Maxis Broadband: RM99 mobile unltimited or RM143 Maxis Broadband?

The fun with Maxis Broadband continues. I last wrote about the real story behind Maxis Broadband, which apparently is quite a favourite amongst Google searches. Today, @hantu asks on Twitter: $99 mobile unlimited or $138 maxis broadband?.

Lets delve into this a little deeper. I have the RM99 mobile unlimited connection, so that my E71 can surf the Internet. It allows me to check and send email on the go, post updates to Twitter, perform quick Google searches, and when I’m waiting for someone, read my Google Reader feeds. I estimate I use about 150MB or so per month, and this will probably grow in size, as I have JoikuSpot installed, and can share it with my iPod Touch. If I had an iPhone (and used it), I can imagine my data usage being a lot higher.

I’ve also had a Maxis Broadband SIM card, that I pay RM143 per month for. No, its not RM138, because they decided to send me a bill, which costs RM5/month. Nothing I do, can stop me from receiving said paper bill (not even threatening to stop their services). Do I use the Mobile Broadband services? Yes I do – I average 2GB per month, sometimes more, depending on where I choose to work for majority of the time.

In my head, I’ve been thinking, with the economy being the way it is: why am I paying RM143 and RM99 for mobile data? I noticed Maxis had a “Multi-SIM” service, in where you pay RM15/month, and you get a second SIM for your number. I thought that this was the way out – get a second SIM for my primary number, pay an extra RM15 and share the 3G connection (the second SIM to be placed in my broadband modem, a Huawei E220).

To my dismay, I visited the Maxis store and was told I couldn’t do this. If I wanted a second SIM, my services don’t extend to it. That means, I have to pay RM15 + RM10 + RM99 for the second SIM. Could I have found two idiots at the Maxis Centre in Klang – quite possibly – I think her name was Lina, and her supervisor was no better.

Maxis has an FAQ that suggests I can get a second SIM card, and just place it in my broadband modem. Imagine, only paying RM99+15 (RM114) rather than RM242.

My only solace? I don’t pay RM143 any longer. I only pay RM118, as I have Mobile Broadband and I am a Maxis postpaid customer. If you listen to the customer service representative, you’ll realise that you’re paying RM124 per month. I however think the customer service rep, is just being a plain idiot, and this can be fixed.

Why don’t I just use JoikuSpot, or tether via Bluetooth, to my Nokia E71? Because of battery life. The last time I tethered to my Nokia E61i, I had about 2 hours of battery life, before the phone got really hot in my pants pocket, and the battery went almost flat. Not having a working phone, is of course, unacceptable, which is why I’ve gone the mobile broadband route.

So, Andy, what’s your best choice? It depends on your usage. If you’re using your phone a lot, get an unlimited data package for RM99. If you don’t need access too much, consider Bluetooth tethering, which will work OK (maybe you have to carry a phone charger around). If you need to sit in cafes a lot, or work away from your desk and proper Internet connection, consider the Mobile Broadband package, at RM143/RM138/RM118 (paper bill/no paper bill/Maxis postpaid Bolt-on program).

If I ever get this multi-SIM bullshit figured out, I’ll be sure to write about it, and let you all save money. If any other provider (Celcom, DiGi, U mobile) offer it, don’t hesitate to leave a comment behind.

7 Comments

  1. Andy Goh says:

    Thank you Colin, I reckon Mobile Broadband would be the better choice for me. I had the same problem using tethering, good ol’ Dopod nearly blew up :) Time to properly sort out monthly expenses. Thanks again.

  2. aizatto says:

    Great write up, going to be helpful in future decisions!

  3. Kamal Fariz says:

    If you find yourself at a nice cafe with power outlets but slow/no wifi, tethering to the iPhone with PdaNet can only last you so long even if you are charging it at the same time. It depletes faster than it charges. This is when you tether over wifi.

    With a Windows machine, you have the option of tethering over USB which will help with the battery situation. I’m convinced even Bluetooth tethering will be better than wifi (hopefully the SweetTooth guys manage to implement other Bluetooth profiles for the iPhone soon).

    I left Maxis specifically for Celcom’s RM68 unlimited 3G plan. Maxis called me several times to inquire why I ported to Celcom and I told them it was exactly because of the 3G plan.

  4. kedai says:

    Currently with digi. Although it’s only edge, but RM 66 + 33 + 20 (mobile + extra sim + optimum postpaid), is good for me.

  5. Marvin Lee says:

    During my last search for an affordable broadband package especially for use out of the Klang Valley, 3G services broadband pricing faired better for Celcom as compared to Maxis in my opinion. It all depends how you’d like to use it.
    Maxis speed + bandwith is better if you’re in the coverage areas, but Celcom had a wider coverage in the country as of now. Maxis pricing is higher too.
    However, as I my intention was to have a few days of broadband in remote areas, what I did was bought a Celcom prepaid at less than RM 10 and sign up for the unlimited daily mobile 3G at RM 6 for 24 hours usage. The connection wasn’t that good though.
    I’m still figuring out what’s the best mobile broadband package for around.

  6. lotso says:

    Mine is a 2G iphone. EDGE is all I’ve got. I tried using the pay-as-you go via maxis and 5MB = RM50!!

    I’m not going to pay RM99 for Maxis to get edge.

    and going for Celcom for RM68? interesting option, especially now with MNP.

  7. […] a Maxis customer, know that their 3G data service quality is questionable. Also know that their customer service is […]


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