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”.

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While speed is everything when you’re surfing internet superhighway on the world wide web, the same can’t be said when you’re cruising down a highway of the asphalt kind. In the real world, speed is not everything and sometimes, fast is too fast. Case in point.

Drive safe people.

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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.

Our Malaysia Broadband Cost Comparison post is in dire need of an update since most broadband providers had revised/introduced new broadband plans. As demanded by you, we’ve updated the broadband comparison table as below:

Further breakdown with speed & excess charge by categories after the jump.

Fixed Broadband

Mobile Broadband

Mobile Internet

Which plan to pick?
There’s no clear cut choice when it comes to broadband plans as it varies depending on usability, quota, excess fees and speed. The cost comparison here serves as a guide based on cost per GB which caters to your monthly broadband demand.

For the heavy user, fixed broadband of the FTTH variety offers the best of speed together with generous quota. For those on the move, most plans below 5GB are offered under RM100. For the demanding users, most plans of 10GB and above are well between RM100-RM200 range. Generally, most users won’t use as much data while on the go as compared to home. Also you would need to take note of excess charges if you have the tendency to exceed your monthly quota. Some plans might reduce your speed without additional charges while others charge a rather expensive pay as you go rate.

Another point when considering a plan is a network quality. While most networks boast high up to speeds, the realistic achievable speed is normally lower than the paper claims. Checking among your friends or peers would be a good reference point to find out if the service provider is good.

Apart from speed, coverage is another issue as well. If you travel a lot outstations, you would need to check with the provider’s coverage map. You can check out last year’s comparison here.

Do let us know in the comments if you spot any errors.

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.

With the cheapest cost-per-GB MiFi plans in the country there’s actually a strong case for P1 to promote its MF230 MiFi device. The generous monthly data allowance combined with seamless wireless connectivity for up to five devices makes it easy for users with multiple devices to get connected when out and about with a MiFi and a P1 plan.

P1’s MF230 MiFi was initially launched exclusively with Harvey Norman back in December 2010. To purchase the MF230 you will need to buy an iPad with Harvey Norman as well. There is no option that allowed you to purchase the MF230 as a standalone device.

We thought that this exclusivity period was only for a couple of months, so we got in touch with P1 Customer Service via its web-chat service on its website to get the latest information about the MF230 and whether it is available a standalone purchase item now.

The above screen capture was the answer that we got from a P1 customer service rep. Close to four months after the Harvey Norman deal, you still can’t buy the MF230 from P1 directly. This is confusing because there is a prominent mention of the MF230 MiFi on P1′s website but as we’ve discovered, the device is not sold by P1. The only way to get the MF230 is through Harvey Norman and even then, you’ll need to buy an iPad from them first.

With the market now inundated with tablets from numerous manufacturers MiFi devices are gaining popularity. We have a market primed for a high adoption of this particular breed of gadget. And with the impending iPad 2 mania hitting the nation this coming Friday, it’d be smart for P1 to start selling its MF230 through multiple channel rather than rely on one single channel partner (in this case, it’s Harvey Norman). Also, there should be an option to purchase the MiFi standalone and not have it tied-up to an expensive purchase-with-purchase program.

On top of this P1 CEO Michael Lai openly proclaimed via his Twitter account that its MF230 “works wonderfully well while others fail”. If this is indeed the case, then it would seem that P1 have a strong product in its hands. So why the bashful market approach?

We’re not sure why P1 is not selling the MF230 using their own channels. All we know is that, if the CEO thinks very highly of the device, the should make it widely available and easily purchased.

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.

Home Broadband

For fixed home usage, they are offering subscription of only RM49 for 3 months on both Pro (4.8Mbps) and Plus (1.2Mbps) broadband plans. This gives substantial savings for Pro users of RM270 from monthly subscription fees alone. The promo 3 months subscription fee does not apply on its lowest Lite (400kbps) plan.

Portable Broadband

For portable plans, they offer promo rates with RM10-30 reduction depending on plans for 6 months. Casual W1GGY (600kbps) is offered at RM49 (RM10 savings), W1GGY (1.5Mbps) at RM69 (RM20 savings) while Super W1GGY (No limit) at RM99 (RM30 savings) which gives a total savings of RM60, RM120 and RM180 off the total monthly subscription respectively.

If you’re interested, you can head to their home broadband page here or W1GGY page here. New subscribers can stand a chance to win some holiday trips too.

It baffles us to why P1 would overshadow its plans and services for a movie, considering they have a pretty good offer with substantial savings at the moment. Even from the ads and banners, we felt that P1 is underselling its services which should be a main focus instead. Other telcos do have tie ups with artists and movies but they were done without overshadowing its core services. Anyway, perhaps P1 has its own reasons and they should know better.

P1 has started the new year with a revamp of its fixed broadband packages for home and business users. Previously they had 3 home and 2 business plans with speed offerings between 400kbps to 2.4Mbps but now they have bumped their highest Pro plan with 4.8Mbps download speed.

To make it simple, P1 no longer offer separate plans for business or home users so there’s only 3 plans to choose from right now – Lite with 400kbps, Plus with 1.2Mbps and Pro with 4.8Mbps. This also means that they have stopped offering unlimited plans which was previously exclusively for business users.

