Deconnexion wide publicity for what?

Posted by Uchu Keling on 12th February 2008 in Miri City, Technology

We have been reading about the goodies of deConnexion, Sarawak’s leading broadband Internet provider. Started in Miri and with a vision to cover 90% of Sarawak towns, Mirian have been enjoying the ‘broadband signal‘ ever since its transmission in Centerpoint Commercial Centre in 2007 until this today.

The State Government have approved RM2 million of public fund to kick-start the project. And now deConnexion is asking for another RM100 million of public fund to expand its coverage including to provide 250 hotzones throughout Sarawak.

It is supposed to be free during its trial period that ends this year. Well, as all of us know, free usually means it is full of bugs and technical problem. So, we need not write too much (but a little to release the frustration) on that cos’ its free, alright!

This morning while at Yu Lan Plaza, I decided to check if the signal is available and I may spend a few minutes checking my email. The signal is there (ok.. with 3 bars) but I just can’t login to the service!! So, to me, trial period means just for show that the signal is there and the public will not be able to test drive it yet..

If it is so, please announce it in better words that the service is not available so that we are not full of hope to use the trial service.

Bottom line for me - a BIG NO for deConnexion. Sorry people, but the whole project is only good on paper and for political mileage. And another wastage of public fund. Given the RM2 million initial fund, I am sure small players can also deliver the Access Point and antennas. Sarawak do not need big names to do that otherwise I am sure 3Com, Lucent, and other Asian established brands would join the bandwagon.

Nevertheless, we would love to see open competition in this broadband race. Maybe the State Government should give the funds to more providers other than deConnexion.

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