iPhone 3GS in Malaysia: Your Options
While Malaysians can rejoice that the iPhone 3GS is now available via official carrier Maxis, many will still scratch their heads over Maxis’ iPhone 3GS plans or want to avoid Maxis completely. This post will attempt to shed some light on Maxis’ plans and have a look at other options for obtaining an iPhone 3GS in Bolehland. Keep in mind these options are for the iPhone 3GS (16GB and 32GB) and the iPhone 3G (8GB).
Maxis
Maxis is the official carrier for the iPhone in Malaysia. They’ve got a 7.2 Mbps HSDPA network which supports tethering and MMS but unfortunately their many iPhone plans can be quite intimidating.
They’ve got 3 ranges of plans–iValue, iData and Hotlink–with multiple plans each. I re-wrote this post 4 times trying to explain these plans in words so instead I’m letting this picture do the talking:
See the full sized flowchart on Flickr
For the plans where you get a free or savings on your iPhone, the cost you have to pay for your iPhone is as follows:
For all the details, please check out Maxis’ website for the rate plans.
Here’s the rub–the iData 3 plan is not really unlimited. It’s stated there that it’s RM99/month for 3GB of data. Maxis Head of Product Development & Infotainment Services, T. Kugan, explained to me that the correct term for these plans are “capped” data plans although they themselves slipped and referred to it as the “unlimited” data plan. For the iData plans, Kugan also said that the limit was a hard limit i.e. you’re cut off immediately when you reach the limit.
Maxis has another RM99 ‘unlimited’ 3G plan but to use that with your iPhone you need to get the phone without a contract and use it with your existing Value Plus plans (I think). See, I told you it was confusing.
Celcom
If you want to use the iPhone 3GS on the Celcom network you will need to get the prepaid (Hotlink) plan or obtain your iPhone from overseas. Celcom 3G is RM99/month for “unlimited” data. I use brackets because Celcom also has a ‘fair usage policy’ where they reserve the right to cut you off if you go over a certain limit.
Update #2: Perry gives more details about the Celcom plan:
With regards to CELCOM’s data plan of RM68, take note that the bandwidth speed is only up to 384K. If you’d like to have 3.6mbps, you have to go for the ‘Advanced’ RM98 plan.
When you’re on the RM98 plan, the fair usage policy kicks in when you’ve exceeded the 5GB download limit, by which they will drop your bandwidth speed down to 384K.
DiGi
Like in the case with Celcom, you need to get the prepaid iPhone 3GS or obtain one from overseas. Unfortunately DiGi doesn’t offer 3G service for mobile yet but you can get an “unlimited” EDGE add-on to your DiGi subscription.
Parting thoughts
Maxis said that 3GB/month should be enough for most people. I half agree with that. 3GB is more than enough if you’re just using the data plan for your iPhone (I usually don’t exceed 100MB/month) but the iPhone 3GS offers tethering. This means that your iPhone 3GS can now replace your Maxis wireless broadband USB dongle and should feature a usage policy similar to their wireless broadband. I don’t see a stated limit on the wireless broadband fair usage policy page.
In any case, I hope this helps clarify your options for the iPhone 3GS. Leave me a comment if you found this post useful.
See also: Google Spreadsheet comparison of iPhone 3GS cost on Maxis vs other networks http://bit.ly/8Hp7a
67 Comments
Just to add a bit, Celcom offers a cheaper unlimited 3G plan at RM68/month. The difference with the RM99/month plan is it is limited to just 3.5Mbps whereas the more expensive plan is HSDPA (which the 3GS supports, but not the iPhone 3G).
Great piece of info! I’ve included your comment in the body of the post above
Actually, the 3G DOES support HSDPA
http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs-3g.html
I’ve been using Celcom Unlimited Advance (the RM98/month option) for the last 6 months and have found that often it’s faster than my Streamyx Broadband connection.
With regards to CELCOM’s data plan of RM68, take note that the bandwidth speed is only up to 384K. If you’d like to have 3.6mbps, you have to go for the ‘Advanced’ RM98 plan.
When you’re on the RM98 plan, the fair usage policy kicks in when you’ve exceeded the 5GB download limit, by which they will drop your bandwidth speed down to 384K.
This is info I’ve obtained from my friend who works for CELCOM.
