P1 today has introduced Wiggy 39, a new low entry portable broadband plan that comes with 2GB of data. 2 modems are on offer, the smaller UT235 and the bigger UH235. Speeds offered are listed as up to 1Mbps but the table above is a little confusing as it shows 2 download speeds side by side.

As a special promo, they are offering the first 2 months at RM19/month and the following 2 months at RM29/month. 5th month onwards it will be billed at the listed subscription of RM39/month. Like the rest of P1′s postpaid plans, excess usage is free but speeds will be throttled. Extra quota can be purchased at RM10 for 2GB.

For more information, head over to P1′s On the Go page.

Before signing up, do remember that P1′s USB Modems are designed for outdoor use only. Using it indoors might result “Potong Stim”.

P1 has revised its ONE plan which offers a combination of desktop home modem and a USB dongle. At that time of launch, the revamped Super Broadband offering had an option of 3 ONE plans – 89, 129 and 169 with combined quota of 5GB, 15GB and 30GB respectively. To target mass consumers with lower commitment options, they now have introduced ONE plan 69 which offers a lower 3GB quota at RM69/month, making it a total of four ONE Plans.

In terms of speed, P1 now offers 1.0Mbps download speed for both home and portable modems on its lowest 69 and 89 plans. Previously P1 One Plan 89 had a speed of 600kbps for home. In terms of hardware, P1 now its UH-235 Super Wiggy modem on all 4 plans.

You probably would notice that P1 is also on the roll to educate consumers that USB Modems is bad for indoors, hence the need of having 2 modems for different need. Again this is something arguable since we have no issues with dongles indoor in many of our broadband test experiences. In most cases, indoor coverage is also very much dependent on the network than the device alone. Dongle manufacturers normally design their usb modems to cater for a wide user pattern scenarios, not just outdoors.

More plan details after the break.

As usual, all P1 modems are free of charge with lifetime warranty as long as you’re an active subscriber. For those that need voice, it will be an additional RM10/month for P1 One Plan 69 and 89. At the moment, they are giving a RM20-30 off for the first 3 months if you subscribe.

Interestingly, P1 is offering a Money Back Guarantee for the P1 One Plan 69. This guarantee however is not on the broadband experience but rather on competitive plans and pricing. In other words, if you can find another plan from another broadband provider that provides better deal in terms of quota, pricing and number of modems, they will refund back your money. Oddly enough, the competitive plan must be postpaid and it also must include 2 modems as part of its money back conditions.

For more information, head over to P1 One Planpage.

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.

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P1 has recently given its entire broadband line up a new refresh for both portable and broadband plans. Their biggest highlight is their new “ONE PLAN” which claims to offer the best of outdoor and indoor. What it offers is a combination of desktop modem and portable WiGGY modems at a combo price. Despite the “One Plan” naming, there are actually 3 plans available which are tied to its 3 Home/Office broadband plans.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The One Plan is actually a rename of their Super Broadband package which was launched last October.

Head after the jump for more details and comparison of their old and current offerings.

Home and Office Plans
NEW

OLD

For Home and Office plans, they made a couple of changes. First is their entry Home Lite plan is now RM59, a RM10 increase than before. It still comes with the same 5GB/month quota but the speed is now upgraded from 400kbps to 600kbps. Next, mid level RM99 plan has its speed increased from 1.2Mbps to 2.0Mbps but its monthly quota is slashed from 20GB to 15GB a month. Meanwhile, its highest RM139 plan maintains its 30GB/month quota and its speed is increased slightly from 4.8Mbps to 5.0Mbps.

Portable Postpaid (W1GGY)
NEW

OLD

For the Portable Wiggys, they have now reduced to only 2 plans and their fastest 10Mbps plan being discontinued. Wiggy 59 offers 1.0Mbps with 3GB while Wiggy 89 offers 5.0Mbps with 6GB. We seriously can’t keep track with the Wiggy plans as they have been revised countless of times with similar names.

