tech

TIME Finally Explains Why Their Broadband Network Does Not Cover Landed Properties

The telco recently introduced a 1Gbps package, hence becoming the first in Malaysia to launch a gigabit package.

Cover image via Carousell / Facebook (Edited)

In a landmark move, four telecommunication companies in Malaysia have reduced prices for entry-level broadband packages by up to 56%

Image via MCMC

Entry-level packages from Telekom Malaysia (TM), TIME dotcom (TIME), Maxis, and Celcom are now priced below RM100 after the implementation of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP). 

The reduction of prices were put in motion after Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo called on telcos to provide more affordable fixed broadband prices for the rakyat in May

Some telcos are also offering higher speeds at lower prices, with TIME leading the way by becoming the first telco in Malaysia to introduce a gigabit (!) level package for RM199

In comparison, TM - inarguably the largest broadband services provider in Malaysia - only offers Turbo Packages up to 800 Mbps from RM129 to RM329.

Image via MCMC

However, TIME's broadband plans have yet to be available to all Malaysians. In fact, potential customers have long complained about TIME's limited scope of coverage, especially when it comes to landed properties.

Image via Facebook
Image via Facebook
Image via Facebook
Image via Facebook

In announcing their new packages, TIME also took the opportunity to finally explain why their Fibre Broadband network does not cover landed properties

"Many of you have asked why is it we don't cover landed properties," the statement reads. 

"Let's be clear: it's not because we don't want to.

Image via Carousell

In the statement, TIME revealed that they "simply cannot get approval to plant new poles or get access to existing poles" that would enable them to serve landed properties

The telco added that they are not keen on reselling "someone else's network either", as their network runs purely on their own infrastructure so that they can control quality and speed of their services. 

"The same goes for our submarine cable network that connects to the global Internet across four continents. That's what we believe sets us apart from the rest," it added. 

You can read TIME's full statement here:

Prior to the official announcement of the new broadband packages, TIME was already upgrading existing customers' broadband speed on the down low:

Read more #Tech stories on SAYS:

You may be interested in: