Internet Access and ISP

 Unifi Business

Why Unifi?

• Wide Coverage: Unifi is available extensively across Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur.
• High-Speed Plans: Unifi offers up to 2Gbps plans, suitable for handling large game development workloads tile file transfers, version control, and multiplayer testing.
• Symmetrical Speeds: Provides equal upload and download speeds, essential for tasks like cloud collaboration and asset uploads.
• Business-Focused Features: Includes options like static IP options, which are beneficial for hosting game servers, remote access, and DNS setup. (not currently in use but can be useful for future growth)
• Scalability: Flexible plans that can be upgraded as the company grows, accommodating future bandwidth needs.
• Reliability: Backed by Telekom Malaysia (TM), known for stable connections and robust customer support.
• Affordable Pricing: Competitive pricing for high-speed internet compared to other ISPs in the market.
• Bundled Services: Option to include additional services like VoIP (Voice over IP) and cloud storage solutions for an integrated business package.

The Plan:

• This startup will be using Unifi Business' 1Gbps broadband plan. It will also include a free business call plan. The contract period is 24 months.

Why 1 Gbps:

• Sufficient for file transfers especially large raw game assets
• Large development work team requires a lot more internet speeds
• Can cover for 25 employees in the whole office with reliable speeds

Other ISP providers in Malaysia

1. Maxis Business Solutions

• Why it's popular:
• Provides both broadband and mobile services with reliable uptime.
• Business-specific plans include internet with managed services (e.g; cybersecurity, cloud services)
• Strong customer service for enterprises.
• Recommend For: Businesses needing tailored solutions, especially in urban locations.

2. TIME Business Internet

• Why it's popular:
• Known for ultra-high speed fiber connections (up to 1Gbps).
• Excellent for businesses requiring large bandwidth, such as IT firms, creative agencies, and data-intensive operations.
• Competitive pricing for enterprise-level internet.
• Recommended For: Urban business in high-rise buildings or tech-heavy industries.

Recommendation:

• For Reliability and Coverage: Telekom Malaysia (Unifi).
• For High-Speed Connections: TIME Internet.
• For Managed Business Services: Maxis Business Solutions.

Comparison Between Unifi, Maxis and TIME

1. Nationwide Coverage

• TM Advantage: TM has the widest fiber broadband coverage in Malaysia, reaching urban and rural areas alike. This makes it ideal for businesses operating in multiple locations, including less developed regions.
• Celcom & TIME: TIME is limited to urban areas and high-rise buildings, while Celcom focuses more on mobile and wireless solutions than fiber broadband.

2. Scalability and Reliability

• TM Advantage: As the largeest ISP in Malaysia, TM owns and operates a ribust network backbone, ensuring a stable and reliable connection, which is critical for business operations.
• Celcom & TIME: While TIME offers excellent speeds, its coverage limitations can lead to connectivity challenges in certain areas. Celcom's mobile-first approach may not be provide the same stability for fixed-line internet.

3. Bundled Business Solutions

• TM Advantage: TM offers comprehensive business packages, including:
• High-speed fiber broadband.
• VoIP telephony services.
• Cloud storage and histing solutions.
• Digital marketing tools.
• Managed network services.
• Celcom & TIME: TIME primarily focuses on high-speed internet without as many additional business solutions, while Celcom emphasizes mobile connectivity over comprehensive business bundles.

4. Scalability

• TM Advantage: TM's solutions are designed to scale with your business, whether you're a small SME or a large corporation. They offer customizable plans to meet varying business needs.
• Celcom & TIME: TIME caters more to urban businesses, and Celcom's mobile broadband may not scale effectively for larger office setups. 

5. Customer Support and Expertise

• TM Advantage: With decades of experience, TM provides 24/7 support and a dedicated team for business clients, ensuring issues are resolved promptly. Their expertise in handling large-scale operations makes them a trusted choice.
• Celcom & TIME: TIME's customer service is strong but may not match TM's scale of operations, and Celcom's support is often mobile-centric.

6. Competitive Pricing for Nationwide Access

• TM Advantage: While TM might not offer the cheapest plans compared to TIME, its pricing reflects the value of nationwide coverage, reliability, and added services.
• Celcom & TIME: TIME may have lower pricing but is location-restricted, and Celcom's focus on mobile broadband may not provide the same cost-to-value ratio for fixed-line internet.

When TM is the Better Choice

• Multi-location Businesses: TM's extensive coverage is ideal for companies operating in multiple locations, especially outside major urban areas.
• Need for Comprehensive Services: If your business requires a combination of internet, telephony, cloud, and managed IT services, TM is a one-stop solution.
• Focus on Reliability: For industries where uninterrupted internet is mission-critical (e.g; banking, healthcare, or e-commerce), TM's stability is unmatched.

Price Comparison

1. TM (Unifi Business)

• Speeds: 30 Mbps to 1Gbps
• Price Range:
• 30 Mbps: ~RM139/month
• 100 Mbps: ~RM249/month
• 300 Mbps: ~RM379/month
• 500 Mbps: ~RM429/month
• 1 Gbps: ~RM849/month
• Extras:
• Business-grade support and uptime guarantee.
• Add-ons like VoIP telephony and digital solutions (e.g; cloud services)
• Packages may include mesh Wi-Fi and priority repair services.

2. TIME Internet (Business Plans)

• Speeds: 100 Mbps to 1Gbps
• Price Range:
• 100 Mbps: ~RM149/month
• 500 Mbps: ~RM329/month
• 1 Gbps: ~RM599/month
• Extras:
• Unlimited data usage.
• Focused on high-speed and affordable tiber connectivity.
• Limited to urban areas and selected high-rise buildings.

3. Celcom (Business Plans)

• Speeds: 30 Mbps to 300 Mbps (mostly wireless and hybrid broadband solutions)
• Price Range:
• 30 Mbps: ~RM 90/month
• 100 Mbps: ~ RM 160/month
• 300 Mbps: ~ RM 299/month
• Extras:
• Mobile-centric solutions and hybrid connectivity.
• Customizable packages for remote work, VoIP, and business mobility.
• Better suited for businesses in locations without fiber availability.

Price Comparison Highlights

Provider	Entry-Level Price (30-100Mbps)	High-Speed Plans (300-500 Mbps)	Premium Plans (1 Gbps)
TM	RM 139 - RM 249	RM 379 - RM 429	RM 849
TIME	RM 149	RM 329	RM 599
Celcom	RM 90 - RM 160	RM 299	N/A

Recommendation Based on Price

• Best Budget Option: Celcom for entry-level or mobile-focused plans.
• Best High-Speed Value: TIME offers the lowest price for 1 Gbps plans if you're in their coverage area.
• Best Overall Service: TM provides robust solutions and add-ons, especially for businesses needing nationwide support.