One of The Perks of Being a Blogger

One of the perks I love about being a blogger; special invites. Recently was invited to the P1 Malaysia Wimax official launch held in the Grand Ballroom at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur. One word to describe its presentation; spectacular.

But before I go into details (and photos) about the launch, I’d like to make a quick shoutout; Wimax is now commercially available in Malaysia. Following behind P1, YTL e-solutions should be launching in West Malaysia today followed closely by Redtone (also in West Malaysia) and Asiaspace. So let’s talk monsters, Hannah Tan, Michael Lai and Datuk Shahziman Abu Mansor.

Upon arrival outside the grand ballroom the crowd was made from P1 employees, invited guests from various companies, media writers and even promoters. P1 had booths accompanied by colorful promoters setup outside the ballroom for guests to try out the Wimax service if they haven’t yet. There was also a mini stage for guests to pose with 2 ladies dressed in what looked like sci-fi costumes covering their faces. And all thumbnails are clickable for a larger version.

Inside the ballroom, it’s size was grand with 3 large widescreen displays mounted so all guests could view what’s happening on stage. The event started upon the arrival of the Minister of Energy, Water and Communications; Datuk Shahziman Abu Mansor. Once seated, Hannah Tan started the event without self-introduction leaving some of us (my table) guessing who she was. Finally, we made it out after noticing the large ‘H’ bling-ing around her neck.

When P1′s CEO Michael Lai took the stage, I’m now still in awe and have the greatest respect for the man because boy, can he speak publicly. He delivered a speech with pure enthusiasm, energy and leadership as though we weren’t all guests but users who know the frustration of the current broadband situation.

The honorable guest (Datuk Shahziman) was next to speak and he shared with us how the ministry is seeking to fine providers who are hindering the performance of service they are suppose to be delivering. In my mind, I was thinking how we could fine ‘that’ company 3 times and they’ll still have enough money.

After the speeches, it was a presentation of an abstract dance, video presentation, fireworks launch, live video conferencing and presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records certificates to P1 and the first 10 official Wimax subscribers in Malaysia.

The official Wimax package prices for P1 have been published on their website. I don’t know about you but if it were supported in my area, I’d think about subscribing before 30 September. Now they’re having a promotion of giving the modem (worth RM999) free with your new Wimax subscription. Once the promotion ends, expect to pay:

• Modem = RM999
• Registration fee = RM100
• Activation fee = RM50 (1st bill)
• Stamp duty = RM10 (1st bill)

The total would then be RM1159. *ouch* But I’ve seen some comments, the price is actually competitive compared to other wireless broadband providers like Izzi, Jaring, Time and etc. I’m still on ‘that’ wired broadband so I can’t really do a fair comparison between this and wireless. Or, can I?

Nonetheless, I’ve seriously considered subscribing to P1′s 1.2Mbps 12-month contract (either personal or business) because I want my own personal broadband. Then, I don’t have to share the wired broadband with my whole house.

But do you think this Wimax wireless service prices are competitive compared to other wireless providers?

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