Telkom's overpriced broadband Internet<\/p>\n
As an Indonesian high school student, I feel
\ndisappointed by the overpriced broadband Internet access that is
\nprovided by the state-owned telecommunication company (Telkom).<\/p>\n
When I was studying abroad in Malaysia recently, I was
\nimpressed by the technological advancement and the commitment the
\ngovernment had made to improve the nation's education efficiency
\nby providing affordable broadband for its citizens. By passing
\nsuch measures, students and other home users are capable of
\naccessing a variety of sources for research (e.g. online media,
\nonline encyclopedia, etc) on the world wide web, which are
\nobviously beneficial for their acquisition of knowledge.<\/p>\n
In stark contrast to Indonesia, broadband in Malaysia is much
\nbetter priced, faster and more reliable. When I first subscribed
\nto Streamyx (the Malaysian broadband service), they used to offer
\na 384k unlimited access for RM 88 (about Rp 228,000) per month. A
\nyear later, they lowered the price to RM66 (Rp 171,000), for
\nwhich I was thankful. Soon after, they upgraded the speed to 512k
\nbut maintained the same price.<\/p>\n
Based on this experience, I am deeply appalled by Telkom
\nSpeedy where they offer a 384k \"limited\" broadband for Rp 450,000
\n(I have the medium package directly from Telkom), and of course
\nwith an extra cost of Rp 1,200 per MB after exceeding the monthly
\nlimit of a mere 1GB.<\/p>\n
And on top of that, the speed is often sluggish during peak
\nhours, which is frustrating at best. Do you think the average
\nhome user is able to afford such \"luxury\" prices? From my point
\nof view, broadband Internet access should be treated as a
\nnecessary amenity, because, as we are living in the information
\nage, it has become a part of our daily lives. Information around
\nthe globe is sent through the net everyday -- important current
\nevents such as bird flu that has been raging in Indonesia, acts
\nof terrorism in England, etc.<\/p>\n
And Internet service allows us to access that information for
\nour own understanding of the world. My question is: Does Telkom
\nrealize that it has a slow, overpriced broadband package and that
\nthere are loads of complaints lodged by many of its subscribers?
\nAfter visiting many Indonesian forums, such as Kafegaul.com and
\ndoing research through Google. I have never found a single
\npositive comment about Telkom's broadband.<\/p>\n
And what's the company's motto -- \"Committed 2 U\". I wonder if
\nthey can address these complaints seriously?<\/p>\n
HAZIM SUHADI
\nJakarta<\/p>",
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