As an inveterate supporter of the opposition, I never wanted to further fill the coffers of businesses which have any connection with the BN government. So I don't buy newspapers, I have no Astro, and do not subscribe to any Internet service. I depend on my friends.
However, the lure of the Beijing Olympics this year was irresistible. So I reluctantly decided to get my own Internet connection with which to view the Olympics through P2P engines - the big thing in cyberspace today.
I chose Maxis wireless, a decision that I am regretting bitterly.
I was told to bring RM100 for ‘activating charges’ and if I were to terminate the service during the first year, a penalty of RM200 would be charged. Thereafter, I could terminate at any time. Period.
They gave me a modem and I set it up and it worked. I downloaded the P2P programmes, Sopcast and others in preparation for the Olympics Games transmissions.
Since then, about one month ago, I have tried everyday to connect to the P2P services but have failed every time. Finally, in exasperation I called up Maxis for help.
To my horror, they told me they have blocked P2P transmissions! Blocked also means censorship. They even said they had the right to censor the Internet!
But you can get the transmissions at the unearthly hours between 1 am to 6 am they claim. They say this is because they do not have enough bandwith. So? Is that the consumers' problem?
If they cannot provide enough bandwith, then they shouldn't charge so much. Get out of the business. Leave it to the big boys. What is the Internet without P2P streaming videos? Pray tell me. Can you believe Maxis?
The least they should do, if they are gentlemen (and I have no reason to think that they are), is to inform prospective customers that the Maxis wireless broadband service does not come with P2P transmissions.
As far as we know, the government has undertaken not to subject the Internet to censorship, so how is it that Maxis can censor whatever they like?
It is a remarkable coincidence that Maxis and Astro are of the same company. With P2P, Astro programmes will take a back seat. You can actually do without Astro. So eventually, Astro will go bankrupt.
Now, can I get a full refund? Is Maxis gentlemanly enough to refund me in full? Readers, please warn your friends, Maxis is not the way to go.
Streamyx does not practice censorship, but I wanted a wireless because I move about.
Does anyone know of a wireless Internet provider that does not practise censorship? I'll be grateful for some help because I am going to terminate my Maxis account forever.