Home/Office + Portable Add on
NEW

OLD

For the existing postpaid user that wishes to add-on a wiggy, there are 2 options available at RM30/month which is offered based on your main broadband plan. For the entry level users, you’ll get the US-230/UM-230 modem which offers 1.0Mbps while those on higher plans will get the newer UH-235 which offers 5.0Mbps. Add that with the new revised postpaid plans and you’ll end up with the One Plan offering. Their prepaid wiggy and WiMAX Inside plans for laptops remain unchanged.

Once you’ve seen the full picture, these plans are nothing new. It is just a name change with revisions made on their speeds, price and quota in order to stay relevant. Even their P1 MiFi product was quietly discontinued without a trace. We were expecting much more from P1 instead of just rehashing the same plans over and over again.

In terms of value, it all depends if you’re looking for speed or data quota. From the comparison above, there is an increase of cost per GB but that’s being compensated by speed upgrades. When talking about achievable speeds, it is very much dependent on network condition at your area.

For more information, head over to P1′s website.

P1 has done a revamp on its WiGGY packages featuring the new UH Shuttle modem. Last week the UH Shuttle modem was offered for its Super Broadband package but now it is also offered on its own.

NEW

In the new revamp, the UH Shuttle Modem is bundled together with the RM89 and RM129 subscription plans while the lower RM59 plan gets the old WiGGY. To sweeten the deal, they are also giving 50% off for 2 months subscriptions which is only valid for RM89 and RM129 subscription.

OLD

Compared to the old WiGGY Plans, the new offering has less data quota than before while the speed is pretty much the same. The RM59 plan is 2GB less while higher 2 plans with the new UH Modem are getting 5GB less monthly. If you’re an existing WiGGY customer, it is better to stick to your current plan.

More details of the new WiGGY packages here.

P1 has added a new modem into their Super Broadband Package. The UH Shuttle modem is a new add-on option for RM30/month which they claims to be more powerful than the old WiGGY.

Looking at the design, it looks more bulky than the old one making it more cumbersome to use. For extra RM10 over the older WiGGY, we simply can’t see the benefit of paying more. P1′s coverage out of home isn’t that great and we are not convinced if this new modem would solve coverage and mobility issues that we faced previously.

As mentioned before, why can’t they offer outright purchase of the modem instead of charging customers monthly to utilise existing bandwidth? Check out the full details of the add-on package at P1′s site.

You can read up more technical info on the new modem here.

P1 now known as P1 4G has officially reveal its Super Broadband Package. This comes right after ITU announced the “real” 4G standards which doesn’t exist at the moment. So what’s so super about this new broadband package? Do you get more data? More speed? Extra coverage? All that super hero action is sadly nothing to shout out. There isn’t any MiFi revealed as teased by its CEO recently.

This super broadband package is just a mere add on supplement portable plan on top of existing P1 plans for home. You still get the same RM49/month for the home entry package and the same 5GB a month. What’s new is that you can add additional RM20 to any of your home plan to get an extra WiGGY or an account for your Wimax Inside laptop or netbook. However you don’t get additional bandwidth as it is shared with your existing home plan. So what you’re paying monthly is just rental for the modem which is not worth it if you ask us. What’s worse is those on WiMAX Inside devices are also required to pay RM20/month despite no need for a additional modem.

If P1 wanted to do a real SUPER offer, they should given more bandwidth and more speed as per claim of being stronger and faster. New products and services please! We’re seeing the same old products over and over again.

If this is all P1 has to counter YTL’s launch next month, we must say it is really pathetic. Speaking of Wider, whatever happen to their expansion plan into East Malaysia this year? It seems that they have slowed down in terms of coverage roll out lately.

More details on P1 Super Broadband Package here.

P1 just recently rehashed its W1GGY packages to introduce three new plans.

