I’ve always looked at alternatives to Streamyx for my internet connection. Not that I despise TMNET but just because of the fact that their service way below par! I’m sure many Malaysian broadband users would attest to this. I had the opportunity to try out Maxis, Digi and P1WIMAX and I think I can share some of my experiences here.

Today I was reading an article on The Star titled “Internet users upset over Govt’s filter attempt“. Wow, we always seem to take 2 steps backward for every baby step we take forward. Nice one.

Here is what the report says:

Online and wire agency reports that the Government is mulling an Internet filtering system similar to China’s controversial “Green Dam” project has got the local online community in a huff, while technology experts questioned the viability of the project.

Basically the government wants to implement a system that would block “undesirable websites”. I wonder what would they consider as undesirable. Given the immense popularity of the internet media, I doubt this would go down well with the general public.

This post was prompted by a comment I received for my previous post titled How crappy is Streamyx?. Here is the comment I received:

helo all streamyx customer…..

Always read customer write down the complain in blog and to much talking about suck TM because it’s very slow connection and sometime failed to connect. For me its very general situation. Malaysian people always talk too much but nothing and me too but this issue is compatible. U just make straight complain to TM and don’t simply to inform all the world. If u not intrested with TM product just leave it and do not subcribed. One more thing, If u think u are the best so u can build your personal network and personal dslam and personal server. If cannot dont talk too much. very funny.

I guess you can realize that this blog post title is a result of my frustration with Malaysia’s biggest ISP – Streamyx! Due to the nature of my work, I need a stable internet connection and currently I have both Streamyx and PenangFON installed at home. Luckily I live in Penang and my apartment is serviced by PenangFON. Even though my PenangFON connection is a 2MB/s connection and my Streamyx is a 1MB/s connection, I decided to run this experiment to actually get an idea of how crappy Streamyx actually is!

Finally some good news to all of DiGi’s loyal fans – DiGi broadband has finally been rolled out. Their tagline has been “better speed for less”. Well that’s what everyone claims but I’m yet to see anyone prove it to me yet. I think a lot has been said and complained about how unreliable is Maxis’ mobile broadband (I own one but I have hardly used it). DiGi claims that their broadband plans are flexible and you could choose one according to your needs for as low as RM 2 per day. Lets look at their plans in detail.

It was certainly heartening to hear that the mini budget announced by our DPM will also allocate RM 5.4B for improving the broadband infrastructure in Malaysia. The country’s broadband infrastructure is definitely in need of improvement to match other developing countries in this region. Not only is the service below par but the monthly charges are absurd as well. The stimulus in the budget can certainly be seen as a boost for broadband in Malaysia.