So how are our WiMAX operators doing? P1 and AMAX so far are the only operators who published their coverage areas online. Compare the Klang Valley coverage below:

P1 W1MAX Coverage [ SOURCE ]

AMAX WiMAX Coverage [ SOURCE ]

These screenshots are obtained today 4th June 2009. As shown above, P1 has been expanding aggressively in the Klang Valley. Meanwhile AMAX too is also expanding by patches and we can see that there are several new spots  in Cheras updated recently.

P1 is currently the most visible WiMAX player and the coverage availability is quite extensive as shown above. If they keep this up, the 25% target could be achieved by year end.

No coverage details are available for YTL and RedTone at the moment although RedTone has started showing some WiMAX packages recently.

AMAX, is one of the 4 WiMAX operators in Malaysia which hasn’t been visible in the market. Apparently they are doing low key promotions as opposed to P1 W1MAX aggresive campaigns almost everywhere.

Not many people know what AMAX is, let alone their packages or coverage areas but recently we were given a tip off by a reader with their promotion.

Broadband Packages

A) Single User Package
-1.0Mbps
-USB Modem
-Unlimited Data Usage / Bandwidth
-12 months contract
-RM99/month (RM60/month for students)

B) Multi User Package
-1.5Mbps
-4 Port Router Modem + Free WiFi Router
-Unlimited Data Usage / Bandwidth
-12 months contract
-RM138/month

C) Business Package
-2.0Mbps (1.0Mbps for USB)
-USB Modem + 4 Port Router Modem + Free WiFi Router + External WiMAX Antenna
-Unlimited Data Usage / Bandwidth
-12 months contract
-RM388/month

Bundling Packages

A) HP Mini+ USB Modem Bundle
-HP Mini-1001ITU Netbook
-1.0Mbps
-USB Modem
-Unlimited Data Usage / Bandwidth
-24 months contract
-RM149/month

B) Compaq Presario CQ40 + USB Modem Bundle
-Compaq Presario CQ40 Notebook
-1.0Mbps
-USB Modem
-Unlimited Data Usage / Bandwidth
-24 months contract
-RM169/month

Coverage

AMAX WiMAX Coverage areas has been quite a mystery. However we managed to obtain several coverage plots on google maps as follows:

1) Kelana Jaya 1 (view map)

2) Kelana Jaya 2 (view map)

3) Bandar Puchong Jaya (view map)

4) Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil (view map)

5) Bandar Sri Petaling (view map)

6) Taman Maluri, Cheras (view map)

7) Subang Jaya (view map)

TTDI (view map)

9) Bukit Anggerik Cheras (view map)

Conclusion

From first impression, AMAX has a wider choice of WiMAX devices/bundles by offering USB, Multi-user 4 port Modem & free WiFi Router for Multi-user/Business plans. This is comparable with P1 which offers only a single LAN based WiMAX modem which isn’t practical for mobile while a multi-user bundle is not available at the moment.  However comparing with our sources, P1 too will be launching their USB WiMAX modem soon but actual launch plans are not clear at the moment.

If you look at the packages, you would also notice that AMAX shouts on unlimited usage / bandwidth for all plans. We don’t see any Fair Use Policy or restrictions on P2P downloads at the moment. Perhaps as it is still new, they would let it free flow and would start imposing usage quota only after a substantial number of subscribers have been reached. This would be an added advantage as we have seen P1 customers claiming that their standard 20GB per month for the 1.2Mbps package is simply not enough.

On the coverage, AMAX has yet to prove themselves as they have been very quiet and nobody knows them yet. There is hardly any visibility of AMAX in the areas and they should launch an all out awareness campaign like P1 in order to get more subscribers.

In the other hand, we would also urged AMAX to look into their website as it is just useless in giving out information on their current offerings and coverage areas. Even some pages are not linked properly and the flash is just annoying to browse. Under coverage area, it still states that AMAX aims to cover the entire Klang Valley by 2008. AMAX, if you are reading this, your website is seriously needing a revamp. As a wireless broadband provider, you can’t afford not to have a proper website that keeps your potential customers well informed on your products and services.

For those who are seeking for a true mobile WiMAX connection, AMAX would be just for you with their RM99 USB Modem package. However the weakness is on their coverage areas which isn’t that extensive as P1. At the same time, students can enjoy a cheaper rate of only RM60/month which makes this the most affordable mobile WiMAX package in Malaysia for a 1.0Mbps connection with unlimited usage.

[ Source ]

Related Links:
AMAX Official Website