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Target: Malaysian Internet Users Maxis is giving free internet and claims that we only have to pay for the connection charges of 3 cents. Is it really free? We all know that local calls are charged at 3 cents per min. 1511 and 1515 are dedicated internet lines and get a special rate of 1 cent per minute. Check out the charges of the following ISP's from what we know:
Let's break down the REAL charges :
MAXIS obviously gets more than what TM & Jaring gets. Should we bother? Yes and No. This is a little complicated. MAXIS and Telekom had a prior agreement for the provision of VOICE lines to Maxis at a reduced rate of 1 cent per minute. What MAXIS did later was to use those VOICE lines for internet access. Clearly these are not what those 583**** and all the other numbers are for - they are supposed to be carrying VOICE calls and not DATA calls. Telekom gave those superior rates because VOICE calls are usually shorter in duration and hence they would make money off calls which last 3 minutes or less. More importantly, because of the very nature of VOICE calls, Telekom didn't provide for a very wide bandwith and right now Telekom doesn't like it very much. What does this mean to you and me? For starters, notice how difficult it is to log in at night? Even with three alternative numbers? Why? No bandwith since they are supposed to be carrying voice data. Who gets a raw deal? TMNet, Jaring and Telekom who spent money on ISP related development but get less. MAXIS is merely piggy backing on the generosity of Telekom who originally provided them with cheap VOICE lines but used it for internet access. Obviously, sooner or later the network would be unable to support the number of MAXIS subsribers. MAXIS then would presumably have to negotiate with Telekom for provision of more lines. But you can bet your a** that Telekom will not be charging them at 1 cent anymore. BUT to me all that is irrelevant. What irks me are two things : 1. MAXIS made me believe that I am paying 3 cents connection charges to Telekom when it is NOT TRUE. It is MAXIS who earn two cents. WE ARE PAYING 2 cents to MAXIS for every minute we surf. Is that really free surfing then?? 2. They paint themselves as the innovative and pioneering ISP who gives free accounts when in fact they are mere opportunist who capitalised on an agreement which was signed with Telekom but for different things. Conclusion? If you are already a subscriber to the Real ISP's, stick to them since your bottom line phone bill will be cheaper. If you don't - well - MAXIS costs slightly more and it saves you the hassle of form filling. And when you hear those self serving ads - "nothing comes for free now" - well you know they are damn right. They earn two cents for every minute and the irony is that TMNET and JARING now appear to be the "old fashioned" ISP's who charge for registration and monthly fees. MAXIS doesnt need all that - why should they? They are already earning approximately 16.6% more than Jaring and TMNet with this arrangment! And they have the gall to parade themselves as the free ISP provider!! This is public deceit and is totally unnaceptable!! Post an Outcry! |
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Above article is submitted by end users. Magnifix's cyberlabs have nothing to do with the article above. We are merely providing a community service. Magnifix |