I just found out to my disgust (after talking to a TM UniFi techie) that I cannot use any other router for the TM UniFi high-speed broadband service other than the D-Link router that is supplied in the package I signed up for. This is because of a “special configuration” dictate. And this is not acceptable!
As it is, Telekom Malaysia is already a monopoly and suspicion is already causing my brain to work overtime. And now that I have also been stung with this latest D-Link only router policy where I either have to “take it or leave it” my head is now running riot with even more suspicions with this company!
First of all, I would not have decided to junk the D-Link router supplied if everything was hunky-dory. This brand really sucks. I have had so much ‘signal issue’ with this D-Link router it’s not funny and I am beginning to wonder whether TM did it’s due diligence by properly testing it for UniFi high-speed use. Also, whoever at TM UniFi finally made the decision to exclusively assign this brand for its premium broadband service should have his/her head examined and taken to task, for the unit is an utter lemon! (As the British are known to call something that is unusually substandard and useless.)
Anyway the bigger reason I am so hot under the collar is the fact that despite what I have paid for in the package, which is on the high side, I am not given any choice to switch to another router if I decide to do so for whatever reason. This is unconscionable of TM UniFi and I am really getting very suspicious with its operations. I have already paid for the junk and I have no choice for a switch because it won’t work? This is getting too much. It’s akin to blackmail, if I may say so. What more, I applied for this high-speed broadband service on 8 August and TM UniFi only made the installation on 18 August 2010 . If it’s – if I may say so – Singapore, I would probably have been happily cruising the internet in break-neck digital speed within 48 hours without a glitch! Good on you, our southern neighbour.
Furthermore, despite the assurance given that there would not be any other charge for the UniFi installation other than the specified package, I was told to pay RM400 for the cable that went into my house during the installation. The excuse given was the length of the cable required. In retrospect, I think I now smell something fishy. I will be highlighting this discrepancy to the UniFi folks in due course.
Anyway TM UniFi should have had an option, like streamyx, to allow users to choose a package that comes with or without the router and not shaft things down our throats. Now we are left with no option and indeed high and dry. That’s probably because it’s a monopoly. Also probably why I should be taking this matter to our August House come this October!
Furthermore, if one has not seen the D-Link unit, it’s aesthetic leaves much to be desired. It is also another reason why I would like it out of my sight as soon as practicable. To be honest, I would not have been caught dead with this decrepit-looking trash let alone touch it with a ten-foot pole. Unlike the ‘Lambhorgini router’ in the form of a Belkin (ahem, good taste runs in my blood okay) which I have acquired (and blown some good Ringgit on) to replace the darn thing it should not even have been conceptualised and given the light of day. What a piece of cr*p this D-Link router!
* Sigh* What am I to do now with this Lambhorgini Belkin, TM UniFi? What am I to do with it, huh?!