Cheers.
thanks echo & Perry for more details
also, another secret is that some Apple resellers will also just sell you the phone without the Hotlink plan
yes, please correct your post before it confuse ppl
Celcom Broadband Plan
RM98 = 3.6 Mbps
RM68 = 384 Kbps = 0.3 Mbps
Basically to enjoy Youtube without much hiccup you need the RM98 plan
i think this chart doesn’t help much when i choose any of the Ivalue plan, i think you should write down the monthly fee for the plan as well. Lets say for example. I choose plan Ivalue 1 with 16Gb Iphone 3Gs for 12 months. it will cost me Rm 1,990 for the phone itself then the monthly subscription fee is *RM100(assume gov tax and the sub charge not included). Therefore, RM 1990 + RM 1200++ = RM3190++.
If you’re a port-in customer ie switching from Celcom or Digi, you’re only allowed to sign up for 12 mths not 24 mths.
Great piece of info here! Very helpful and made me clear my mind on whether i should get a new iphone 3GS. Thanks~
Hi Keong, the chart isn’t meant to help you choose a plan. It’s really just to help you choose which direction to go. You’re right, iValue is really complicated.. which is why I didn’t know how to squeeze it into the chart.
@fooman, that’s news to me
Yeah, was surprised to hear about the 12 mth restriction too, but that’s all the Maxis guy would allow for sign up. They also seemed to have beefed up their training for their staff in explaining the plans.
Hi, i’m using iphone 3gs with celcom network. everything work just fine except for tethering and sms to multiple contacts.
tethering: the tether option will go missing when celcom simcard inserted into the 3gs
sms to multiple contacts: sms will be sent as MMS, it happens to my friends also.
*i did not jailbreak my iphone (yet)
regards,
nizam
Nizam, for celcom tethering, you don’t need to jailbreak. I wrote about this on my blog at http://blog.bitfluent.com/post/125749139/tethering-over-celcom-3g-on-the-iphone-3-0
it works ^_^
thanx Kamal
so i can see on the image above, HoLiNK user can buy iphone with FuLL retail price???
but i’ve call 1300-820-120 before after i saw adv. on newspaper about hotlink + iphone
they told me HoTLiNK users only can buy the iphone with signup MaXis postpaid plan, that’s mean need prepaid to postpaid
so who is the correction answer???
sam620 when they launched the Hotlink combination above was correct. my wife got the hotlink plan and new iPhone 3GS.
Lately Maxis has been having supply issues, so maybe that’s why they have now switched their policy.
if i buy the iphone 3GS from US, can it be used in Malaysia?
hi chuhachi, you can use an iPhone 3GS from AT&T in Malaysia, but you need to unlock it first. better to buy a factory-unlocked handset from HK or Maxis.
it is expensive in malaysia. I’m in US rite now and the phone for 32G is USD599. my US fren told me that for 3Gs they didn’t lock the phone. Stand to be corrected!! And if i proceed to buy how much will it for the unlocking?
On top of the monthly fix fees that you pay, do not forget when make a local calls and sms to non maxis users, you have to pay and if you are roaming you have to pay even more.
So in actual fact, how much are we really paying and is it worth getting the unit.
I’m looking to purchase an Iphone 3Gs 16gb tmoro…..have a question before i buy….hope anyone who’s knowledgeable on this can advise.
If I buy a software-unlocked 3Gs and then insert my maxis sim, will i be able to tether via my current Unlimited Maxis data-plan?
Also, if its a software-unlocked set, will i still be able to purchase Apps on the AppStore?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!
Cheers!
JOE
Hi Joe, the answer to both questions is ‘yes’
hi there
i’m planning to get an iphone 3gs but now i already have my digi postpaid plan. can i just buy the phone and start using it with my digi?
How to unlocked the phone then?
Is digi compatible with iphone 3gs?
thx…
hi, my wife is the same situation. her iPhone 3GS works fine with her DiGi postpaid plan.
no need to unlock, but it’s not 100% compatible i.e. no tethering & MMS without some hacks. see this guide one LowYat http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/868281/+10
hello,
I just wondering, how much the price iphone 3gs that your wife just bought from maxis? is it 16gb or 32 gb.
i would like give my girlfriend (in Indonesia) an iphone as a gift, I do not have hotlink, still can i buy the iphone from maxis?
trims
wah donni, your girlfiend is a lucky girl.
my wife bought the 16GB white iPhone 3GS for RM2,499 with the RM30 Hotlink. I think Maxis has been running out of stock so I’m not sure they still sell with the Hotlink just like that.
you can also go to the Apple resellers like Machines or Epicentre. they will usually give you the iPhone without requiring that you buy the Hotlink. Of course, all this depends that the iPhone is still in stock la. good luck!
