Archive for June, 2009

For those who are not IT-savvy or getting a broadband connection for the first time, here are some facts you should know before getting one. Be sure of these facts because you might not want to regret your subscription later on when it’s too late.

Fact #1 – There’s a difference between peak speed and actual speed

When the speed quoted for a broadband package is, for example, up to 3.6Mbps, it doesn’t mean that you’ll always get that speed. Because a broadband network is a shared network, it means that the system is supporting all broadband users instead of just one, the speed you are able to get depends on how many users are connected to the network.

Fact #2 – There’s a limitation of how much bandwidth you could use (Fair usage policy)
Yes, unfortunately you can’t leave your computer turned on the whole day downloading your favourite songs and movies non-stop. Each broadband has a limit of how much data transfer you could use before they either slow down your connection speed or charge you extra for the additional usage. However, each network has different fair usage policy so you can choose which is more suitable for yourself.

Fact #3 – A broadband’s performance is very area-dependent

For a wireless broadband, its performance depends on the number of users sharing the same base station as you and the strength of the signal at your place. Thus, if your friend or relative tells you that a certain network works fantastically, that may not apply for you, unless he lives right beside you. This is why Internet Insider tests all wireless broadband at their customers’ place to find out which broadband performs the best there.

Fact #4 – Most broadband packages have a minimum subscription period contract

Beware of contract policies because you may end up paying for a broadband connection that doesn’t perform up to your expectations. Some packages are contract-free but others may require you to subscribe for their service for at least a year or two. Plus, different companies have different penalty fees if you were to breach their contract. So beware of these details before getting tied down to a contract. After all, a contract is like a boyfriend/girlfriend who doesn’t want to let go and move on.

Fact #5 – Is that modem really yours? (Not really a fact but a question)
For some packages, the modem is leased to you and doesn’t really belong to you. After you have cancelled your subscription with that network, you will have to return the modem to them. Plus, except for certain cases, it’s best to buy your own modem instead of leashing one.

For example:
Modem A costs RM200 to buy and RM11/month to leash.
Mr Internet chose to buy the modem whereas Mr Insider decided to leash the modem.
After 3 years of usage, Mr Internet has only paid RM200 for the modem but Mr Insider had paid RM396 (RM11 x 36) and will continue to pay an additional RM11 per month to leash it.
In addition to that, a modem is not free if you are paying more per month to subscribe to a network compared to other networks. It’s included in the fees!

Fact#6 – Different broadband, different offerings
Here’s a list of some other minor factors you might want to take into consideration before subscribing to a broadband network:
Does it require a phoneline?
Does it work in high rise buildings? (for those living in condos and apartments)
Is the modem mobile so you could bring it along with you?
How much is the upfront payment?
Is there any extra cost for a foreigner to subscribe to the service?
How long will it take for the service to be activated?
How good is the after sales service?

I hope this article will be helpful for those of you who are looking forward to subscribe for a broadband connection. Please feel free to comment on this article and all the best in looking for the right broadband for yourself!