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Samsung releases uprated WiMAX Galaxy S II for Japan
Posted:
January 17, 2012
By: ccsoya
8 comments
Check out this WiMAX Samsung Galaxy S II developed for use on Japan’s KDDI au network in Japan. Aside from the additional WiMAX radio, this variant of Samsung’s hottest selling device also gets a processor bump from the 1.2Ghz dual-core in the standard S II to a 1.4Ghz dual-core in the WiMAX version. The display has been uprated too, from the 4.3-inch Super AMOLED that we get here to a pretty awesome 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD pushing 1280×720 pixels display. Other specs include an 8MP and 2MP cameras, full 1080p HD video recording as well as NFC.
The WiMAX Galaxy S II has all the makings of a very desirable smartphone. If we’re not mistaken Japan’s WiMAX network run on the 2.5GHz frequency band while the ones in Malaysia run on 2.3Ghz. With a little tweak and testing, it’s very possible for Samsung to make a version of this WiMAX S II that can run on Malaysia’s WiMAX network.
There’s definitely a market for this WiMAX Galaxy S II in Malaysia. Of course we’re simplifying things here and there’s a lot of things that a local WiMAX operator needs to do to make this device work in Malaysia but the point of the matter is that it can happen and we have a WiMAX operator that has proven itself to be able to make amazing things happen. The question is whether they want to or not. Let’s hope they say Yes.
Check out the WiMAX Galaxy S II product page here.
[via]
US gets super Galaxy Nexus with LTE and 1.5Ghz dual-core processor
Posted:
January 6, 2012
By: ccsoya
5 comments
First, the UK gets the white version, now the US gets a super Galaxy Nexus with LTE connectivity and an ultra-fast 1.5GHz dual-core processor while we’re stuck with just a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor and HSPA+ connectivity. Ini tidak adil!
But apart from the faster processor and LTE connectivity, all the other specs in the pimped up Galaxy Nexus remains the same as the standard version.
Now, why can’t Yes offer a WiMAX version with uprated specs? Or perhaps when DiGi’s LTE network comes online, we will be able to get uprated devices like this One can certainly hope.
Yes and DiGi, you know what to do.
[source]
U Mobile offers HSPA+ MiFi with speeds up to 21Mbps
Posted:
September 23, 2011
By: soyacincau
10 comments
U Mobile is boosting up its HSPA+ network offering with a MiFi and a new USB modem. While U Mobile’s network is capable up to 42Mbps, the MiFi offered is limited up to 21Mbps.
The device is priced at RM250 outright and comes bundled on either MB68 or MB128 plans which offers 5GB and 20GB data quota respectively. The price of the MiFi is not bad considering the previous HSPA+ USB modem costs RM450. Like its previous broadband offers, a RM100 upfront payment is required which will be rebated back over 5 month period.
For those that prefer something simpler, they are also offering the HSPA+ USB modem on rental basis for RM20/month. Unlike the previous HSPA+ USB plan, the new USB modem is not available for outright purchase. There’s also a 1 month additional upfront payment required for the USB rental plan.
In addition, if you’re not satisfied with their service for any reasons, you can demand a refund within 7 days with their Money Back Guarantee. Of course there are some T&Cs which includes returning the modem in good order and your usage did not exceed more than 500MB. If all their Money Back Guarantee terms are met, you’ll get a full refund including activation fees. All that without finding a competitive plan with certain number of modems and other criteria.
How fast can you get really depends on the coverage and congestion of their sites. Earlier on, their network was spotted doing a respectable 17Mbps. At RM128/month for 20GB and with speeds above 10Mbps, U Mobile HSPA+ MB128 plan is a steal for wireless broadband. We can’t wait to try it out ourselves and see how it compares with others technology such as 4G WiMAX.
For more information, head over to U Mobile’s Broadband page.
Out of the blue, a new 4G operator emerges
Posted:
July 27, 2011
By: ccsoya
36 comments
So it seems Malaysia has a new 4G operator.
Yesterday, Puncak Semangat Sdn. Bhd. (PSSB) announced that it will be the first Bumiputera company to offer telecommunications services based on LTE. It’s Managing Director, Datuk Abdullah Kadir Bacha says that the services PSSB will offer will reduce the digital gap between rural and urban areas by offering broadband access and related content to all Malaysians — all the same-old, same-old PR speak.
PSSB says that it wants to deploy a nationwide 4G network based on LTE but there was no timeline given on when this network will be deployed.
PSSB is a privately owned company that was founded in 1993 with five other subsidiaries under its name.
A quick check on Google revealed very little about PSSB and its MD that’s relevant to this news. Building a mobile network is tremendously complex and requires huge sums of money. In the course of the mobile industry in Malaysia, many have tried and many have failed. In terms of 4G, out of the four, all but only two WiMAX operators are actively in business at the moment. Even established 3G operators are cautious when it comes to 4G deploymen though Maxis and DiGi have indicated that they are looking to deploy LTE networks sometime in 2012.
So the question is, does PSSB have what it takes to deploy a nationwide 4G network? We’re not saying “no” but looking at past records of other operators and judging by the lack of background info on PSSB, its difficult to say “yes” as well.
What do you think?
[source]
Yes to roll out 4G WiMAX in East Malaysia
Posted:
July 22, 2011
By: soyacincau
3 comments
According to TheStar, YTL Communications is in the process of securing licenses to roll out its Yes 4G services in the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Its CEO Wing K. Lee had mentioned that YTL has received acknowledgement from the Government and they are now requested to submit their business plan.
Currently REDtone is the only WiMAX operator in East Malaysia and they haven’t been expanding much since its launch 3 years ago. About 2 years back, P1 too had showed intention of expanding to East Malaysia but this hasn’t materialise until today. We’re not sure what was holding them up but we believe expanding to Sabah/Sarawak is much more complicated compared to other states in Peninsular Malaysia due to different local/state regulations.
