Telekom Malaysia (TM) has announced the gradual phasing out of its legacy copper-based broadband services, a move that will culminate in the full discontinuation of offerings like Streamyx by February 28, 2025. This decision marks a significant turning point in Malaysia’s telecommunications story, bringing to a close the era of copper-based internet access that, for many, defined their early online experiences.

End of an Era for Malaysians

Streamyx holds a special place in the memories of many Malaysians. It was often their first taste of broadband internet, opening up a world of faster online access, enabling activities like web browsing, email communication, and early forays into online gaming. It served as a crucial bridge, connecting homes and businesses to the burgeoning digital landscape. However, as technology marched forward and the demand for ever-increasing speeds and bandwidth grew, the inherent limitations of copper-based infrastructure became more and more apparent. Fibre optic technology, with its vastly superior capabilities, emerged as the clear successor, promising a future of seamless connectivity.

TM’s decision to phase out Streamyx and other copper-based services like Unifi Lite is a reflection of this inevitable technological progression. Copper infrastructure, while groundbreaking in its time, is now ageing and struggles to keep pace with the demands of today’s internet usage. Fibre optic cables offer significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and improved reliability, making them the ideal choice for supporting bandwidth-intensive applications like high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and cloud-based services. The transition to fibre isn’t simply an upgrade; it’s a necessary step to ensure Malaysia’s digital infrastructure can support a modern, connected society.

Streamyx and Unifi Lite will end on February 28 2025

The services directly impacted by this announcement include Streamyx and Unifi Lite, both of which rely on copper lines to deliver internet access. Existing customers on these plans will need to transition to other TM offerings or explore alternatives from other internet service providers. TM has stated its commitment to working closely with affected users to ensure a smooth transition, offering guidance and support throughout the process.

For consumers currently using Streamyx or Unifi Lite, several options are available. The most straightforward path is to migrate to a Unifi fibre plan. This offers the most direct upgrade, providing access to significantly faster speeds and improved performance. TM is likely to offer various incentives and packages to encourage this transition. However, it’s important to acknowledge that fibre availability isn’t universal across Malaysia. In areas where Unifi fibre is not yet accessible, customers will need to consider other solutions.

These alternatives include wireless internet services, such as 4G and 5G home broadband. These services use mobile networks to deliver internet access and can be a viable option for those in areas without fibre coverage. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential data caps and possible latency issues associated with wireless broadband. Another option is to explore offerings from other internet service providers in the area. Several companies offer fibre and wireless broadband plans, and comparing these options is crucial for finding the best fit in terms of speed, price, and availability.