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Recent Reviews
P1 confuses itself with its own device
Posted:
July 8, 2011
By: ccsoya
16 comments
In a press release accompanying the recently launched P1 One Plan, P1 disclosed that the “new” plan was introduced as a response to findings revealed in a consumer study conducted by Frost & Sullivan on Malaysian broadband behavior. It was unclear in the release if the study was commissioned by P1.
The study indicated that only 7% of on-the-go modem users correctly utilize the device for on-the-go broadband while as many as 45 percent of subscribers use their on-the-go modems exclusively at home. The remaining 48% of on-the-go modem users are split using their modems for both home and on-the-go.
Essentially, P1 is saying that a large number of wireless broadband users were using the wrong modem for the wrong purpose…
Here’s a quote from P1 CEO, Michael Lai taken from the press release:
Most people are not aware that an on-the-go modem is not optimised for indoor usage. “Being a much smaller hence more convenient device to carry around, an on-the-go modem is best suited for outdoors. As wireless broadband signal travels through air, it inherently becomes weaker as it penetrates walls and may not be optimally received by the smaller antenna of a pocket-size.
The quote continues:
“By using the devices according to their functions, consumers will have better 4G broadband experience.
Based on this, the One Plan includes in its package two modems. One, an “outdoor” on-the-go modem and the other an “indoor” fixed modem. The logic behind this is that by offering two modems, one for outdoor and the other designed for indoor use, users can use the right modem for the right condition and “by using the devices according to their functions, consumers will have better 4G broadband experience” claimed Michael Lai.
The P1 One Plan includes the Super W1GGY USB 4G modem as part of the package. The Super W1GGY USB 4G modem was introduced by P1 in November last year and in a press release introducing the device P1 stated that the Super W1GGY is equipped with omni-directional antennas to deliver “exceptional quality at home, in the office or on-the-go”.
From the P1 Super W1GGY release:
Technically speaking: it has a 5dBi omni antenna that radiates and receives signals from any direction and automatically selects the best antenna (within the modem) to improve signal strength for better uplink performance. With 25dBm transmission power, it delivers exceptional quality at home, in the office or on-the-go.
Hold up. At launch of the Super W1GGY P1 says that the device is capable of delivering good network performance indoors. The Super W1GGY was designed to improve network reception indoors, that’s the reason why it’s so big compared to other USB modems in the market. Barely a year after the device was introduced it is now saying that the Super W1GGY is not designed to be used indoors.
On the same note, when P1 launched the original W1GGY USB 4G modem back in 2009, it touted the device as the country’s most advanced USB modem with a smart antenna that incorporates MIMO technology. The Super W1GGY is supposed to be an improved version of the W1GGY with even better performance. So what gives P1?
And what about this indoor-outdoor usage differentiation that P1 is putting forth with the One Plan? Based on P1′s logic, fixed modem are designed to be used indoors, while USB modems are designed to be used outdoors. We’re no engineers but as far as we know virtually all USB modems are designed to be used indoors and by indoors we mean everywhere, in malls, cafes, offices and homes. Aren’t all these locations indoors? So what does P1 mean by their on-the-go modem being “best suited for outdoors”? What do they mean by outdoors?
Does it mean that the Super W1GGY and the original W1GGY must be used outdoors ala alfresco for it deliver good performance? We’re no research experts either but it’s safe to assume that you’ll be using your USB modem indoors virtually all the time. So what is P1 trying to say actually? Are they confused with the capabilities of their own devices? Or are they masking the still unresolved network issues plagued the operator?
We can’t say for sure but network reception is somewhat of an endemic for P1 and this flip-flopping is sure not boding well for customer confidence on P1′s part.
[picture credit]
[source 1, 2, 3,]
16 Comments for P1 confuses itself with its own device
matjoe
give them a chance
Sux
P1 wiggy is correctly used under the sun and under the rain. No confusion at all. If you go starbucks, you have to bring the home modem with you. I seen people do that before with the new white color home modem. Looks more cooler than all of the other small usb modem from maxis and digi.
Raymond
The package is convenient. No doubt. Hopefully this time we'll see if the package works and is connection has improved.
WTF
What is so convenient? A USB Modem that cannot be used indoor? World first modem that cannot be used indoor.
Raymond
from what i understand from the article. It can be used indoor, but not to the best potential depending on conditions. What i don't understand is what is the confusion?
Goh
The study indicated that only 7% of on-the-go modem users correctly utilize the device for on-the-go broadband while as many as 45 percent of subscribers use their on-the-go modems exclusively at home. The remaining 48% of on-the-go modem users are split using their modems for both home and on-the-go.
If you read between the lines, they are implying using indoor is wrong. In other words, if you complain no reception at home or office, blame it on yourself for using wrong modem.
Raymond
well…you could say it that way. I do see your point of view. haha. But i'm not sure they were implying using indoor is wrong. Its okay to use indoor but unless you want to use to the maximum potential for home, use the home modem. I dunno if this is the right example but its kinda like using the small hand vacumn cleaner to clean ur house, instead of the normal vacumn cleaner. hope it made sense. haha. I'm not on that plan…not sure if im gonna get it yet though.
ben yap
how about the kama sutra ad? isn't it not very appropriate for malaysians especially the kids as it is akin to surfing porn online. Duh!!!
Goh
P1 always use sexual connotation to drive their marketing campaign. Like the potong ads, saying how "smooth" after kena potong. USB modem called wiggy sounds like a willy.
ben yap
yeah, i agree with you. It's a cheap way of getting attention. So lame la…
Probably P1 hired all those hamsap people.
jensen
hahahahahaha…cheeky humour. I never thought about it until u guys brought it up. But it is definitely effective that it gets our attention…but only if you're talking about the marketing point of view. haha
raymond
for this one….i agree. haha. the marketing campaign is a little…..gung-ho. Like the "potong" campaign…this Kama sutra one leaves a lot of thoughts…not sure why they used kama sutra to do the P1 one plan campaign.
OoO
CS: Hello How may I help you?
Customer: My Wiggy very slow! WTF I pay for such sucky service?????
CS: Where are you using your Wiggy sir?
Customer: At home la!
CS: Let you know Sir, the Wiggy is specially engineered for outdoor usage, if you use at home, you might not get the full potential.
Customer: Should I use at my balcony?
CS: Yes sir, for full potential…
Customer: ??????
Ben yap
outdoor use means under the sun, i think. even if u use it at McD, there is not coverage as it is still "indoor". for us as customers, we define outdoor as not at home. but i think they define outdoor as in the open, no roof, no walls and only with your umbrella.
Michael Lai
Comment deleted due to breach of privacy. (ccsoya)
they should get their engineers to brief them first before they put on the gay t-shirt that 2 guys have to share. lol
lamest i must say