If Yes is able to roll out, this will give Sabah/Sarawak consumers more broadband choice as 3G providers are still struggling to cover all major towns. It would be impressive if Yes can cover the trunk road from Kuching to Miri and from Lawas to Kudat – the tip of Borneo.
For YTL, moving into Sabah/Sarawak is crucial for them to claim nationwide 4G coverage as no WiMAX operator has coverage on both sides of the South China Sea. REDtone too has tried to enter Peninsular Malaysia but so far we haven’t heard anything from them.
In terms of coverage, it was also reported that YTL aims to double up its network sites from 1,200 base stations during launch, to 2,500 by year end. This includes expansion of sites at Johor, Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu.
[ SOURCE ]
P1 4G Fast and Furious Broadband Promo
Posted:
April 23, 2011
By: soyacincau
7 comments
Recently you probably have seen P1 4G doing tie in ads with the latest installment of Fast and Furious movie. The movie sponsorship, if it considered as one seems to portray P1 as a speed demon broadband in conjunction with its Stronger, Wider and Faster motto. From the surface, it looks as if P1 is hard selling the movie more than its own broadband service which is actually having some noteworthy offers.
For the past several months, P1 has been doing its 50% off promo on its broadband service for 2 months on both fixed home broadband and portable USB broadband plans. Now they have thrown in more discounts for new subscriptions.
Google announces Nexus S 4G
Posted:
March 21, 2011
By: soyacincau
No comments
Google has announced another new official Android device, the Nexus S 4G. This comes after the original Nexus S device and it also runs on the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. Just like the Nexus S, the Nexus S 4G is co-developed with Samsung and it also features the same 4″ Contour Display with Super AMOLED. The device currently is available via Sprint which allows it to take full advantage of its 4G WiMAX network. Before you get someone in the US to buy one for you, do realise that this Nexus S 4G runs on CDMA/EV-DO network instead of GSM network.
At the same time, Google has also announced that existing Sprint customers will be able to utilise Google Voice while keeping their same number. For those who didn’t know, Google Voice lets you stay connected on multiple platforms with just 1 number. You can read up more about this in our previous post here.This sounds similar to Yes‘s voice service where all your devices can share the same ID. Watch the demo video after the break to get a clearer picture.
Nexus S 4G will be made available for online order this coming spring and shall make their way to Sprint retailers and Best Buy stores in the US.
U Mobile reveals HSPA+ 42Mbps plans and promo
Posted:
March 3, 2011
By: soyacincau
2 comments
U Mobile has finally revealed its HSPA+ Broadband plans today with a special rebate offer for 5 months. Earlier today, we mentioned that they have revised the U Broadband Plans which they have removed the speed caps allowing full speed downloads up to 42Mbps. To keep things simple, the HSPA+ plans are similar with their typical 3G broadband plans. The 2 key plans eligible for this promo are UB40 which gives you 2GB quota and UB68 unlimited plan with 5GB FUP.
For this promo, they are giving the 7.2Mbps modem for Free, while the activation fee of RM100 applies. Meanwhile the anticipated HSPA+ 42Mbps modem is offered at a pricey RM450 but its activation fee is fully waived. The rebate promotion that they are having is simply 5 months rebate of RM20 each which is a savings of RM100. For the HSPA+ package, that makes the modem cost RM350 effectively.
The promo header states that it is available in Johor Bahru and Penang too. Looks like U Mobile is delivering its HSPA+ to more places than it claimed earlier on. You can check out the coverage details here.
For more information, head to U Mobile’s 42Mbps Promo page here.
U Mobile Broadband uncapped download speeds
Posted:
March 3, 2011
By: soyacincau
12 comments
U Mobile has revised its U Broadband Plans which now offers uncapped speeds up to 42Mbps for all options. Previously only the highest option of RM68/month offers uncapped speeds up to 3.6Mbps while the smaller options such as daily RM6 or monthly RM10 being capped at 384kbps download.
This is a welcome move which allows casual users to enjoy faster speeds even if they take up smaller byte sized packages for couple of days use. As announced during U Mobile’s BlackBerry launch, additional Pay As You Use (PAYU) data is charged at only 5 sen per MB.
The new speed revision also indicates that U Mobile is closer towards its HSPA+ launch that offers speeds up to 42Mbps, making it the probably the fastest wireless broadband in Malaysia. HSPA+ is the next evolution of 3G’s HSPA with providers in the US such as T-Mobile claiming 4G. In the end of the day, all that matters is the achievable speeds that consumers can get whether it is on HSPA+, LTE or WiMAX. Another burning question is how fast can U Mobile roll out its HSPA+ coverage to more places considering its FAQ only mentions Sunway and Subang Jaya for now.
Another worthy mention is that U Mobile’s affordable MiFi promotion has been extended until 30th April 2011. You can check it out at U Mobile MiFi promo page. For comparison of MiFi deals in Malaysia, do read our previous MiFi comparison post.
Head after the break for the previous U Broadband Plans with its old speed caps
REDtone WiMAX CNY Promotion
Posted:
February 1, 2011
By: soyacincau
No comments
REDtone, the other WiMAX operator which operates in East Malaysia is also doing a Chinese New Year Promotion for its Home Broadband packages. From now until 28th February 2011, they are giving 1 month free subscription, free 12 months modem rental, free activation waiver (worth RM100) and a 7 days money back guarantee.
Plans and packages wise, they are pretty much the same as before with their entry Home-Lite going at RM98/month with 1Mbps download speeds and 384kbps upload. The monthly quota for their Home-Lite is 25GB/month. More details on the promotion at their website.