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I love DiGi! I know they can, I know they will! I have insisted all my staffs switched to DiGi last year, even though our signal quality in office was low. Now it is installed and beautiful.

Go DiGi!

AWESOME! Now this is what GLOBALIZATION is. In the previous thread, we see lots of people arguing for Digi when Digi has been short changing and overcharging you guys for years and you still don't realize it and still support it. The only unfortunate thing is that Digi should have given these low rates BEFORE the 3G license award.

way to go!

another price slash war is coming, i can smell that.

Kudos to Digi again!

A classic strategic move especially when Digi were denied the 3G license with crap reasons.

Its time to show what Digi have and the other telcos will feel the pinch, thanks to LKY.

It shows Digi do not really need 3G to survive.

But becareful, the govt might not like it and may force Digi to dilute foreign shareholdings.

Digi, delighting you always...

i don't agree with mahathir_fan's view.

i switched to digi (from maxis, which is the first provider i used and stayed loyal for 7 years) even before the 3G license was awarded and guess what, i slashed a whopping 30-40% off my monthly phone bills. 3G or not doesn't make a difference for me though, as i only use my phone for calls (and mainly calls only). anyway, i remember seeing the 3G performance on 8TV's Quickie when Maxis or Celcom launched their 3G in Penang and based on what i see, i don't think that service is necessary. Overcharging? maybe yes, during V. Tan's time.

and btw, just to share the reason why i switched. maxis terminated by service after i exceeded my credit limit rm1 (not even billed), expecting me to pay rm10/line to reconnect. i asked for an increase in credit limit but the next month, it reverted back to the old one. and when i called their 121 customer service line, i was asked to called their collection line, which works only during office hours. imagine me having to run around in an unfamiliar town looking for maxis collection centre like a chicken without a head (i was outstation then). so, i would definitely support digi for now and no more maxis for me. give them a chance to prove themselves.

digi is good if not because the overall coverage is poor, i have move to digi for a long time.

ya, maxis is very systematic and too systematic. till like i force to let them to hold the ball for me.

I've had my fair share of over credit limit issues with DiGi - that's because I was still a student then (but on their MobileOne postpaid plan) - so my limit was a measly RM 150.

So sometimes just a couple of days shy of the new billing cycle, I hit the limit, and as usual, the system will automatically bar my outgoing calls.

Typically, even once past midnight, I call up to the customer service and they will understandably reconnect my full service with my verbal confirmation that I will make payment the next day, or the next working weekday (once it was on a Saturday).

There you go, they actually understand, and would help out the customers who get stuck in such situation.

The same can't be said of my then housemate, who got on to Maxis' somewhat postpaid hybrid account - the 1 month flat rate account thingy. He went thru similar headless chicken hell like terence experienced.

Digi sure makes Malaysia one of the cheapest place to own a mobile phone. Without their inovative plans, we would have been screwed by the other 2 with no choices. I am calling overseas at local rates nowaday without having to subscribe to some IDD phones. See how much convenient life is when you have competition. Hope DIGI get into the car business(haha)

I am seriously jumping ship...

can I subscribe to digi and keep my old number..? Please

"It shows Digi do not really need 3G to survive."

Well, actually no. 3G enables more capacity that means companies with 3G licenses will be able to slash prices even further than Digi when 3g system is used for voice only application. Theoretically.

Terrence,
While you may have slash your bill by 40%, yet when compared to Singapore or US, the price that you were paying was still high. So while you may have benefited from competition, the benefit is so small while a quiet price collusion to maintain high profit margin was still being practiced by the 3 telcos. We were not really experiencing the bulk of benefits of globalization and competition as some people have led us to believe. We were only experiencing a little.

It is too bad that this came only now. Had this came before the 3G license award, I would have supported Digi on the grounds of competition breeding better, globalization etc. etc.. Is it too late now?

