Tomorrow Packet 1 will make history with Malaysia’s first ever WiMAX launch which has been widely anticipated. It is said that Energy, Water and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor would officiate the P1 W1MAX event tomorrow afternoon.

So how much is the subscription? Are subscribers tied to a contract? Read on as we managed to get an early peek on its offerings.

As mentioned before, P1 will be offering 4 packages, which 2 are for Personal users and another 2 are for Business Users. The 2 packages are identical for launch as P1 is giving promotional rates. For launch, they offer 1.2Mbps and 2.4Mbps plans.

From first look, the rates are competitive with 1.2Mbps as low as RM89/month for 2 year subscription or RM99/month for 1 year subscription.

For those who crave higher speeds, 2.4Mbps is offered at a much higher price at RM199/month for 2 year subscription or RM229/month for 1 year subscription. We believe these pricing would give Streamyx some competition it deserves.

P1 W1MAX Personal Plans

P1 Business Plans

Additional Charges:

• Registration Fee: RM100 (upfront)
• Activation Fee: RM50 (first bill)
• Stamp Duty: RM10 (first bill)
• Installation Fee: RM80 (optional)
• Nationwide Access: RM10 (optional)
• Modem Price: RM999

Key Benefits

• No fixed phone line needed (Save up to RM49)
• Service Activation within 12 hours
• Plug & Play
• 15-Day Service Guarantee

FREE MODEM
For those who subscribe between 20th – 30th August 2008, the LAN based WiMAX modem worth RM999 is bundled for FREE.

This marks and interesting start for WiMAX in Malaysia with its competitive pricing and attractive entry package. Backed by a 15-day service guarantee and a 12-hour activation commitment, Packet 1 is serious in providing broadband to the masses where Streamyx fails to fulfill. Coverage details on their website is not available at time of writing and hopefully they would reveal more on the website in the next few days to come.

Will WiMAX sink or sail? We will find out soon.

For more details, visit their P1 W1MAX packages page on their newly redesigned website.

Update: Catch the WiMAX Launch Live Telecast on your desktop thru streaming video on Yoonic.TV. Download your player and register yourself for a free account. Yoonic.TV is showing the event live on its “Community & Special Interest” category at Channel 1506.

The event will be held at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur at 2.30PM.