There are many broadband packages emerging throughout the telecom market in Malaysia.
Each of the telecom companies offer multiple broadband packages. In this series of consumer broadband posts, we try to give you the key takeaways to help you choose the best broadband package for that telecom company.
With so many telecom companies offering different broadband plans for consumers, finding the perfect broadband plan can be a daunting task. Here we take a look at TM UniFi’s broadband packages for consumers.
TM Unifi represents one of the largest broadband service providers in Malaysia. The company offers its triple-play service (IPTV, VoIP and Broadband Internet) through optical fiber networks. In other words, UniFI provides Fibre to the Home Broadband and does not offer Wireless Broadband based packages. With Fibre to the Home you can still have wireless internet by using a wireless router; however, your modem will only work when connected to the special cable in the wall.
Launched in 2010 by the Malaysian telecom company TM (Telekom Malaysia Berhad), the UniFi brand represents the High Speed Broadband (HSBB) wing of the company. UniFi offers broadband plans for consumers and businesses, plans for consumers will be broken down and discussed here. We hope this will help you make informed decisions when choosing a broadband plan.
Also, please share you customer service experiences in the comments below, so we can learn from each other!
SEE ALSO: Which is the Best Broadband Service in Malaysia for You?
UniFi – Fibre To The Home Broadband Options
All three of Unifi’s broadband packages are named with an acronym and a number. The acronym used in the name is VIP, which reflects the plans’ multi-play offering. In other words, each plan comprises Video, Internet and Phone services. The number in the broadband plan’s name indicates the broadband speed. For example, VIP 20 means this plans offers a download speed of up to 20 megabytes per second.
Below are the three broadband plans Unifi offers.
VIP 20
This package offers a maximum upload and download-speed of 20 megabytes per second (mbps). Additionally, subscribers can currently download as much as they want, because Unifi isn’t currently enforcing a download quota. It should be noted that most fibre to the home broadband providers are not currently enforcing their quoto. If Unifi decides to enforce their quota, this package will allow up to 120 GB of download and uploading. Once that data volume has been reached, broadband speeds would reduce significantly.
This package comes with a free modem, free wireless router (so one or more users can access the broadband wirelessly), phone (which lets you call TM fixed lines for free), and set-top-box, which gives you access to 18 free TV channels and the option to purchase more. This package currently costs RM 249 per month.
VIP 10
This package is similar to the VIP 20 package, offering the same free equipment and value added services. However, this package costs RM199/month and the maximum speed is 10 Mbps with a monthly download cap of 90GB after which the speed lowers considerably. Again, this quota of 90 GB is currently not being enforced.
VIP 5
The VIP 5 package offers upload and download speeds of 5Mbps with a monthly download cap of 60GB. However, like the plans above, this quota is currently not being enforced. Malaysians can subscribe to this plan by paying RM149 per month, but by opting for autopay users have to pay only RM147 per month.
Below we’ve outlined some pros and cons about Unifi’s broadband plans.
Strengths of UniFi’s Broadband Packages
- As mentioned, UniFi offers fibre to the home broadband plans, which is the fastest type of broadband offered to homes in Malaysia. Maxis also offers a fibre to the home broadband plans. You can read our article covering their fibre to the home plans here.
- UniFi subscribers’ free equipment includes the modem, wireless router (so multiple computers can access the internet wirelessly), HyppTV set-top box, which includes over 15 free channels, and a cordless phone. Most fiber to the home broadband plans provide these devices; however, the Hypp TV set box is a unique component of Unifi’s plan. If you want some free tv channels and the option to purchase additional premium channels, then UniFi packages could represent good options for you.
- Value added services like Online Guard Plus License, TM WiFi ID, email account with 2GB space, etc. are also offered for free.
- You can use the provided Unifi phone to make free phone calls to fixed TM lines.
- With the autopay option, users don’t have to worry about paying bills within the deadline. Also, the subscription fee is lowered by RM2 if you choose autopay.
Weaknesses of UniFi’s Broadband Package
- One of the strengths of Unifi’s broadband packages is that it offers fibre to the home, which is the fastest broadband type for homes in Malaysia. The flip side is that UniFi doesn’t offer any wireless broadband plans for the homes. When we say wireless broadband, we mean the modem can connect to the internet wirelessly, as it doesn’t need to connect to a special outlet in the wall (note: with fibre to the home plans, you can still have computers in your home access the internet wirelessly by connecting to a wireless router). While wireless broadband plans aren’t as fast, they can be better for people who need internet in more places than just the home and/or a shorter contractual obligations. If you want wireless broadband packages, you can read our articles about Maxis broadband plans and Celcom broadband plans, which both offer wireless broadband packages.
- UniFi plans are still on the expensive side when compared to broadband plans offered by other telecom companies. For example, Maxis fibre to the home broadband plans appear to cost less.
- Users must subscribe for UniFi broadband services for at least 24 months, and this can be an expensive commitment. However, 24 months is a typical contractual obligation for fibre to the home broadband plans. If you want internet access requiring a shorter time obligation, consider wireless broadband plans, as they offer prepaid options and/or 12 month commitment options. Maxis, Yes, and Celcom all offer wireless broadband plans.
Lastly, since a unique componens of UniFi’s broadband package is their Hypp TV service, we listed the channels that come for free as part of their broadband packages. You can get additional channels, but you’ll have to pay extra.
Free FTA & Local Malay Content Channels:
- TV1
- TV2
- TV3
- NTV7
- 8TV
- TV9
- EC Inspirasia
- Hikmah Channel
- TV Al Hijrah
Free News Channels:
- Australia Network
- Euronews
- DW
- Bernama TV
- ChannelNewsAsia
- Bloomberg TV
Free Variety Channels:
- Travel Channel HD
- LUXE.TV HD
Varios Radio Channels
Visit this Unifi web page here for more info about their plans.
If you have used UniFi broadband services, please share your thoughts in the comments below. It will help others make better decisions. Also, stay in touch with us by registering for our free e-newsletter here.
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UniFi was awesome when it first came. I had maxis wireless broaband which was terribly slow and when I got UniFi it was a huge upgrade. However, every a few months there is technical problems and I can’t access the internet, which is extremely frustrating. Also, it seems like these newer broadband services offer faster speed and better prices – it making me think about switching. Has anyone switched from UniFi