Can someone please enlighten me if it is true? I believe this is for business corporation only and is not applicable for the individual man-on-the-street? Would be great if it is and I will be one of the first to switch :-)

You are right. Digi don't need 3G. 3G is just part of telco con job. I was using Maxis 3G for 5 month and my understanding from them is we are getting about 2 - 2.5G ( 3G speed 384 kps ). That mean we are paying RM 120.00 3G but actually only enjoy 2G ( 128kps ). This is cheating . Thinking to switch to DIGI. Keep up the good work DIGI

This is the exact kind of thing we need in our Telco market as well. I hope the ministers are watching and learning how competition can be healthy (to consumers...not themselves for a change). We need to break the monopoly enjoyed by TM as well..I saw a newspaper article today saying ministry for telecommunications wants broadband penetration to increase to 25% by 2008...fat chance of thta happening with the status quo...

By actual , not way they going to achieved 25% bandwith penetration rate, but over goverment's reports, not problem, DR.Lim will just fill up what ever figure he want, 30% or 50% ?? Do you know that pass few year, our gorvement reports is always positive. Econimic growth increase,interest rate laso increase, petrol increase, UPSR, SPM STPM, exam every year increase, student getting more A increase +++++ but we all don't feel it at all. Malaysia like to see report, not problem, all minister is good in filling up the reports. Mark my words - IT SURE increase lah. BOLEHLAND

Mahathir_fan,

You continue where you have left over the topic of "3G, Telenor reacts".
Still repeatedly regurgitating yourself on a biased position against DiGi.

First, 3G meant that you have higher bandwidth for Data compared to 2G or 2.5G. For voice, the bandwidth used whether on 2G or 3G is about the same and is allocated on different channels as compare to Data. Therefore, capacity will not increase for voice even for 3G network. If you only use voice in 3G network, then you will under-utilize the capability of the network ie. pay billions of RM to upgrade network and license but use voice only.

What!? Savings of 40% is a small benefit? Without DG, we would not even be close to that.
Benefits of globalisation takes time and importantly, we are moving forward than remain stagnant.
With latest DG moves, it shows that we are on the right track!! So why the negative reaction if it is too late now?

Lee2005my, you seem a bit misinformed. the generally accepted definition of 3G is multimedia capable data services on wireless network, 2G refers to voice services only.

it is not a reflection of what actual data rates you get. i worked on the 3G cdma2000 1x network in new zealand 5 years ago, the speed of that network at launch in 2002 was 153kbps (which is slower than 384kbps offered here today), but still it was defined and marketed as 3G.

to add to that, the reason why you are not getting 384 kbps as advertised is because that figure is the theoretical data rate in a perfect network. but in reality, your data rate will be lower depending on number of users served in an area, and coverage limitations. there is no 3G network that can guarantee the theoretical data rate.

I cannot understand why we need a government which doesn't want to benefit consumers because they prefer to protect wastes.

Last month I have already made my move to support DIGI by subscribed its line and discarded that shit maxis.

3G joke

Jaya: What happened? DiGi failed to get 3G.

Ah Kaw: Don’t know. But I know my colleagues worked very hard. The Minister said DiGi met all requirements. But got one tiny problem; DiGi is owned by foreigners.

Jaya: Maybe DiGi doesn’t have the Pan Asian look. This is beauty contest.

Ah Kaw: If Miss Malaysia contest, how can Miss Norway join? Sure cannot unless it is Miss Universe. But someone forgot to say it was Miss Malaysia contest.

Jaya: No 3G. Better you look for new job.

Ah Kaw: No 3G. No problem. DiGi is a strong company and very well managed. We always find new ways to keep the customer happy and attract new customers.

Jaya: So, no 3G, no problem.

Ah Kaw: Surely no problem if we think and act positively. So, my bosses said we are going forward in a meaningful and productive way. I am so excited that my company is determined to find options. My colleagues are working very hard on this.

Jaya: No 3G, can DiGi continue to be aggressive?

Ah Kaw: Don’t be silly. 3G is not the only thing. We will always be aggressive. Our people are unstoppable like a charging bull, always full of energy. They are creative and talented. Just like DiGi, always the challenger. So, you can expect many more exciting innovations to come.

Jaya: Don’t talk big. Expect like what?

Ah Kaw: Like today (27 March), we introduced a new and radically improved DiGi Business plan for corporate customers.

