Celcom’s targets youth segment with 15 pax, data

Celcom announced that their prepaid plan, Xpax will allow users to call their 15 favourite numbers (15pax) for 12 sen a minute, while each text message to Celcom and non-Celcom numbers will cost half a sen and six sen respectively.

As for normal, non-15pax call rates, the new plan allows customer to calls at 38 sen a minute, while each text message will cost 10 sen.

The plan allows customers to register for up to two years before credit expiry. The starter pack is priced at RM 8.50, with RM5 airtime. The Xpax has daily unlimited data plans at RM6 daily, customers can also opt for the weekly RM20 plan.

The revamp came as Celcom plans’ target the youth segment, and through that take the number one spot in the local telco market. Celcom CEO, Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly said that the youth has more demands and not just voice or text services, and that their need to virtual socialisation will require Celcom to adapt their strategies.

Celcom launches SOX (School of X)

Kuala Lumpur: Celcom recently launched SOX (School of X), said to be the first and only prepaid plan in Malaysia designed for students aged between 12 and 18, offering them the best rates to all networks.

SOX users will enjoy calling rates of 10 sen per minute and 0.5 sen per Short Messeging Service (SMS) to their eight selected numbers on its “8PAX” feature.

SOX users can also enjoy SMS rates of 1 sen to non-8PAX registered numbers on the same network and 6 sen to other networks, while the calling rate to non-8PAX numbers is 15 sen a minute.

Video calls are priced at 15 sen per minute for same network and 30 sen for other networks, while multimedia Messeging Service (MMS) rates are 20 sen.

The prepaid plan has various bonuses for user as newly registered users will get an extra RM10 credit upon activation of the plan, when they reload RM10.

The plan also promises monthly credit bonuses where extra credits are given every month depending on the usage, and users can enjoy free calls and MMS to their 8PAX numbers for seven days on their birthday week.

In conjunction with this, Celcom recently launched a new programme called “SOX All Stars” challenge to encourage excellence in various fields such as music, sports, academics, technology, environment and entrepreneurship among secondary school students.

“We see this programme as a platform for youths to learn, practise and compete in extra-curricular activities,” said Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly.

“We are confident this programme will produce team leaders with calibre for the future, as it promotes excellence in various areas for the benefit of the students’ overall development and help unleash their hidden talent and creativity.”

Celcom Wireless Broadband Prepaid Review

This would be the first review for the technology track thanks to the Tech Team for sponsoring the phone & the prepaid starter pack.

The Celcom Wireless Broadband Prepaid was introduced on 19th March 2009, is the country’s first prepaid mobile broadband service, ready-to-use & without the hassle of customer registration at all. The starter pack can be purchased from Celcom branches, Blue Cube branches & other participating outlets.

Nokia 6600 Slide with Celcom Wireless Broadband Prepaid Starter Pack

This service is extremely useful & convenient for students, foreigners or even executives traveling around Malaysia who need instant Internet access without the stress of going to branches to subscribe to such similar service.

Priced at RM25, the Celcom Broadband Prepaid™ starter pack comes with RM20 credit. No registration is required and the pack is instantly activated upon use. However, voice/video calls and SMS features are not supported in the pack.

In line with the introduction of this new service, Celcom will also be launching a new Weekly Unlimited package at only RM20 a week, in which customers can enjoy unlimited Internet access for seven consecutive days. This is on top of the existing Daily Unlimited package, priced at RM6 for 24 consecutive hours of broadband access. This means that now both prepaid broadband and postpaid subscribers will be able to choose from the Daily or Weekly package to suit their needs.

With Celcom Broadband Prepaid™, customers can access the Internet based on the following options:

• Directly from a mobile phone that supports 3GX (HSDPA) or 3G
• Using a notebook/PC + mobile phone as modem
• Using a notebook/PC + personal computer manufacturer interface adaptor (PCMCIA/PCI) datacard as modem
• Using a notebook/PC + USB modem

Souce : Celcom

To start using the service, customers need to activate the service & subsequently subscribe the service via SMS. The steps are available from the Celcom’s Broadband website.

For this review, Tech Team sponsored a 3G Nokia 6600 Slide phone. Insert the SIM card into the phone & connect the phone to a computer using the USB cable provided. Next up, install Nokia PC Suite. Test site is in Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya.

Connecting...

PC Suite Connection Status

Once everything is done, Windows would install the appropriate drivers for the Nokia USB modem. Click on the Connect to the Internet icon from the PC Suite. The program is smart enough to detect the service provider & connect properly. If it doesn’t, choose the Nokia USB modem & Celcom Malaysia settings. You should be able to connect in mere 4 clicks of the mouse.

Windows Connection Status

Windows reported that I managed to connect at 460.8Kbps. A check from the speedometer from Celcom’s website reports another thing. I only managed to connect on an average speed of 250Kbps & a maximum of 259Kbps recorded.

Test Results

In conclusion, it is up to individual’s opinion when it comes to judging this service. As for me, I am satisfied with service based on convenience sake. I do not have to run to the nearest cybercafé or to the local coffee shop that provides Wi-Fi services. I can surf the web in my convenience in my own dorm provided that location has coverage.

Formula Extreme’s Technology Track will push for the HSDPA review which has the potential speed of 3.6Mbps soon. Stay tuned.