DiGi vs Celcom Prepaid Internet Broadband

After doing some intensive research, I finally decided to get the DiGi Prepaid Broadband. I have Streamyx at home, but when I am on the go… I need internet :P So, decided to go for the cheapest mobile broadband available, which is none other than DiGi Prepaid Internet Package.
Why is it the cheapest? Well, at 384kps, it’s a flat rate of RM2/- per day, which is way cheaper than Celcom’s RM6/- per 24 hours. Maxis doesn’t have Prepaid Broadband, so lets just screw them for now.

Well, the similarities of both prepaid broadband are in terms of speed (384 kbps), and also the fact that they both do not provide the wireless modem device/dongle. This isn’t a big issue because you could just make a trip to your nearest PC shop and purchase the modem around RM169 or less. I got my Hutchison 3G modem for RM169, with a 2 year warranty. Both starter sim packs start at RM25, with RM20 pre-loaded inside.

THE DIFFERENCE?

For starters, DiGi Internet Broadband is cheaper priced, running at RM2 /day while Celcom offers 3x the price at RM6/24-hours. Connectivity is also a difference since Celcom does boast the widest 3G network, which basically means you can enjoy the maximum of 384kbps in most areas, as compared to DiGi’s limited 3G network. DiGi’s limited 3G network means that you will be running on EDGE most of the time, and that’s about 128kbps if you are lucky. Another difference comes in the cap of data usage. Data Cap means the maximum data you can download, and DiGi is putting a 1GB data cap for their prepaid broadband, while Celcom has yet to come with any cap so that means u can download as you want.

Duration of use also is a major difference with DiGi offering a simple RM2 per day activation, which basically means RM5o will last you 25 days, and RM10 will last you 5 days. The concept is sort of like your prepaid mobile account which will be calculated based on days regardless of whether you use it or not. Celcom on the other hand divides their prepaid data activation period into two with hourly use as RM6 is for 24 hours, and RM20 is for a weeks usage. This basically means that if you decide to get the hourly usage package, you’d be charged RM6 for 24 hour usage (which you can on and off because your usage is calculated based on hours and not a day), while the RM20 per 7 days is calculated based on days, regardless of whether you use it or not. Validity of your reload is similar to Xpax reloads, with RM10 lasting for 7 days, and RM100 lasting 100 days.

THE VERDICT?

Although I am a great fan of DiGi promotions and products due to their cheaper rate and fantastic rewards, I have to admit they have a far way to go to compete with the front runners in broadband services. They may be offering a hell lot more for a lower price, but being the new kid on the block, they hugely lack proper broadband coverage. While using the DiGi prepaid broadband is cheap, running at RM2 per day, you’d tend to loose your data usage cap due to the long wait for sites to load. I know so because I tried my using my DiGi Prepaid Broadband in an EDGE area, and I used up about 1MB for 5 minutes worth of surfing time with speeds running way below 200kbps, and some sites loading ultimately slow. Apart from that, RM6 per 24 hours by Celcom Prepaid Broadband isn’t bad considering it is unlimited, has wider coverage, and is calculated based on your hourly use. This means that you’d be spending RM0.25 per hour, which is actually very cheap.