Blackberry Plans from Celcom, Digi & Maxis

19Nov/0957

Blackberry Plans from Celcom, Digi & Maxis

Been eyeing on the Blackberry 8520 since its launching a few months ago by Celcom and Maxis, but I've yet to get myself one since my current phone is doing just well. Just recently DiGi launched its Blackberry package for its customers.

If you are still asking why get a Blackberry? Blackberry smartphone simply attends to the needs for unlimited email, IM, social networking and web browsing.

For sharing is knowledge and caring as well, I've squeezed everything into a table to compare the packages offered by the three main telcos in Malaysia. Let us see which what each telco has to offer.

Blackberry Plans from Celcom, Digi & Maxis

Blackberry Plans comparison chart as of 18 Nov 2009. (Click to enlarge)

Many special offers come with strings attached, if you do not want to sign your life away to any telcos or contracts I believe Celcom has a better offer. The Blackberry 8520 is priced at RM1188 which is slightly cheaper than the other two.

It will be quite unintelligent to get a Blackberry smartphone without make use of its functions - social networking, instant messaging as well as video and photo sharing, and most of all push mail. Comparing the standalone Blackberry Internet Services (BIS) pricing, DiGi stood out from the rest at RM58. Maxis has the most expensive unlimited BIS package at RM120.

As we know, not everyone wants to pay a hefty sum for BIS. DiGi seems to place itself well in catering for the needs of those lower/middle income groups and youths with double the usage limit offered by the other two. The price breakdown is RM38 (5MB) from Celcom, RM38 (10MB) from DiGi orRM 40 (5MB) from Maxis.

Let's talk about contract. Some people just like contracts, either because they found it reliable or just their personal preference to be attached. I hope the clarity of the table does the explanation. For young adults, I believe a monthly RM50 commitment fee for voice call will suffice. With that in mind, let us just look at what is close at our hearts - the CE50, DG50 and VP80. Celcom prices its monthly subscription fee at RM118, DiGi at RM108 (RM50+RM58) and Maxis at RM200 (RM80+RM120). Looks like DiGi is still doing well here.

You be the judge!

Bearing in mind that the Blackberry 8520 is an EDGE phone, meaning not supporting 3G, a basic data plan will be serve the purpose. You don't have to go for 3G data plan. As for me, I look at the wider picture - coverage and stability of the network.

Referring to the above table;
⁽¹⁾ Monthly subscription includes voice plan and unlimited BIS packages offered by the telcos respectively.
⁽²⁾ This is a Blackberry Unlimited plan by DiGi. If your monthly total usage exceeds RM100, you will be given 25% discount off your monthly RM58. If your monthly total usage exceeds RM200, it’s waived.
⁽³⁾ Valid for Maxis customers only for the big year end offer by Maxis.
⁽⁴⁾ VP80 + BIS120 on a 12 months contract.
⁽⁵⁾ VP120 + BIS120 on a 24 months contract.

Click to enlarge

Even as I am writing this, I believe the telcos might be adjusting their pricing to better market their products. With Christmas and year end around the corner, feel free to check out some of the offers at Celcom, Maxis and DiGi.

No I am getting a new phone this year. Anyone interested to get one or is this Blackberry hype just a big yawn for you?

True enough, as I was just about to finish this post, Celcom has just rolled out a promotion. RM130 per month for the Blackberry 8520.

Please be patient while I update the table from to time!

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Filed under: Gadgets, Tech Stuffs Leave a comment

Comments (57) Trackbacks (1) ( subscribe to comments on this post )

cibol
November 19th, 2009 - 07:40

I’ll be looking into this comes new year – after debpts are settled la. ha ha ha
cibol’s last blog ..Now & Then

( REPLY )
- daniel
  November 19th, 2009 - 14:22
  
  I’ll be waiting for your review on BB next year, make sure you don’t disappoint us. For me, it’s a cool phone but then again my phone still doesn’t need a change, not even a facelift.
  
  ( REPLY )
Ian
November 19th, 2009 - 08:11

might as well get an E71 black (nokia smartphone) with an unlimited data plan from Digi Internet.
Ian’s last blog ..mail in credit card forms = JUNK

( REPLY )
- daniel
  November 19th, 2009 - 14:36
  
  A Nokia fanboy spotted here. Wait till I get my hands on both BB8520 and E71 before making any comments.
  