Out of Stock?
I guess I better get there quick.
thanks blogjunkie
btw, when i buy from epicentre without hotlink package, does it means the iphone is still ‘carrier locked. and as I know malaysian iphone is a factory unlocked, am I correct?
cheers,
the phone will be unlocked. just pop in your DiGi/Celcom SIM and start making calls. see the link above
[...] The iPhone 3GS is the next generation of Apple’s revolutionary device and boasts improved speed and performance, longer battery life, camera with video-capture, Voice Control, a digital compass and the latest OS 3.0. Maxis will also support tethering and MMS at no extra cost, unlike AT&T in the US. More on Maxis’ data plans in iPhone 3GS options in Malaysia. [...]
hi there, i bought my 32gb 2 weeks ago. i think is US handset. im using uder digi network. my big problem is ppl cant call in but i can call out….all the time…all the time…..pls help~~~
Hye..I’m a student studying in Germany..but right now I’m on semester leave in Malaysia..I’m interested in getting an iPhone 3Gs 32Gb here in Malaysia as it is factory unlocked,but i need some info first:
1. Will I be able to use the iPhone later in Germany with the O2 sim card (T-Mobile is the official mobile carrier for the iPhones in Germany)
2. I’ve read that the meaning of factory unlock is that once u put a sim card in it, it will lock itself to it. I would like to use the iPhone with my Celcom sim while I am still in Malaysia. Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks in advance
unlocked means you can use the handset with any GSM carrier. it doesn’t ‘lock itself’ to the first carrier you use
Hi blogjunkie,
I have some doubts regarding the maxis iphone ….
1. My girlfriend is studying in aus , is it possible that i buy the
iphone from maxis with the ivalue plan 4 and send the phone to
my gf (as a gift) while i use the simcard on my sony ericsson phone here in malaysia.
2.”Maxis reserves the right to rescind some of the privileges of the
rate plans should the registered line not be used with the
purchased iPhone.”
what does it mean……
3.Will i be able to use the free data of 2gb by using an 3g adapter connecting it to my computer ?….
sashid: those are questions you need to ask Maxis…
Hey blogjunkie,
I’m currently thinking of getting an iphone3Gs from Maxis with their ivalue 4 plan.
So I just need to pay RM375 monthly for 24months and RM 290 for the phone am I right? No added charges? *fingers crossing*
In addition to that, can i still get to use the phone even though I’m under his main line?
Thank you in advance. =)
opps….
HIS main line is referring to my father’s maxis line.
ches, see my reply to sashid
sorry guys. i don’t work for maxis. and i don’t even have a maxis line. you’ll have to ask maxis-related questions to maxis. thanks
Hi all,
For Maxis-related questions, try asking @maxiscomms on Twitter, the official Maxis Twitter channel or join the Maxis Facebook page
Not too sure they can answer here, as they might need further details.
Blogjunkie, thanks for the notification.
Regards,
@mymaxis
i already purchase iPhone 3gs 32G with maxis plan ivalue1.
So far this phone not let me down. Iphone 3gs is one of most briliant today (some people keeping compare this phone with other smart phone) with most application on store
I’m using Celcom unlimted RM68 on iphone 3g.
I keep getting dropped calls!! Anybody getting the same?
It’s so so difficult to make a call out. Everytime it connects, 5 seconds later it’s disconnected. And people say they cant call in, reaches my mailbox.
Anybody having the same?
So far my iphone is ok. i am maxis plan user and still not jailbreak until now because i decide to see the weakness of iphone at its originality.
already pass one month, 11 month to go on contract. sigh
Hi there, can I buy an iphone in Malaysia without signing a contract? Thanks.
@ghost did you even read the article before asking yourquestion?
I like the iPhone and Apple products, but getting an iPhone in Malaysia, with Maxis is a nightmare to me!