Like the world’s first Mobile Massively Multiplayer Online Game (3MOG) we launched on 17 March

Like, last Monday (20 March) we adjusted our logo. We took away the "sail" in the spirit of simplicity and lifted the upper right corner as a statement of aspiration.

Jaya: So terror. You got anything on mobile broadband?

Ah Kaw: You sure you are not a spy? Everything also you want to know.

Jaya: Don’t worry. I am no spy. You know me, lah. I am the busybody type.

Ah Kaw: Just make sure you don’t say I say. My bosses say we are going to accelerate our plans to strengthen and enhance our Widest HighSpeed Mobile Coverage.

You know why or not? Because many people will continue to use 2G. In the next two years, 98% or so of Malaysians will be 2G users and they will use EDGE to stay connected and access data and Internet.

Jaya: How come EDGE so special?

Ah Kaw: Why you are so blur? Everyone knows EDGE has some advantages over 3G. Speed almost the same but service is available through many more and cheaper handsets. And you get much more coverage, plus at lower price. So if you really want good mobile data solutions, EDGE is actually more relevant to most Malaysians.

Jaya: No 3G, bonus sure smaller now. Still can buy new car?

Ah Kaw: Listen carefully, friend. My company is a good company, prudent and wise.

First, we do not put all the eggs in one basket.

Secondly, our people know where the other good baskets are.

Thirdly, of course we know how to produce good eggs. And, we have the added advantage. We can always tap the global expertise and resources of our sister companies in Telenor.

Jaya: Is your Telenor going to pull out of Malaysia?

Ah Kaw: You never read newspapers? They reported that Telenor is committed to Malaysia. That means no pulling out because Malaysia has strong potential.

Jaya: How come you know everything? Your company told you what to say?

Ah Kaw: Do I look stupid to you? DiGi employs smart people like me. That’s why DiGi is Always the smarter choice.

It has been in the practice that all International calls from the cellular are diverted to VoIP via their cellular to VoIP exchanged center.

It has been long ago when you make your international call via your mobile unit and your phone number is not being displayed on your receipant handset.

Is has been very long ago, the telco has makes a lot of profit on your international calls with their cellular over VoIP switches.

And Thank You Digi for realizing this overcharges finally. Now we can enjoy this Local-international calls.

Is the truth of Glocalization to be more exact, the famous word from DPM Najib. Call global @ Charged Local.

SKYPE-Out customers will soon to call from their DiGi handset instead of their Computer on overseas call, be excels & Thanks DiGi...

"Therefore, capacity will not increase for voice even for 3G network."

Viking,

3G does give more voice capacity to service providers. 2G systems are based on GSM which uses time division multiplexing. When a caller does not speak on the phone, the time slot is wasted.

3G uses WCDMA frequency division duplexing. Multiple callers share the same channel with different codes, thus the higher voice capacity.

If you argue that the voice capacity are the same for 2G and 3G, then you are essentially claiming that GSM and WCDMA has the same voice capacity. There are lots of literature to prove you wrong on this.

Just ignore this guy so he won’t comment too much. Feel annoying when he start to debate. Korek your own hole & Tanam yourself.

"Therefore, capacity will not increase for voice even for 3G network."

OK it's my mistake, yes there is definitely an increase in the voice capacity. You don’t have to go into literatures because I'm coming from Network Provider.

I am not arguing that the voice capacity is the same for 2G and 3G. What I'm pointing out that your earlier statement "3G enables more capacity that means companies with 3G licenses will be able to slash prices even further than Digi when 3g system is used for voice only application." is misleading.

The increase in the voice capacity on WCDMA would be ranging between 20-50% (depending how the telco wanted to configure it) but provided that you spend billions of RM for network and license. Instead of slashing price, telco would need to increase price to justify the billions of RM pumped in. On top of that consumer need to purchase WCDMA phones which is a lot more expensive and use for voice only!? Not to mention 3G is meant for application with hi-bandwidth ie. video-conferencing, data streaming etc.. which generates much higher revenue for telcos compare to voice.

