How many types of Broadband services do we have now in the Klang Valley. Obviously there are some variations and different companies offering different kinds of packages. Here’s a comparison of some basic offers and what WiMAX can possibly offer in days to come. I’m comparing based on Broadband of 1Mbps to avoid confusion, since different companies offer all kinds of speed limits.
1) Streamyx 
Does majority of people in Klang Valley use Streamyx? I think so, since we think it is being monopolised by them. The problem with Streamyx is users need to pay for the broadband and the phoneline separately, so when add up together, it’s not cheap. Therefore, they came up with Streamyx combo so users don’t have to pay for phone line rental, but at 1mbps, it’s a monthly fee of RM110. Not very cheap either. I pay RM77 per month for my 1Mbps account, plus RM27++ for the line rental, total being RM104. That’s inclusive of certain downtimes and times I can’t log on at all. Another bad point, it’s not mobile. Also, there’s a contract period, is it 2 years? Good point, it can be more stable and faster than using those USB modems and you can get and replace the modem easily in any IT store.
2) Maxis Broadband 
Maxis is actually a telco company that ventured in Mobile broadband sometime ago. Maxis is currently advertising No Contract Period, that’s cool. But read the fine lines! They are tricky here. In the fine lines it says, if you cancel your Maxis broadband account after 12 months, you don’t have to pay anything, but if you cancel below 12 months, you have to pay RM200 administrative fees! That’s a bit like lying don’t you think? You’re basically still stuck with a 12 month contract in different words.
The last bit of their FAQ scares me off too : What happens if I lose the modem?
A replacement cost of up to RM900 (depending on modem type) will be chargeable should you lose the modem or return the modem in a damaged condition. You will be issued a replacement modem if you decide to continue with the service upon payment of the replacement cost.
Like goodness, what kind of modem costs so much? Reading the FAQ kinda makes me turned off from even checking the packages, seriously. Anyways, Maxis Wireless Broadbands doesn’t have 1Mbps package, it’s only up to 640kbps. Only in 3g coverage areas you might get up to 3.6mbps. Advanced package of 640kbps cost RM78 monthly with modem included.
3) DIGI Broadband
I actually can’t find the word BROADBAND in Digi’s website. It’s actually hidden as Data Plans and called Highspeed Mobile Internet. So I’m not sure if this is really broadband. The package for unlimited use is RM66 per month, and you can use your phone as a modem. Basically it’s based on EDGE, so I wonder how slow it really is as it’s not stated anywhere on the site. Oh wait, it is stated at 224kbps. Oh wow, that’s ancient speed.
4) Celcom Broadband is one of the telco pioneers here. They are advertising their packages with FREE USB modems. Celcom broadband also doesn’t have 1mpbs packages. There’s only 2 speed, Broadband basic, at 384kbps for RM68 and Broadband Advance up to 3.6mbps for RM98 a month. Of course, with USB modem, the good thing is one can surf anywhere, especially in places without a phone line. Some people can use their 3g phone as modems too.
There are other companies, which now I feel, is not really worth a mention since their coverage is weak and limited to certain areas only. With all these wireless broadband services, there are still their many limitations and weaknesses. So now entering into the picture is WiMAX. I think most Malaysians are hoping that WiMAX is going to be the solution to many of our connectivity issues. The question now in our minds is, how much? How fast? How soon?
Without much details released yet, we can only speculate. I read on the forums that it’s only RM80 a month and speed is up to 2mbps. Users have to use special WiMAX modems, which comes in home type modems and USB modems. Not sure if these are free, but I believe if there are packages, surely there are offers in price for the modems too. For eg, if you sign up for 2 years, maybe we get a free modem? If it’s only RM80 a month, I think I’m willing to sign contracts of 2 years. After all, we don’t really like to keep changing our service providers, the WiMAX sounds too good at the moment, wireless internet anywhere? This is really one of my dreams come true. What are you willing to pay for such a service?
I think it’s going to be a big hit if it is true at RM60. I don’t know what is the limitations… surely the broadband have the limits of cannot get connection if above 4 storey high building. Hope, WiMax a better solution.
It seems in other countries where they already have WiMAX, providers would install the basestations on high rise buildings which solve the problems of interference because of the building.
Just bought myself a WIFI phone and WiMAX is coming so soon. Soon my phone will be outdated without WiMAX connection device. Sigh… However, I do hope that WiMAX can improve our current internet connection.
[...] recorded first by mewKish on 2009-04-23→ WiMAX vs other Broadbands [...]