  ( REPLY )
  - Ian
    November 19th, 2009 - 16:44
    
    so wrong, i’m switching to winmo soon. nokia is so boring, but at least e71 is better specd than the bb8520. e72 is even better, coming out soon.
    Ian’s last blog ..mail in credit card forms = JUNK
    
    ( REPLY )
Marvin
November 19th, 2009 - 08:13

Nice and comprehensive comparison table.
I saw Maxis’s prepaid package, RM 488 and RM 98 for six months BIS (for all BB services and 1.5GB data), is quite a good one.
Marvin’s last blog ..Make a mobile version of your wordpress blog with WPtouch

( REPLY )
- daniel
  November 19th, 2009 - 14:40
  
  Marvin, I think that’s the Year End Offer package from Maxis. I’m going to do a comparison on prepaid package later. Will keep you guys informed.
  
  ( REPLY )
melbie
November 19th, 2009 - 08:42

Followed this link from your tweet! Always been interested with BB plan, and you don’t know how disappointed I am at the moment! LOL!

I sent an inquiry to Digi Customers Service about 3 weeks ago in regards of their BB plan for personal use since they used to offer BB plan for Biz Customers only, and they confirmed that there were not offering such BB plan anytime soon!

I didn’t want to subscribe to the other two telcos just so I can get my hands on a BB, I’m a very loyal Digi customer haha. So, I went and got myself a HTC HD instead. Now… I love the phone, but it’s wayyyyy expensive than the BB with the same functions! Shheeshhh..

( REPLY )
- daniel
  November 19th, 2009 - 14:41
  
  Oh Mel, I’m sorry to hear that. HTC is a good phone, just love it with all you can. XD
  
  ( REPLY )
amelia
November 19th, 2009 - 18:40

hey dainel but wat i can say that i very dam lucky that i got BB Curve 8900 for RM99 only when digi is doing the Internet bonanza event in 1U last week.. as i just change my current plan DG50+Rm66(unlimited data) to DG BB smart plan for RM58+PAYU on voice+sms+mms for 12months contract.. no need to sign up new number.. that’s a good thing also ya?

btw BB curve 8900 is more better then 8520 right?

( REPLY )
- daniel
  November 20th, 2009 - 22:57
  
  You’re so lucky amelia. My friend missed the bonanza deal, in fact me too. If I’m not wrong, 8520 lack GPS function which 8900 has, and also 3G.
  
  ( REPLY )
BabyMocha
December 1st, 2009 - 20:59

Pass by from Innit Have a nice day!

( REPLY )
- daniel
  December 1st, 2009 - 21:26
  
  Halo there Baby Mocha! I’ve been absent from Innit for quite sometime, you’re the first to come here after my very first Innit post. Thanks for the Nang.
  
  ( REPLY )
kenwooi
December 1st, 2009 - 21:06

that’s good news! =D
kenwooi’s last blog ..Banana People!

( REPLY )
Ash
December 4th, 2009 - 11:14

i really need some advice..im looking at getting the Curve 8900..im so confused n bothered coz i dont know which provider i should get it from..Digi? Maxis? Celcom? Do you think u can do a comparison for 8900 like wat u did for 8520..i stil prefer 8900 compare to 8520 due to some of its function..

Thanks

( REPLY )
- daniel
  December 4th, 2009 - 14:35
  
  Ash, it’s true that Curve 8520 has fewer functions compared to Curve8900. If you’re talking about the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS), the above information are relevant.
  
  I assume you are interested with the BIS packages offered by the current three service providers, to the best of my knowledge, I can only share with you the following rate plans:-
  
  Maxis:
  Entry – RM40/month (worth 5MB data usages), Standard – RM55/month (worth 10MB data usages) and Unlimited – RM120/month (unlimited data usages).
  *Additional monthly data usages will be charged at RM0.005/kB.
  
  Celcom:
  Basic – RM38/month (worth 5MB data usages), Advanced – RMRM98 (unlimited data usages).
  *Additional charges of 10sen/10kb for usage exceeding 5MB
  
  DiGi:
  DG Smart Plan for Blackberry – RM58/month (unlimited email, IM, social networking & web browsing).
  
  For the BlackBerry device, you can either buy them from the telcos or other retail shops if you currently do not have one. I bought mine from DiGi and it is under DiGi’s warranty.
  
