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Imagine 10Mbps connection at home! Well, that is now made possible by TM via its High Speed Broadband (HSBB) UniFi project ( it was awarded the contract by the government under the National Broadband Initiative, well no surprises there!). According to TM, basic HSBB packages will eventually allow Malaysians to experience high speed Internet of up to 100 times faster than the usual rate while businesses will be able to have maximum speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (1Gbps). I know, everyone would go "WOW, finally!"

 

With HSBB, Malaysians can now enjoy high quality video and audio streaming and watch High Definition television (IPTV HD) directly from your TV. The good thing about HSBB is its Triple Play capability. This would mean 3 services are delivered over a single broadband line. The 3 services are High Speed Internet (HSI), Voice and IPTV. So, you can enjoy these services without interruptions via a single line.

So having said that, we can expect IPTV to expand even further after the introduction of HD Cable TV (Astro Beyond) and soon 3D TV. Looks like we’re going to have more and more entertainment boom over the internet soon! Well, maybe not so soon!

HSBB will take 2-5 years to be implemented nationwide. The current coverage area of HSBB is within the Klang Valley and Iskandar Malaysia, Johor. (Okay, no Sarawak and Sabah on the list yet, as usual!). This is rather ironic, since the National Broadband Initiative is supposed to offer better broadband services to unpenetrated areas especially in the rural and suburban areas.

More info on HSBB on TM website and UniFi website.

My Verdict

Well, 10Mbps and above sounds good. But can TM improves its 1Mbps connection first? Paying RM88 or RM99 for a snail-crawling 1Mbps speed is PAINFUL, let alone paying more for so-called higher speed! NBI should look into the current pricing of broadband packages in Malaysia too. At least make it more affordable for all without comprising the speed. And since it’s deployed by Fibre optic, you’ll bet you need to wait like forever to enjoy this service in your area.

The Packages and Rate (Updated)

Residental/Home Packages (Compulsory 2-year contract, excluding installation and activation fees)

• 5Mbps –  RM149  (60 GB cap)
• 10Mbps – RM199 (90GB cap)
• 20Mbps -RM249  (120GB cap)

The home packages comes with a usage cap, which is said to be a daily cap not monthly (Yes, TM mentioned in their press release that it will be capped daily). Each package also comes with a Dect (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) phone, a set-top box for IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), Streamyxzone ID for wireless web access, and a 2GB e-mail box.

Corporate Packages (Compulsory 2-year contract, excluding installation and activation fees)

• 5Mbps –  RM199
• 10Mbps – RM599
• 20Mbps -RM899

There is no cap for corporate packages.

Latest Updates:

The download cap is now suspended by TM until further notice. Read the news item here.

 

So what do you think?

again, who cares about the rates when you’re not even in the coverage area