In Aug I finally made up my mind to get a iPhone. But I have to sign up to Maxis for the subsidise, the RP is too expensive for me. I went to Maxis centre thought I can walk away with iphone 3GS, but no stock. The officer encouraged me to book with RM200 but I thought it will arrive soon, so no need to spend the booking $. Only at the 3rd time I inquired iPhone at Maxis centre only I was told walk-in customer will not get iPhone unless pre-booking! Why I wasn’t told at the beginning? I wasted time returning to Maxis.
So no choice, I have to pay booking RM200. Then I have to choose the plan, choose 16GB or 32GB, white or black. I told them I have no preference, I want the set fast, whatever available. But… cannot! You have to decide. See, customer didn’t have a open option, Maxis is not flexible.
I chosen 16GB black. The officer told me to wait for a month, Ishall get it after Raya. After Raya I went back to the centre twice, no news, same thing i was told: We’ll call you.
After est 40 over days, I check at Machines, they are selling 32GB to any walk-ins! So I went back to Maxis again, can I upgrade and get the 32GB? cannot! You’ll have to que to get the set, wait for 30 days!! I got pissed off, wanted to cancel the booking, might as well get the Machines set right!! Can, but my RM200 will not refundable!
You think it’s fair? I pay RM200 waited 40+ days gets nothing. I’m now stuck with my order, unless I let Maxis forfeit my booking$.
Maxis has an ad saying pay only RM80 monthly for iPhone, sounded like a better deal now. I went to Maxis for clarification, the officer told me the deal is nothing better than the iValue plan. I’m confused.
My advise, do not trust Maxis, no need to pay booking. The are playing god because of exclusivity. I hope Apple be fair and open to other carriers for the benefits of consumers.
Angry !!!
kpchia,
I understand why ur so upset with maxis because I felt the same. I already purchase and got before raya. I also pay rm200 for deposit and lucky for me I got my iPhone 3 week later. They promise me 2 week and I accept that reason because I that 3gs new release. Last 2 week my fren order new iPhone (after see how cool iphone is) and his waiting time is 40 day.
I already wrote my problem in blog and u can see how dispointed me with maxis. I’m their loyal costumer for more than 5 years and this iPhone matter really let me down.
::hot news::
maxis will loose their iPhone eclusivity on 2010. Apple seem very upset with maxis service. I heard celcom will be their next carrier.
It is true? Just wait and see.
Of course celcom got my vote!!
P/s: I post this via my iPhone 3gs 32 gb
Thanks Orphea for saying ‘You are not alone’ ~
But your p/s put me in sorrow again
should have ordered 32g right?
Anyone know who can i get back the RM200 booking? any successful attemps?
kpchia,
it seem no way u will get you money back. It already state in agreement if u cancel the order, your money is not refundable.
What you need to do now is wait wait and wait, just like other.
iPhone is great device nowadays. I already ask for other phone user (include Nokia, blackberry) iPhone is one step ahead. Blackberry is great in mail(fast send n deliver).
With thousand of app in store and counting everyday, there will always something new on ur phone
cheers!!
Hello,I’m just wondering.I have friends in US and she wants to buy me Iphone 3GS.But the thing is I’m not sure if I can use it here in Malaysia.I don’t really understand about the factory-unlocked stuff.So,is it okay if she buy it for me and can I use it here?Thanks
i’m using digi postpaid. they have a promo of RM48/mth unlimited internet package for a year. can i surf the internet wirelessly on iphone 3gs using this service? are there any limitations?
hi,
I got the same problem with wong jun jin. I’m using celcom rm68 package and the call will cut off after 2 seconds. Any solution?
Currently i surf with my iphone using Edge only because, when i turn on the 3g, the signal will lost (no network). Do you think it is celcom problem or iphone problem.
this is a great article/blog enlightening people here in malaysia about what to expect of getting one… we just saw maxis promotion in beraya time square and inquire about the iphone 3gs and so far they have no stock.
i was contemplating on “when” to buy. as now people are crazy to get one like me but i decided not to rush as apple will open their hands to other telcos now there will be competition you may just get a good buy or good package.
ally, no you cannot use iPhones from the US or UK here. If you want to, you’ll need to hack (jailbreak and unlock) the phone.
seems blogjunkie is the one who gives more info on this iPhone. Anyway, can anybody help me…
I’ve just got my iPhone somewhere on last week after waiting for 10 days(maxis pre-req for the so-called invited loyal customer), what a relief.. hv many problems at first using the iPhone (until now).