  ( REPLY )
- daniel
  December 4th, 2009 - 14:47
  
  On top of that, there are 2 prepaid packages offered by Celcom and Maxis, namely XPAX and Hotlink.
  
  XPAX (Celcom):
  BlakcBerry Social – RM1/day (Social networking, IM), BlackBerry Advance – RM2.50/day (unlimited email, IM, social networking & web browsing)
  
  Hotlink (Maxis):
  Weekly Premium – RM28/week (unlimited email, IM, social networking & web browsing worth 100MB data usages), Premium – RM98/month (unlimited email, IM, social networking & web browsing worth 1.5GB data usages)
  *Subsequent data usage will be charged at a pay per use rate of 1 sen per kB (peak) or 0.5 sen per kB(off peak).
  
  Depending on your needs, I still think that XPAX (RM2.50*30=RM75) has a lower rate compared to Hotlink (RM98).
  
  ( REPLY )
Lila
December 4th, 2009 - 18:37

I just bought a BB 8520 from Maxis, would you know if i can use a Digi simcard on it and sign up for the DG plans? or is the BB 8520 locked by maxis?

( REPLY )
- daniel
  December 4th, 2009 - 20:39
  
  Lila, it kinda depends whether you have any contract with Maxis. If you’re not tied to any contracts, by all means, you can just port to DiGi any time, just head to the nearest DiGi centre. In Malaysia, the BB 8520 is not locked (my friend who just bought one from Maxis told me so). I hope this info helps, you can always give DiGi a ring if you need better clarification.
  
  ( REPLY )
frankie.
December 8th, 2009 - 17:53

can i know what is the BIS registration website for digi?

( REPLY )
- daniel
  December 8th, 2009 - 20:30
  
  For information on DiGi’s BlackBerry, please visit http://bit.ly/1NGGVq. At the moment, I don’t think you can register via DiGi’s website for the BIS plan. However, you can visit http://bit.ly/1ew9OI for the list of DiGi outlets where you can sign up for BIS. Cheers!
  
  ( REPLY )
  - frankie
    December 10th, 2009 - 08:26
    
    i think i have miss phrase my question, what i meant for the site where you key in your PIN and create a user account and manage which emails to push. eg maxis dot blackberry dot com.
    
    ( REPLY )
    - daniel
      December 10th, 2009 - 13:12
      
      My bad. To access DiGi’s BlackBerry Internet Service, just point your phone browser to http://digi.my.blackberry.com/
      
      Cheers
ezzazz
December 8th, 2009 - 19:38

can i know Blackberry Bold 9000 and Blackberry Curve 8900 which is better?

( REPLY )
daniel
December 8th, 2009 - 20:49

Here’s a comprehensive review and comparison between the Bold 9000 and Curve 8900, http://bit.ly/6gvt1c. The Curve has a 3.2MP while Bold has 2.0MP camera. Curve is lighter than Bold. The Curve has bigger screen with high resolution display while the Bold only has half VGA display. Curve has 2576MB flash memory while Bold half of it. Curve has EDGE while Bold has 3G.

You’ve got to make your own choice now. I only own a cheapo BlackBerry 8520 due to budget constraint, so that’s the only info I can offer you.

( REPLY )
Newbie
December 27th, 2009 - 12:14

hi, i need help on deciding which is the best and CHEAPEST plan to go for the blackberry 8520.
i just need it for blackberry messenger and MSN, and sometimes need the internet browser, which plan should i choose?

AND, i’m using a normal phone with maxis family postpaid package, i am the subline, and if i need to change to a smart phone am i able to keep my currently using number?

( REPLY )
- daniel
  December 27th, 2009 - 16:05
  
  Newbie, so far DiGi offers the lowest price for BIS (Push email, social networking, instant messaging). First question answered.
  
  Second question, I recommend you to go to your nearest Maxis centre or call up their hotline.
  
  ( REPLY )
sameera
January 11th, 2010 - 20:19

hey, is it true that with blackberry maxis, u cn call n sms oversea num for free? i heard it from my fren…. cn u guide me in this…. thanks alot dear…. =D

( REPLY )
- daniel
  January 12th, 2010 - 08:19
  
  There’s no such thing as free lunch I suppose. Haven’t heard of such deals from anyone or anywhere. BlackBerry Internet Service only allows one for the internet services. Call plan may be added to the BIS package. I wonder if there really is a free IDD call package.. Curious I am..
  
