I just switched to become a freelance months ago. So I opt to the mobile broadband, and travel a lot across Malaysia. Then I got sick and got diarrhea, not sure if it is colon cleansers that working or I got a minor food poisoned. Speaking of Malaysia broadband, I seriously have no idea how to describe anymore. Of course, by counting the ISP, you can have a lot of them, but stability and friendliness?

Recently due to my girlfriend who is going to use my laptop for a few weeks, so we hooked up with Windows XP again. By looking at my Celcom broadband statistic, I must say, I am quite impress but not respect. These are why!

Impressed: Stability

So far Celcom broadband gave me the most stable broadband I’ve experience. Not even Streamyx (wired broadband) can provide. I tested at Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Puchong, Perhentian Island and some villages across the east coast. Celcom runs well in all these location

Impressed: Friendly user

Almost like plug and play. Install the mobile partner software and connect. That’s all. I even tried on using my Nokia E71 as the modem as well as using my Nokia E71 as internet device. Not a problem at all

No respect: Speed not as promised

I was promised to have up to 3.5mbps to 7.2mbps, normally I would expect at least 900kbps to 2mbps. I only get 50kbps to 80kbps the best. Not even close to the minimum speed they promised.

No respect: SIM Card error

I get a few times SIM card error. I’m still not clear why this happen though. Whenever I come across to unable to connect with an error 619. I will just replace the SIM card onto a mobile phone and tried to online or make call (though it is impossible), then only it would connect. It’s like giving them SIM card a boost. Still no idea…

Of course, I would keep this modem for myself only. Since there is no contract, I can terminate anytime I want. Until I need to travel, I think once I settle down, I don’t need this connection anymore

It came to my mind when Malaysia politician starting to play onlien portal and online weblog. Is Malaysia ready for broadband? Not exactly, no.

Monopoly

Let’s be clearer, wired broadband only done by TMNet, Streamyx. Not only it doesn’t have any competitor, it is also government owned company. With current corrupted politic scene, I believe I don’t need to elaborate too much on this one.

Limited demand made no progress

Malaysia laws has a lot of grey area. Nobody want to step into the laws, not because Malaysian are kind-hearted, it is because you can’t get anything back even years. Most broadband users I know just put patient on the first line, not to even call for support, because we all know that it is useless.

I have had enough with Malaysia broadband, I really do feel helpless, I tried Streamyx, Celcom and P1, none of their connection are close to “stable”. Seriously, if not because of Malaysia passport that can go around the World, I would dump it and went for another better country. Bet you not, Indonesia broadband is way better than Malaysia, though they are still a little expensive. But hey, they are much more stable than any of Malaysia broadband, still worth it.