The difference?
Gone are the original W1GGY boasting (an elusive) 10Mbps download speed and the (very unfortunately named) W1GGY 69 plans. Taking it’s place are three new plans with price points of RM49, RM89 and RM129 monthly. Of the bat, you’ll notice that the new plans are cheaper (RM59 as opposed to RM69 and RM129 as opposed to RM149 previously). P1 have also made signing up very attractive as you don’t have to buy the W1GGY outright (which costs RM200 mind you), it is now provided to you for FREE and you’re not tied in to any contract, which means you can terminate any time you feel like it. P1 will even give you a RM50 rebate off your last bill if you return the W1GGY.

Is it any good?
When compared to what the other telcos are offering, it’s pretty much the same deal with the no contracts and free modems perks. Operators like Maxis even offer the same seven day satisfaction guarantee period like P1. P1′s strengths is in its generous data caps, but even with that we’re finding it very difficult to recommend the new W1GGY plans to mobile users.

And why not?
To us what’s important in any broadband plan is the performance and crucially, consistency. It’s pointless to have loads of data usage allowance if you can’t even get connected. We’re pretty sure many will agree with this. And therein lies the problem.

P1′s WiMAX network is not enjoying a lot of confidence from the public with frequent outages and connectivity issues – the word on the street is that P1′s network is plagued with problems at the moment. And the W1GGY is not really the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to mobile web surfing. Having tried the W1GGY ourselves, we’re very disappointed with what “Malaysia’s most advanced USB modem” had to offer.

Most glaring is the W1GGY’s inability to grab on to a WiMAX signal indoors. Most of the time, inside offices, malls and college lecture halls, we were not able to get any signal whatsoever. Outdoors, in areas where the W1GGY gets the same signal strength from two base stations, it easily gets very easily confused and often disconnects itself to jump between base stations. If you’re surfing video’s on YouTube or downloading files, this is a major pain.

We don’t know about you guys, but we would like our mobile broadband to be robust, reliable and with performance we can count on. We’d want to be able to just whip out the W1GGY, plug it into a USB port and start surfing.

Unfortunately, right now. We can really do that.

P1 W1MAX has launched its prepaid USB broadband called the W1GGY prepaid. The prepaid market is big especially when consumers need broadband on the go on a need to use basis. Most telcos has recognise such demand and we’ve seen various prepaid 3G broadband products as of late. Wanting a slice of that market, P1 has become the first WiMAX operator in Malaysia to offer prepaid as well.

The prepaid plan

The offer is pretty simple. The starter pack is sold at RM199 which comes with a US-230 USB WiMAX Modem and RM100 worth of credit which gives you 4GB of data usage for 30 days. The download speed of W1GGY prepaid is 800kbps maximum. No upload speeds are mentioned, similar to previous W1GGY and W1GGY 69 postpaid plans.

Top Up

2 top up options are available:

• RM20 top up - 500MB data usage for 15 days
• RM50 top up – 2GB data usage for 30 days

Compared to P1 W1GGY 69 postpaid, the W1GGY prepaid is quite a bargain as the USB WiMAX modem only costs RM99 as compared to upfront RM299 price on the WiGGY 69 plan with 12 months contract. We believe P1 might revise the upfront modem cost for W1GGY 69 or perhaps simply scrap this postpaid plan altogether.

Conclusion

Is it worth it? As the first prepaid WiMAX plan, we believe this is the easiest way to experience WiMAX without being bonded to a contract and paying hefty upfront costs. As mentioned earlier, we’re skeptical on the performance of the W1GGY as an overpromised product.

As of late, P1 is suffering a lot of network outages and bandwidth issues. The W1GGY being a USB modem, has less transmission power compared to the desktop modems. This would be a problem getting reception indoors which is a common problem for WiMAX. Such issues hardly exist for 3G broadband which probably is a better choice for those who seek reliable mobility indoors.

Pricing wise, P1 might have gotten it right and they are on par with other players but reception reliability is still a big question mark. Unless P1 improves its coverage particularly indoors, the W1GGY prepaid is a tough choice to recommend.

For more information, visit P1′s website.