  ( REPLY )
swee
January 19th, 2010 - 16:46

i’ve read in some forums that there’re some kinda hidden cost in the digi’s 58-unlimited .. like browsing thru the ‘internet browser” or “blackberry.net”.. or digi.net setting and some being charged for PAYU.. or what’s the difference actually?

but actually these all are very confusing. i maybe getting 8900 from DG’s business plan.. so just wanna get the info right before i start using them and see some extra charges when the bill comes.. :S
swee’s last blog ..Cherry Blossom Cake

( REPLY )
- daniel
  January 19th, 2010 - 17:06
  
  Hi Swee, I’m referring to skykisser from LowYat Forum.
  ————————————————————
  According to T&C, it’s unlimited data usage as long as data is consumed within the device, it’s also made clear that when data is used in a tethering method to another machine, it’d be PAYU.
  
  That said, DiGi has to provide means for users, for tethering purposes, hence specifically the “diginet” APN. This is done so that DiGi could track the tethering usage, and billed usage could be calculated accordingly. OK, fair enough.
  
  Unfortunately, it has been mismanaged that some users through trial and error, managed to stream youtube WAP data on device using the same APN. DiGi couldn’t distinghuish if it’s in-device youtube WAP data , or is it tethering data, it therefore had to assume all traffic through this diginet APN is tethering.
  
  Hence, for DiGi to fulfill the contractual obligation of “unlimited data as long as data is consumed within device” , ie in this cae , for in-device youtube WAP viewers, there’s another APN specifically just for this purpose, of course which is your “digistrm” APN. I bet there’s a mechanism behind this APN to filter out non-youtube packets, to avoid anything else being passed through here without charges (ie: avoid tethering usages). In other words this APN is free but only allows youtube packets. Implementing the filtering here is more logical than doing it the reverse way round in diginet for obvious reasons : you want the PAYU users to get everything.
  
  I’ve been billed for diginet usage and I’ve requested DiGi to waive that, and they willingly did, because they knew they wouldn’t be able to prove I had used this diginet solely for the purpose of anything other than in-device youtube streaming (or not). From my perspective I’ve only been using this APN for in-device youtube streaming specifically , which is nothing against the T&C. If they weren’t to budge and I were to bring this case to court, I’d win hands down. However had I known better that there’s a proper APN for in-device youtube streamers , I would’ve happily used that instead. In fact, I am using only digistrm since that incident onwards and there has been no issue since.
  ————————————————————
  I hope that answers your doubts. In short, the DiGi BlackBerry Unlimited plan is only for BlackBerry Internet Service and surfing with your BB, nothing more than that. If you use your BB as a modem, you will be charged PAYU. If you put your SIM card in another non-BB device, use that for surfing, you’ll also be charged PAYU.
  
  Since you are getting a business plan, you had better consult DiGi. I don’t have the latest information and do not want to mislead you. Thanks.
  
  ( REPLY )
  - swee
    January 19th, 2010 - 17:43
    
    ok i kinda get the whole idea now … in short, don’t surf you-tube haha ok just kidding.. anyway thanks for the prompt reply! oh but your 1 more Q.. what’s the difference between EDGE and 3G ?
    
    ( REPLY )
    - daniel
      January 19th, 2010 - 19:49
      
      Welcome. 3G or EDGE, it depends on your need. Quoting from DiGi:
      
      a. 3G: refers to the brand new mobile network. Think of it as a better version of 2G. It will provide faster / higher data rates (throughput) compared to the 2G network (EDGE & GPRS).
      b. EDGE: refers to a service enhancement on the 2G network that provides higher data rates compared to GPRS (the default on 2G).
      
      Depending on where you are staying, DiGi 3G now covers only Klang Valley, Kota Kinabaly and Penang. I’m a frequent traveller, so EDGE is good for me from north to south and east to west. Curve 8900 is an EDGE supported phone just like my Curve 8520. I’ve been using my BB for a month plus, EDGE fits my needs just well – instant messaging, social networking and web surfing.
      
      You can youtube, but please set your APN to “digistrm”. I’ve yet to try out this setting yet. Will update you once I’ve tried.

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