Waiting for cheaper, faster broadband

PETALING JAYA: Seven months after the implementation of the Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP), Internet users are still waiting for higher broadband speeds at good prices.

Many have complained to their service providers about dismal connectivity despite being promised improved service.

Bangi resident Jean Goo said she was upgraded to an Internet package that offered speeds up to 300Mbps but had not noticed any difference in daily browsing.

“One weekend, it was faster using my mobile data to watch a YouTube video than using my home Internet.

“The loading of websites and YouTube videos is still the same as before,” the 30-year-old said.

Goo, a baker, said she thought about downgrading to a cheaper package since current speeds were not up to her expectations.

Firdaus Abdul Rahim said he was still waiting to be upgraded to the higher and cheaper speeds by his service provider.

“They called me about the upgrade but told me that I would be tied down for two years if I wanted to enjoy the new speed. That’s ridiculous because I am already an existing customer,” the public relations executive said.

Firdaus, 25, is also unhappy about paying the same amount for slower speeds when he believes he deserves a better package.

“Now, I am paying RM129 and getting less than 1Mbps speed. But someone else is paying the same amount and getting 100Mbps. How is that fair?” said Firdaus who claimed to be in the B40 category.

However, there are luckier subscribers who are enjoying decent Internet connectivity at good prices.

M. Tavinthan said it was a bargain for his family when they got to enjoy significantly improved speeds at the same price.

“After the new policy passed, my Internet speed increased tremendously from 30Mbps to 100Mbps at the same price when we first subscribed. I’ve also seen how fast I can now download software from the Internet,” the 18-year-old student said.

His fellow student Yap Kai Leong, 18, hopes Internet service can be further improved.

“My Internet speed has tripled compared to its speed since I first subscribed four years ago.

“However, the signal is not stable, and I face a small problem when using Internet at night as it always results in slower loading and higher latency,” he said.

MSAP was implemented in June last year, and is aimed at offering better speeds at reduced prices to consumers.

Source: TheStar