I can perhaps sum up my P1 WIMAX experience with 3 key words -

*

“Speed”

When it works, WIMAX is a speedy monster for most internet usage. But that’s also partly because we set ourselves very low benchmarks here in Malaysia (Read: Streamyx). It is afterall a wireless technology that was created specifically for Broadband. Some naysayers from the 3G camp expects it to fail, but who the hell cares? This is not VHS vs Betamax. Bring on good speeds in any technology at a reasonable price (not just “competitive”) and Malaysians will PAY, whoever comes first.

That is if you sort out the problems of …

“Stability”

We are guinea pigs. Some will wait. Some are too desperate they will try anything! But we cannot escape the fact that poor old streamyx brings us comfort in knowing we’re connected via a physical line. It is obvious that P1, like any WIMAX provider will need time to sort out the niggles. Some i can control, like placing the modem on the 2nd floor facing my grand window so the light on the modem is always green (short of consulting a feng shui master). But some you can’t, like feeling helpless when the connection is lost, rain or shine.

Downtime is rare for wired connections even if the speed is poor, but with WIMAX you’re truly a goner if it doesn’t hook on, for whatever reason. NO Internet. I can tell you that sucks. Heads will spin, some will fly.

I guess i needed to see this as a paying “experiment” in …

“Wireless”

as It’s inevitable that one day we will all want wireless broadband in our homes. Whether WIMAX is THE solution that pipes you up to the internet remains to be seen. For a start, the sensitivity of the WIMAX modem means that you cannot place it flexibly within the house. Unless you’re inclined to MIMO up everything and live life on the cutting edge, this can be an exercise in frustration for the average joe trying to get on the internet.

Ultimately WIMAX devices needs time to mature. Hopefully Intel can pull their weight and work their Centrino magic all over again, but this time the stakes and competition are much more higher.

I have some suggestions to ISPs (P1, Redtones and others looming) wanting to fulfill their Fixed Wireless Access vision and subscriber targets :

  1. Set up a moderated forum to help users. This is new tech so what about some official answers ?
  2. Empower the Call Center with good cheatsheets to help users troubleshoot modem locale or technical issues.
  3. Certify wireless router/APs to work with your black box, esp. when you lock the device. Everybody shares their internet and would be glad to have some assurance.
  4. You have our phone numbers and location. Send out SMS to inform affected users on service downtime.
I wanted to like WIMAX, I really do. But i still can’t feel that it will be a consistent experience for most. It was not for me so sadly I’m giving back my modem.

I’ve had my 15 days, so good luck with yours. The potential is always there. And try to be grateful you even have a choice !

… Now where the hell did i put my phone cable again?

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