It's a lot a lot cheaper, easier and faster to increase the number of base stations and MSC in 2G for much higher voice capacity then to go into 3G. A right-minded telco wouldn't want to venture into 3G for voice only.

mahathir_fan,
No where we can match Singapore or US here because Telcos here need to pay interconnect charges.

Interconnect charges are created to protect the incumbent. As proven recently, MCMC has revised up the interconnect charges which solely benefiting the incumbent.

Nothing new in Malaysia, if you can't win, change the rules of the game.

DiGi is doing the right thing.

With all these aggressive pricing, I can't see how the 3G players can take off.

Public, pls be careful. One of the 3G player is planning to take his coy to capital market via a backdoor listing. Hope to get fast and easy money from the public again. :-)

Again, nothing new - malaysian corporates only interested to make fast money. Keep it up and destroy the country.

Digi still has a chance for 3G.

Our country should not imitate exactly the Europeans by adopting the so-called 3G WCDMA-FDD standard.

Instead, it should also auction 3G licenses for the 3G WCDMA-TDD(TD-SCDMA) spectrum. This is where I think Digi can come in.

JEFF OOI says: Malaysia has a legal framework for technology adoption. While MCMC is technology neutral, the key imperative is to seamlessly integrate GSM infrastucture cumulatively invested in last 10 years with w-CDMA. In 2000, a technical forum was initiated by MCMC to assess the 3G platform, where Qualcomm came in with CDMA2000. A final word has since been made on the 3G platform, i.e. w-CDMA, and we are not looking back. Hence, whether NTT-DoCoMo and China adopt rival, imcompatible 3G platform and flourish, is NOT a consequence to Malaysia's 3G landscape. Hope this settle any second guessing.

The reason I say so is that WCDMA-TDD(TD-SCDMA) is by far the only 3G standard that makes the most sense.

In European 3G, a lot of RF bandwidth spectrum is wasted because WCDMA-FDD requires paired spectrum, 1 RF channel for receive and 1 for transmit. On top of that, there is a demilitarized zone between the transmit and receive bands that cannot be used. In typical application, the RF spectrum not used in order to create this isolation is close to 30% of the available bandwidth. In other words, 30% of the 3G spectrum cannot be used for anything because of the isolation requirement between transmit and receive bands.

Another disadvantage of European 3G (WCDMA-FDD) is that in a 3G application where the user may be downloading data most of the time, one cannot shift the unused capacity in the uplink(transmit bands) to the downlink (receive bands).

China's home grown 3G standard - WCDMA-TDD, better known as TD-SCDMA does not have this limitation. There is no requirement for DMZ zone in the RF spectrum. The RF spectrum can be utilized 100%. Isolation between uplink and downlink is achieved through time-division. Also the amount of time for uplink and downlink can be adjusted to accomodate for applications that may require more downlink time.

We should keep an eye out for TD-SCDMA developments in China. If it is commercialized successfully in China, our government should auction WCDMA-TDD(TD-SCDMA) 3G spectrum to our telcos. So if Digi gets a TD-SCDMA license then it can definitely defeat the European 3G telcos.

"JEFF OOI says:
.....A final word has since been made on the 3G platform, i.e. w-CDMA, and we are not looking back. Hence, whether NTT-DoCoMo and China adopt rival, imcompatible 3G platform and flourish, is NOT a consequence to Malaysia's 3G landscape. Hope this settle any second guessing."

Jeff,

If I understand you correctly, you are implying that China's TD-SCDMA is a 3rd 3G standard (after European WCDMA(FDD) and CDMA2000).

Here is where you and a lot of people misunderstood the technology. China's TD-SCDMA is NOT a 3rd standard(rival) and is NOT incompatible with GSM.

China's TD-SCDMA IS part of WCDMA. The confusion often arises because TD-SCDMA did in fact started off as a 3rd standard but has since been absorbed as another flavor of W-CDMA. Major software protocols are exactly the same between European 3G and China's TD-SCDMA whenever possible. Services such as HSDPA are offered in both TD-SCDMA and European WCDMA.

