True Review on Top 5 Malaysian Wireless Broadband Provider

Article Last Updated: 2^nd Dec 2009
Posted by Ruhani Rabin in Malaysia, Technologies | Comments | |

I’ve written about the Dissatisfaction I have about Malaysian Broadband quite a while ago. It is time to update that to the new experience about the leading Wireless Internet Providers. More inevitable truth you need to know. This topic will eventually help you decide to subscribe to a wireless broadband provider. Definitely, Broadband at Malaysia seriously need to improve their quality of service and speed.

Now, here we are.. right down to the business

1. Celcom 3G

Good Things:

• 3.5G speed on advanced packages (3.2mbps only)
• Great Coverage around Malaysia. Tried the service at some Islands, Mountains and Rural Areas
• Download Speed is fairly “OK” around city areas, the advanced package performs quite well.

Bad Things:

• Uses one IP for all 3G modems
• Doesn’t work well in high floors. Example would be 14th floor and higher.
• Frequent switch between 3G and GPRS networks. It makes unwanted sign out from various Instant messenger programs.
• High latency
• 5GB Download limit restriction. After you pass the 5GB limit your speed will downgrade dramatically
• Still need to pay more down payment if you are foreigner or expat
• Almost impossible to download any Torrents or P2P, Tested using Blue Cube Modem only. Please share your own experience if it is different.

Speed:

• Download speed is 60KB to 150KB which also varies on network availability and locations

Price:
In a range of RM78 – RM99 monthly (Subscription and down payment not included). Check Celcom Broadband website about their latest packages. Don’t forget to read the Fair Usage Policy.

Who should subscribe this?
This is a great option if you travel around Malaysia quite a lot and you want to keep your internet on the go. If all you do are checking email and browsing facebook. Then you should get this.

2. Digi Broadband

Good things:

• Fastest 3.5G broadband so far (Tested with advanced package). Download and Upload speeds are way faster than any other networks
• Less latency
• Unique IP addresses
• Currently Petaling Jaya is fully covered under the network and provides maximum speed around there.
• P2P and torrent downloads are allowed

Bad things:

• Less coverage area. They are expanding as we speak. It switch to EDGE networks when 3G is not available and that can be really really slow.
• Download limit at 10GB to 30GB depending on the size of the package. Honestly I don’t feel drastic speed reduction when I am over download limit. I strongly hope they will keep it in that way.
• Still need to pay more down payment if you are foreigner or expat or you need to have a credit card.

Speed:

• Download speed is 70KB to 500KB, upload speed from 90KB – 250KB

Price:
In a range of RM58 – RM188 monthly (Subscription and down payment not included). Check Digi website about their latest packages. Here is their fair usage policy.

Who should subscribe this?
Ask yourself, are you a regular downloader? a developer? spend so much time on the internet? social media junkie? If it is “yes” then this is for you.

3. Maxis 3G Broadband

Good things:

• 3.5g (7.2mbps) on advanced packages

Bad things:

• Both download and upload speed is relatively slower than Celcom
• P2P download blocked, so torrent downloads not allowed
• Download limit and restriction, if not mistaken it is 1.5GB for the smallest package and 12GB max for the higher packages
• You need to pay more down payment if you are an expatriate

Speed:

• Download speed is 30KB to 170KB which also varies on network availability and locations

Price:
In a range of RM58 – RM178 monthly (Subscription and down payment not included). Check Maxis website about their latest packages. Also never forget to read their usage policy (PDF).

Who should subscribe this?
If all you do is checking email then you might want this. Advanced package only able to browse social media sites effectively.

4. P1 WiMAX

Good things:

• Stable speed with the Pro Package
• Desktop modem and laptop modem options
• Less latency or delay
• P2P and torrent downloads allowed

Bad things:

• Download Limit on all home packages from 5GB – 40GB
• Doesn’t play well with rough weather
• Only Pro Package works quite well
• Less coverage area for now, if no coverage; it is not usable at all

Speed:

• From 50KB – 350KB download speed. Upload speed unknown for now.

Price:
In a range of RM49 – RM199 monthly (Subscription and down payment not included). Check p1 website about their latest packages. Also check Coverage area.

Who should subscribe this?
If you are a regular downloader, developer, social media junkie, then this is for you.

5. iZZi Broadband

Good things:

• Stable line with iZZiPro desktop terminal
• Desktop modem and laptop modem options
• Less latency or delay (depending on the location)
• P2P and torrent downloads allowed
• No download limit (For now)

Bad things:

• Need to pay the entire amount upfront
• Consistency of the service get interrupted time to time
• Speed is not promising
• Doesn’t play well with rough weather
• Less coverage
• Overall performance is not satisfactory

Speed:

• Download speed from 70KB to 170KB, upload speed is 25KB to 55KB

Price:
In a range of RM890 – RM1690 yearly (Subscription and down payment not included). Check iZzi website about their latest packages. Also check Coverage area.

Who should subscribe this?
If you are a regular downloader, developer, social media junkie, then this is for you.

Well there you have it. I would love to know your experience about these Providers as well. Please feel free to share your comments, ratings and thoughts.

How would you Rate them?

Give me a shout at @Twitter/ruhanirabin if you like to. On the other hand, always stay up to date with my site by subscribing to the RSS feed. Yup, that is the fastest way.

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About Ruhani Rabin

Ruhani Rabin is the original owner and author of this blog. He also reviews web 2.0 startups at Tech2all.com. Largely interested in web 2.0 apps & Social Media. Currently the Vice President of MOL Access Portal (MOL is owner of Friendster.com). Also he is Web 2.0 & Social Media Researcher and a Total fun Geek!.. There you have it ;)

Twitter Profile: http://twitter.com/ruhanirabin