Is it compulsory for the apps to be activated only when I syncing with iTunes. Just afraid to register using my credit card since nowadays there are lots of hackers can simply misused the details inside.
3G call.. thru’ iPhone cant make a video call?
Files/media sharing (mpeg, jpeg, video any format) iPhone cant received/send via bluetooth?
Thanx in adv for the reply
Still lot more in doubt / to ask
how to jailbreak or unlock the phone?do you have a link that explain it please
Joe,
there is no way amatuer like us can the jailbreak. If you ready to experiment your iPhone, just google the thousand of web describe about the method. The best way is go to Loyat and let the settle it. That my opinion
iPhoneBlind,
if u are nokia lover, just forget this device.
1. Bluetooth only for headset, and picture transfer(iPhone to iPhone only)
2. all need to sync, that mean no direct data transfer to your iPhone
3. No video call (almost it said there is illegal software allow that)
4. Only one camera 3.2 mp backside
5. Not support flash app, that mean website with flash app will blank. This one most I hate
but the best side is, there is more than 50,000 application and grow everyday.
Overall, I like this iPhone, it cool!!
And mine is black 3gs with 32g memory
perfect phone, almost
hi guys..am a newbie with the iphone..if i want to surf the net occasionally but check emails daily, how much ‘data’ do i need? Now sure which Idata plan to get under maxis as i’ve already have a voice plan with them..thanks for the inputs
Hi Su,
I think ivalue 1 rm100/month is suitable for everybody. 500mb data transfer is more than enough. My usage is around 100mb. If u live in Klang valley, there is free wifi everywhere.
I don’t think ur iPhone battery can stand it, more u surf, more time u need to charge.
That why iPhone ‘cannot’ support flash, it will it your batt life like monster
and that what I think
dear orpheo
I do live in the Klang Valley..I thought of just getting teh IData plan (not i value) as i am a current maxis user. Oh crap..thats one of the downside i read abt the iphone..am deciding between that or the BB..
thanks heaps for your input
Noted u have the 32Gb model..Apart fr the obvious, more memory, for a basic regular not technosavy downloading gal, wld it be advisable to pay RM 500 more for the 32Gb or shld i wait for a mth and get the 16Gb (32 is available)..
Thanks again for ur input.
Hi Su,
if you read comment before n my blog, u would know that I order 3gs 16g. The lousy maxis give me wrong order or other choice that I need to one more month because of their mistake.
Last two monthmy friend need to wait 45 day for his iPhone.
Today I not sure, maybe 2 month waiting.
sigh..maxis..just cos they monopolize it..sorry orpheo..I’m now a BB convert..*lol*way more straight forward …better not post here abt my views..else i’ll get blacklisted..but thanks for all ur input
No problem. I hope u google before purchase the BB. I don’t think u will banned just because your view. This thread is more to guide people before buy iPhone, especially maxis contract.
I heard that BB is really fast sending email, but iPhone is really slow, especially when u attach big file like picture etc
Orpheo,
Thx for d info.
iPhoneBlind
Orpheo
Heheheh..i got the iphone ..i mean i booked for one 16Gb one..*lol* yeaps..after getting the berry..I love my berry tho but curiousity got the better of me..Wanted to see what s with the hype on the iphone..yes, the apps etc but i’m way too dumb to use all these features..nevertheless, will still give it ago..now is to WAIT..grrrrr
IphoneBlind,
ur welcome, just sharing what I know about iPhone.
Su,
I guess u will have two smart phone nowadays. Even nokia starting to sue iPhone because US market monopolize by this two phone.
Some of my friend prefer BB than iPhone. I admit that BB pakage more cheaper and affortable, and most important thing, no need to waiting like forever.
Hope u can write a review BB compare iPhone after this
Hi, I’m a huge fan of Apple. When Apple arrived M’sia I was so happy but come with Maxis confusing plan. I love Digi, it’s all simple. If I were to have an Iphone 3GS should I get the one locked or unlocked since Digi now has 3G coverage? Let me know k. Thanks.
The iPhones you buy from Maxis are all unlocked. The only problem is the contract. However, if you’re lucky you may be able to buy the iPhone at full price without the contract depending on availability. All unlocked iPhones (from Maxis, or even SG and HK) can be used with DiGi
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