Sabahans rejoice! Your connectivity and entertainment are about to get supercharged with high-speed broadband and access to the latest shows thanks to Astro’s new, competitively-priced packages. These packages bundle access to up to 90 channels of content and 100Mbps of fibre internet.
The new packages are already being made available from Astro. There are primarily two bundles being offered by Astro Fibre – the Astro Fibre Bundle 100Mbps + Primary Pack that comes in at RM99.99 monthly and the Astro Fibre Bundle 100Mpbs + Sports Pack that comes in at RM119.99 a month. The new bundles come after the announcement that Astro will be partnering with Celcom Timur to bring WiFi Kencang and connectivity offerings to Sabah. According to Astro, the 100Mpbs internet speed is a free upgrade to the base 50Mbps for two years. No word if the speed will be reverted to 50Mpbs or if higher prices will be enforced after the two years.
The new offering gives subscribers access to over 80 channels. This includes channels like Lifetime HD, TLC HD, Asian Food Network HD, Love Nature 4K, AXN HD, KBS World HD, NHK World Premium, TVB Jade, Star Vijay HD and more for the Primary Pack. The Sports Pack on the other hand gives you access to over 95 channels including beIN Sports, Astro SuperSport UHD 1, W-Sport, and SPOTV. Subscribers can add more packs to their packages for additional fees.
The packages will come with a free WiFi 6 router, a free Ulti or Ultra Box, access to the Astro GO app, access to the Astro Fibre app and free installation. You will be able to monitor your internet usage as well as set up safety rails for the internet for your children.
Malaysia’s largest satellite TV provider, Astro, is undergoing a humungous change. It seems like their paradigm on entertainment is changing to be more embracing and forward-thinking. Only recently, the company announced that they will be changing their traditional decoders to the new Ulti Box and the Ultra Box; now Astro is taking a leap forward to turn their set-top box into a living room essential.
Launch event Hosted by Astro
While they are still staying true to linear programming with the hundreds of channels already under their belt, Astro is also embracing partnerships with streaming platforms. We already saw the inklings of this with their partnership with Disney+ Hotstar. With their latest announcement, they are embracing even more platforms and giving one of the largest streaming platforms a home on their set-top box. Netflix will now be natively available on Ultra and Ulti boxes with a new software update. The new update is the first to bring native apps to Astro’s platform. They are teasing the availability of more native apps from their partners like iQIYI and Disney+ in the near future.
New Packs and Bundles with App
However, that is only the tip of the iceberg. Together with their big shift, Astro is also revamping their packages. Users don’t have to deal with the confusing mixing and matching that they once had to with Astro’s Superpacks. Instead, the company has revealed more streamlined packages which also include subscriptions to some of the most popular streaming apps.
At the top of the selections, Astro is introducing a new Platinum Pack which will include most of the linear channels available on Astro and subscriptions to Astro Go, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar and HBO GO. The package is priced at MYR219.99. Additional charges apply for Asian Favourites which include Chinese, Indonesian and Indian channels at MYR14.99 for each sub-pack.
Source: Astro
Below this tier, there is the Entertainment Plus Pack which includes 110 channels covering Korean, Kids, Variety, Horror and Astro Go. It also includes access to Netflix. However, like the Platinum Pack, you will need to top up MYR14.99 for the Asian Favourites sub packs on top of the MYR144.99 cost of the Entertainment Plus Pack. In addition, you can add on other channels including your sports and movie channels for an additional fee starting at MYR14.99 monthly. The Entertainment Pack is a step below with 105 channels covering only the Variety and Kids sub packs without access to Netflix. This is priced at MYR104.99.
Astro’s barebones package is now the Primary Pack which comes with some 90 channels and access to Astro Go for MYR74.99 a month. They also have two combos with the movies and sports sub packs which cost MYR109.99 and MYR104.99 respectively.
Beware the Fineprint
It’s worth noting that aside from Disney+ Hotstar and HBO GO which comes bundled with the Movie Pack, complimentary access to Netflix is limited to the basic HD package of the streaming service. This limits your content to HD resolution with only 2 simultaneous connections. Upgrading to the premium package with Astro will be an addition MYR9.43. Access to the TVB Anywhere+ app is also linked to a subscription to the Chinese sub pack and is limited to HD resolution across 2 simultaneous devices. Access to the iQIYI VIP app is also available for Astro subscribers for an additional fee.
Launch Promos
Astro is having launch promos that bring up to MYR25 in discounts for monthly subscriptions.
Source: Astro
A New Satelite-less Experience
Astro wasn’t done with the announcements just yet. It also announced a new plug and play version of the Ultra and Ulti boxes. The new experience removes the need for Astro subscribers to have the now signature satellite dish on their homes. Instead, it will connect to the internet and allow users to have seamless, uninterrupted access to their content – rain or shine.
Maxis and Astro have been offering a combo package for internet, IPTV and Astro’s satellite TV since last year. This year, the companies are upping the ante with even faster packages to cater to a more digital audience.
The packages offered by the partnership are essentially an combination of the preexisting offerings already available from the companies. However, Astro is offering a limited 2-year rebate for those subscribing to their higher packages. This rebate is in addition to the MYR5 rebate for those using the auto-debit service. Subscribers will get either an MYR15 or MYR25 monthly rebate for 24 months depending on their subscription.
The breakdown of the costings are summarised in the table we created below. Do note that the prices for Astro are their minimum at each level, there are packages that are more expensive that are not reflected in the table. Prices are also not inclusive of the 6% SST.
Users who are interested in subscribing to the new packages can visit the official Astro broadband website. The offer is not limited to new subscribers, preexisting Astro subscribers can opt to add on the Maxis internet packages to their subscription. Do note that on higher speeds, Maxis is offering free Mesh routers for new sign ups only. Users who add-on the internet package will not be eligible for the mesh router.
However, Astro is offering a free upgrade to their new Ultra box which features Cloud Recording and a new interface for all subscribers. For more details, visit https://product.astro.com.my/broadband/offers.