The Lite and Plus plan remains unchanged as it maintains the same speed, quota and monthly subscription. However with the new rates, existing Plus users are clearly enticed to get 4X the download speed with 10GB additional quota for a mere RM40. That’s only RM4/GB for additional quota for those who exceed their typical 20GB quota for Home Plus plan.

Earlier on, P1′s Pro plan was originally priced at RM199/month for 2.4Mbps download speeds at 40GB quota a month. Probably knowing that this is too much for a wireless broadband service, they later reduced the subscription fee to RM139/month while reducing the quota to 30GB a month.

With the latest revision, Pro users get to enjoy much higher download speeds but like any other wireless services, it all depends on the network congestion of your area. We hope that P1 is ready to deliver 4.8Mbps download speeds to avoid situation of over-promising like its P1 W1GGY some time ago.

The offer is also made sweeter as P1 is giving all plans additional 50% off for the 2nd and 3rd month subscription, which is basically 1 month worth of savings. For more information, head to P1′s broadband promo page.

Update (1800hrs 23122010): P1 has updated the information on their website to include the newly launched MF230 MiFi device. Find out more after the jump.

A while ago, P1′s CEO, Micheal Lai teased everyone with the prospect of P1 coming out with a 4G MiFi. This was two months ago and he claims that the P1 MiFi “works wonderfully well while others fail“.

We like MiFis and it’s nice to know that there will soon be another type to choose from. Though it’s rather ironic that P1 was amongst one of the first (if not the first) operator to have hinted that they were going to market a MiFi device but are now the last of come into the market with one but as the saying goes, better late than never.

So here it is, the MF230 MiFi device from P1 and currently you can only get it from Harvey Norman.

Reliable sources reveal that in terms of pricing, the device itself cost RM250 but you’ll have to purchase it with a plan. The plan that comes with the 10GB data usage a month with download speeds up to 1.5Mbps at RM89/month. As an introductory offer, P1 is giving first month subscription free and you only pay RM44/month for the 2nd and 3rd month. Essentially the plan is the same as the one offered with the P1 W1GGY.

In terms of device performance, you can connect five devices simultaneously to the the MF230 and Green Packet claims that the battery lasts up to four hours “active-usage“. In terms of range, the FAQ states that you get 20 meter connectivity range indoor and 35 meters outdoors.

The P1 MF230 is produced by its parent company Green Packet, you can check out the specifications here. Unlike P1 devices previously the MF230 is branded Green Packet rather than P1 which can confuse some customer we think.

No details available on P1′s website yet but we’ll keep you posted if there’s any. P1′s website is updated with info on the MF230 and we’ve poured through the FAQ to understand the plan, head on over to after the jump to see what we’ve discovered.

First up, not only is the MF230 only available at Harvey Norman, only six outlets available throughout Malaysia, you can only purchase the device if you purchase an iPad at Harvey Norman. The FAQ didn’t say if the iPad and the MF230 must be purchased at the same time or if you are still eligible to purchase the MF230 even when you’ve purchased the iPad on a separate date.

5. I am an existing US-230/UM-230/UH-235 customer. I like the MF-230. Can I change my US-230/UM-230/UH-235 Portable Modem to the MF-230 Portable Modem?
The MF-230 is exclusively for customers who purchased an iPad at one of the 6 Harvey Norman stores throughout Malaysia.

We don’t understand why the sales channel is limited to only six outlets across Malaysia. It’s even more perplexing to find out that a customer will have to purchase an iPad first before they can purchase the MF230. This means the entry cost for the MF230 is the highest in the market — you have to buy and iPad to be able to buy the MF230.

We’re not sure what is the logic behind this. It seems that the product team at P1 is with the understanding that only iPad users need MiFi. Obviously this is not the case. The appeal of a MiFi is in its flexibility and as consumers it is up to us to what devices we want to connect our MiFI to, we don’t like that P1 is forcing users to purchase an iPad to be able to purchase the MF230. In that case, we might as well just get a multitude of other MiFi devices that available for outright purchase without the need to purchase an additional and not to mention expensive device.

For security purposes, the first thing you’d want to do with wireless routers is to change the SSID or the network name and the password required to log on to the wireless network. You do this so that only you know the password and you reduce the chances of people riding on your network without you knowing. Usually you can do this fairly easily by accessing the device configuration page using a web browser.

With the MF230, this is not the case. If you want to change the SSID and the security password on the MF230 you have to take it to an authorised P1 centre to have it changed. This is too much of a hassle in our opinion.

13. Q: How can I change my SSID and WEP Key?
A: You will need to walk in to our P1 P@ddock or PitStop (JB & Penang) with your MF230 device. Our friendly customer consultant will change the SSID and WEP Key for you.

This means you’re stuck with the default SSID and password right out of the box and if this password is compromised you won’t know how many people might be riding on your network. More importantly, there is nothing you can do to stop it, unless of course if you’re willing to take the time to go to an authorised P1 centre to get it changed and depending on where you are, that could mean taking an hour off work or a day. Either way, not good.

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