TD-SCDMA is NOT incompatible with GSM and has been designed from the ground up to be a natural upgrade path for GSM networks towards 3G. In fact, a close study will reveal that "TD-SCDMA aka WCDMA-TDD option" has more similarities with GSM than European WCDMA. I would argue that "TD-SCDMA aka WCDMA-TDD option" is more seamless to integrate with GSM because it requires no paired spectrum.

In the official language, TD-SCDMA is known as "WCDMA-TDD option" while European WCDMA is known as "WCDMA-FDD option". Both TD-SCDMA and European WCDMA are standardized by the same body - 3GPP. But when you get to 3GPP website, you will not find any mention of TD-SCDMA. In there, TD-SCDMA is referred to by its official name - "WCDMA-TDD option".

In summary, a GSM network operator that wishes to migrate to 3G can choose either WCDMA-FDD(European 3G) or WCDMA-TDD(China's standard) and both standards offers seamless integration into GSM infrastucture.

In short, WCDMA comes in 2 flavors, European and Chinese.

JEFF OOI says: It just flew over your head, again. Get the facts right about Malaysia, NOT China. There are three industry and public consultation papers issued by the industry regulator, MCMC, in 2000 and 2002 -- here, here and here, respectively. These are the due diligence processes Malaysia have gone through in terms of legal and regulatory framework in determining the 3G platform ultimately adopted vis-a-vis spectrum allocation, and that's why I said there's no turning back. What technology platform adopted in China is NOT a consequence of 3G landscape in Malaysia. What is adopted in China is NOT relevant in Malaysia. In Malaysia, we have been there done that in 2002. There's no turning back and we move along with on-going technology evolution built on the 3G platform we have adopted. Again, I hope this helps settle any unnecessary second guessing. Please don't let the ill-informed fellas mislead and misconstrue in this blog space.

Jeff,

PLEASE read the link that you sent me. Malaysia is not turning back when I say to look at China's success in rolling out WCDMA-TDD/TD-SCDMA but just making sure that it actually works. Please read the 2nd link that you posted and I quote:

"21. Both CDMA Direct Spread and CDMA TDD are identified as Wideband CDMA or WCDMA, and these two standards are developed by 3GPP, a consortium consisting of organizations developing standards. Member countries that play active role in 3GPP among others are European countries, Japan and China.

27.1 CDMA Direct Spread and CDMA TDD standard are chosen due to its compatibility
to the GSM system widely used in Malaysia"

China's TD-SCDMA is the low chip rate version of CDMA TDD which Malaysia has already adopted!

JEFF OOI says: Precisely what I have been saying and it flew over your head again. Malaysia have settled the issue of 3G platform by 2002, subsequently the first round of 3G spectrum allocation ala beauty parade was called after the 3G platform has been determined. All these were documented in the three public consultation papers. That's why we have BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. What you have been harping at is NOTHING that we don;t already know. And rest assured, Malaysia is no dinasaurs as we have been keeping pace with 3G technology evolution that took place after the 3G platform has been determined in 2002. Next please.

For your information DiGi will only roll out 3G services end of 2007.

It's time for Digi to strike again. Anxious to see what Maxis and Celcom will do in return. Hee hee.

By the way, are we on the 3G topic ? Seems like the team is out to make a fuss again.

"JEFF OOI says: Precisely what I have been saying"

Not what you said. Go read what you first wrote again. If that is what you have been saying you should be clearer by saying "Yes, TD-SCDMA being a WCDMA standard has been adopted by Malaysia as one of the platform since 2002." Instead, you went along the lines "We already decided to go with WCDMA in 2002, and there is no turning back". Such comments can only be provoked if you had thought that I was suggesting a new 3G standard, which would require decisions in 2002 to be undone.

JEFF OOI says: This industry is so full of psuedo experts like you. Big pity, big pity. You have wasted too much of our bandwidth with your diatribe and regurgitated misinformation. Time to move on, man! And good luck to you and China..

Hi,

We are just here to express our viewpoint on some current issue and of course to learn and listen to other viewpoints. There bounds to be differences. Must understand from which angle they come from.

But I don't think emotional attachment will help people understand the issue more.

haha, hopefully I am not the guilty.