LIS)
205 Setthathirath Rd. , Mixay Village
PO Box 2942
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.
Telephone: +(856) 21 241368
Fax: +( 856)21 241369
Website: www.lanexangnet.com

Email is one of the most important means of communication these days and it is considered to be the cheapest way for communicating. An email can reach its recipients within a few seconds. Businesses can register to get free email accounts from various free email providers on the Internet. Hotmail (hotmail.com) and Yahoo! Mail (yahoo.com) are popular amongst many providers. In Lao PDR, ETL also provides free email account in the format of xyz@etllao.com (where xyz is the username). Users can register for free account with ETL by logging on to www.etllao.com .

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Laos also provide email accounts when users register to use their services. Please contact relevant ISPs to get more information on their email services.

Many businesses in Lao PDR are now considering using the Internet to maximize their customer reach and profit by having their own websites. There are several website solution providers in Laos offering different kinds of services. Some of them are Cyberia (atcyberia.com), Bluegrass (bluegrass.laopdr.com) and those already-mentioned ISPs.