Ladies and gentlemen, it is CONFIRMED! It started off in Twitter about a private launch supposedly happening in KLCC – March 20 – 22. But my friends on Twitter have helped confirmed this. All it took was this landing page; Maxis iPhone.
All great news and yippy-kai-yay aside, I personally think their Apple iPhone packages could be much better. The Apple iPhone price range is from as low as RM1080 (8GB – RM0 24 per month contract) to as high as RM2960 (16GB – RM2960 6 month contract).
The one thing I truly didn’t like; no unlimited data usage! Maximum is 3GB. And, this term attached to it I don’t understand:
Data included in i-Value Plans applies to GPRS usage only and excludes SMS, mobile content downloads and other subscription based services. Data bundle is for local usage only. While roaming overseas, the prevailing data roaming charges will apply.
Would that mean Maxis is asking Malaysia Apple iPhone users to pay additional RM99 per month for the unlimited data usage?! When we already might need to pay RM1470 for the 16GB and RM375 per month for the 12-month i-Value 4 plan.
In my mind, I’d say this is exploitation and dumb. But for the benefit of Malaysia Apple iPhone users, and myself which I’ve been interested at getting the Maxis 3G plan, it’s plain stupid.
If Maxis reads this, please bundle the unlimited data usage starting from the 12-month i-Value 1 plan.
Or, price the Apple iPhone lower in the Value Plus Plans. I’d recommend RM2000 for 8GB and RM 2500 for the 16GB Apple iPhone. This’ll not only assure Malaysia Apple iPhone market share, but you’ll also be winning over unofficial Apple iPhone reseller customers.
Don’t you Malaysia Apple iPhone users and fans agree?
their price plans are arrogant. i say forget them and continue going for the unofficial resellers.
PS my maxis 3g has been screwed up in cheras for 3 weeks now.
yeah, i was hoping for a unlimited data package as well
absolutely agree,,,anyways, it seems the rateplans page is down. wonder if they’re updating it already?
I guess Unca Ununda wants to topple Unca KUOK on the MY Billionaires list, so this is part of his strategy!
He is also learning fast, from his soulmate Tony F, on the ADVANCE PAYMENT biz model, used widely in the budget airline industry.
Ridicuolous. Before making a SINGLE call, u have to cough out thousand over ringgit, whereas with other makes, u can grab a phone with EZ Payment scheme!
Not smart for CONSUMER cashflow!
This is just IMHO!
Just wait for Garmin-Asus Nuvifone or Palm Pre! NO STRINGS ATTACHED!
I read the FAQs and…yes, if you want unlimited data, that’s an extra RM99. SMS charges are extra.
Here are some other turn-offs:
– if you exceed the calls and data limits for your respective package, normal data charges apply…a 10MB download will cost u RM50
– if you don’t use up the credit on calls and data for say March, you can’t carry forward to April…burn saja
– you can only book online, once confirmed..then only can pick up…even if you walk in to a maxis centre can only book first
– still can’t use itunes. the appstore can only download applications
the only plus point for getting a legit iphone through maxis i can think of is that you’re covered by the warranty…
at least with an unlocked, jailbroken iphone you can use existing sim card and package, plus appstore (with creditcard) and all the free apps from cydia and installer…
@paul: Well, I do hope they look at price revisions.
@juan: Many now can’t live without the Internet. Facebook, in particular.
@leona: No clue there.
@CIT: I think I understood the encrypted message. LOL! :P
@lokmansor: That’s why I was wondering why don’t they price it lower so they’ll even grab the unofficial reseller market share. :|
Maxis outdid themselves this time around. Well done! I wish you all the best in your iPhone sales. :-)
I booked for 16GB iphone black with ivalue500 / 24 months plan impulsively. But after reading your blog, i’ve canceled my order. Not only it is expensive, but it’s stupid plan.
Also i’m going to switch my 012 to celcom after being with maxis for 13 years, due to extremely lousy call quality, data and reliability.
Sorry maxis, i have to agree with my friends. Your rate plans just don’t cut it for iPhones. I wonder how you could have convinced Mr Jobs but you certainly can’t fool us.
No thanks..I’ll stay with my iPod Touch + Nokia for now.
Hmm..it came too late n too soon.
Too bad maxis i just got a new handphone…what took you so long?
For those thinking of getting 1 now, you might want to check this out…
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/02/03/report_hints_at_next_gen_iphone_in_june.html
hehehe… you all got fooled by Apple. Ridiculous phone with even ridiculous price tag.
In japan, iPhone don’t make a hit at all. People won’t buy this phone because its not so high tech compared to Japan made phones. People just don’t like it there.
So, what Apple do in japan to boost sales? They packed with very low price! Only around 300 yen/month for 12 months contract. Do the math. Its almost free compared to maxis plan.
Again, you all got fooled by Apple if you bought one.
@Danny: Well, we shall see.
@alamak: Wah, you really wanted to go ahead with it. :P
@maxi$: As my friend said, existing users or owners have no regrets. Thanks to them.
@iphone101: You just got a new phone? Another iPhone? LOL!
@nia: Indeed, Docomo phones are way popular in Japan. Maybe Apple wanted to see how a digital gadget like theirs could contend against the existing products in Japan. :)
Hello Danny! I have a question, I bought my iPhone through AT&T here in California. Can it be used in Malaysia or do I need to unlock it first? I am still confused after reading several other blogs and receiving inconsistent ideas/comments about using AT&T iPhone particularly in Malaysia.
Last news I’ve read was AT&T is going to provide no-contract iPhones: http://tinyurl.com/djqu2x – in March-April. But the catch is it’ll still be locked to AT&T. This news was published in CNET on March 19, 2009.
If yours is older that that, it could still be country locked. If it is, then you’ll have to unlock it to use in Malaysia.