You get to choose from three major internet providers. That is not a lot of options but it’s better than when there was just TM. What home internet plans can and should you get? How do you get home internet in Malaysia? How much does home internet cost in Malaysia?
Your home internet provider choice will be based on several factors:
- Price, of course
- Where you live. Not just the location but the kind of accommodation (landed, as in terrace etc or a condominium)
- What you do with the internet
- If you want TV channels with your internet
While getting an internet connection in your home is the same process as for locals, foreigners in Malaysia do need to pay an rm500 deposit at the start of your contract, which typically runs for at least 24 months.
The amount will be included in your first or second-month bill, but you will be reimbursed if and when you decide to terminate the contract AFTER the 24 months. And IF the free equipment you get at the start of your contract is returned intact.
All the home internet providers in Malaysia over unlimited plans or unlimited usage monthly quotas, so that levels the playing field.
Your options and why those factors we highlighted matter.
unifi
A product of Telecoms Malaysia (TM), the national telecommunications company. Offers between 30Mbps and 300Mbps with prices that go from rm79 for the lowest speed to rm200 for the highest. They also provide you access to TV channels if that is your thing (or don’t have Netflix).
Pros:
- You get TV channels
- Available in most locations, in both landed houses and condominiums
- No relocation fee (if you change your address)
Cons:
- Service levels have not always been remarkable
- Relatively expensive for not-as-fast internet
MaxisONE
For between rm90 and rm300 monthly, you get internet speeds that range from 30Mbps to 800Mbps. We never tried the MaxisOne service before, but general opinion suggests that the network is based on the TM/unifi fiber network and should have similar speeds and qualities.
Pros:
- Offers theoretically higher speeds than unifi
- Also relatively cheaper than unifi
- Available in many locations, in both condominiums and landed properties
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Does not offer TV channel packages (for people who want that)
- rm200 relocation fee
TIME Internet
You can get between 100Mbps and 1Gbps for rm100 to rm200. Yep, you read that right. TIME Internet currently offers the highest theoretical internet speeds in Malaysia but comes with a compromise.
Pros:
- Highest speeds (on paper) in Malaysia
- Great price value (relatively and comparatively cheaper than the competition)
Cons:
- Not available in many locations, and only in more modern condominiums (check availability here)
- rm200+ relocation fee
It’s obvious that the best all-around option on the list is TIME. But if you live in a landed property or condominium that does not have that option then you get two other choices. Choose wisely as you’ll be on the contract for two years.
If you don’t do a lot of online activities that require a high-speed home internet connection, then a 100Mbps broadband package will be cost-effective and sufficient.
To get started, just visit your preferred home internet service provider’s website and sign up for your preferred home internet package.
Additional resources:
- Check your home internet speed on Speedtest by Ookla
- See if your building has TIME internet
