We want to make signing up for Streamyx as easy as possible, so here are the answers to some of the more common questions we get regarding our services.
1. What is Streamyx?
Streamyx is a high-speed broadband Internet access service which provides 'always on' connection to the Internet with speed/bandwidth from 384kbps up to 4Mbps. With the high-speed connectivity/bandwidth, the service is ideal to support most broadband application such as, Web Hosting, video streaming, e-commerce, distance learning and others.
2. What is "always-on" connection?
"Always-on" connection is always established and never disconnects, which will ensure fast and instant access to the Internet without any dial up process. This type of connection is suitable for users who regularly download or upload large files over the Internet.
3. What are the technologies used?
The technology used for Streamyx is xDSL. The xDSL types chosen to support Streamyx network are ADSL and SDSL technologies..
4. How fast is Streamyx?
The packages range from 384kbps up to 4Mbps Internet access speed and it is on best effort basis.
5. What is "best effort"?
"Best effort" describes a service that is provided without any service level assurance. Streamyx subscribers should receive at least 70% of the subscribed speed within TM domain & subject to certain factors (Please refer to FAQ No. 36). If the speed falls below 70%, TM will investigate it as a fault and restore the connection accordingly. Subscribers who need a 1:1 service and exclusive access to their bandwidth should go for Internet via leased line.
6. How to subscribe to Streamyx?
You can come personally to TMpoint, TM Authorized Resellers, Clickers Authorized Service Outlets (CASO) or our TM Direct Sales Representative. You can also register online at www.tm.net.my.
7. I am a business applicant. Can I apply to Streamyx package?
No. Streamyx package can be subscribed by personal applicant only. Business applicant can apply to Business Broadband.
8. Can I subscribe to Streamyx online?
Yes. TM had just introduced the Online Registration for Streamyx. You can now check for service availability and register online. In addition, you can also check for your application status even if you register through the normal procedure.
9. Is there any requirement that I have to fulfill before I register online?
Yes. To apply for Streamyx via online:
- The applicant must be the owner of the telephone line and;
- Not being black listed by TM
* Customer is requested to visit the nearest TMpoint or Clickers if they do not comply with the above pre-requisite requirements.
10. Does Streamyx cost more than dial-up service?
If you are a heavy Internet user and your average Internet usage is more than 2 hours/day, it is more economical for you to use Streamyx than dial-up.
11. How much do I have to pay?
To know more on Streamyx packages, please refer to STREAMYX ADVERTISEMENT at NUFFNANG BANNER.
12. Where do I pay my Streamyx bill?
You can pay your bill at the nearest TMpoint or Clickers. You can also pay online through https://tmbill.tm.net.my/.
13. Can I resell the services?
No.
14. What happens if I receive a call while accessing the Internet?
You can answer the call as a normal telephone call. The Internet access service will not be interrupted as your telephone set is connected to a microfilter, which separates voice and data signal. The above condition is applicable for ADSL subscriber only. SDSL does not support telephony.
15. What is the Streamyx minimum subscription period?
Minimum subscription period is 12 months for all packages except with modem rental and other promotion packages. If you terminate your account within the Minimum Subscription Period, you shall be responsible for fees chargeable for the service on the remainder of the Minimum Subscription Period.
16. Can I have more than one Streamyx connection to my premise?
| Yes, as long as you have extra telephone line because each Streamyx connection requires one direct/dedicated telephone line. |
17. What are the differences between ADSL and SDSL?
ADSL stands for Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line. It allows you to simultaneously access the net and use the phone or fax (at the same time). SDSL stands for Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line. The difference between ADSL and SDSL is; ADSL has a different upstream and downstream data transfer rate (upstream higher than the downstream) whereas SDSL offers the customer a symmetric upstream and downstream bandwidth to the customer (eg. 1.5Mbps SDSL package offers the customer 1.5Mbps downstream speed as well as 1.5Mbps upstream speed). Technically, SDSL also does not allow voice/fax (PSTN) over the same copper.
18. What are the differences between xDSL connection and Dial-up connection?
xDSL does not dial to public switch telephone exchange, it connects the customer direct to the Internet. It is fixed to the telephone number which you provided when you apply for the service. In contrast, dial-up modem can be used at any premises to log to Internet.
19. What are the differences between xDSL technology and ISDN?
ISDN allows you to have many different digital features, such as PABX and digital fax. ISDN requires you to have a special telephone line (i.e. you have to do a new wiring) while xDSL does not (it uses the existing copper line at your premise). ISDN is a dial-up service while xDSL is a always-on connection. Also there are wide ranges of bandwidth available for xDSL (ranging from 384kbps to 4Mbps) compared to ISDN which only have limited range of bandwidth.
20. What are the differences between xDSL and Leased Line?
Leased line let users connect from point to point without sharing the channel with other Internet users and also without restrictions to the distance. Thus leased line offers a better security with the service typically ranging from 64kbps to 2Mbps. Leased line is very expensive compared to xDSL. xDSL is however easier to install at the customer premises. xDSL is categorized as best effort service while leased line is premier or guaranteed bandwidth service.
21. What is the minimum PC requirement needed to apply for Streamyx?
For Windows OS computers, you need to have a PC with minimum Pentium processor and 32MB RAM. Windows 95 (Windows 98 is preferred), Windows XP or Windows NT operating system, 2.1GB Hard Disk (20MB of free hard disk space) and Network Interface Card (NIC).
For MAC OS computers you need to have a Power PC Macintosh with system 7.6.1 or later 32 Mb RAM, 10 Mb of free hard disk space, Ethernet port, Mac OS X version 10.1.2 above only (Note: Lower version are not supported at the moment) Also of course, you need to have an active telephone line to connect to the Streamyx modem.
22. Do I need a special modem?
| Yes. You need to use certified DSL modem, which is compatible with Streamyx that can be purchased from your nearby outlet. |
23. Do I need to purchase a modem?
TM will provide the xDSL modem for customers who subscribed for Streamyx with modem and with modem rental packages. Only modems approved by TM will work finely with Streamyx. Note: Upon termination of Streamyx, customers have to return the provided modems/splitters/microfilter to TMpoint. TM will impose charges for unreturned modems/splitters/microfilter. For Streamyx without modem packages, TM will not provide the modem. Customer needs to buy the modem, splitter & microfilter. For further detail, please contact Telekom Sales & Services Sendirian Berhad (TSSSB) Service Centre at 03-22971200 ext 261 or 255 or please refer to Certified DSL Modem List for the list of modems compatible with Streamyx which can be purchased from your nearby outlets. |
24. If I do not have a telephone line, how do I subscribe to Streamyx?
| You need to apply visit your nearest TMpoint and install a phone line before you can enjoy the service. (The above condition applies for Streamyx ADSL packages only). |
25. Do I need a new telephone line?
| For Streamyx ADSL you may use your existing telephone line. For Streamyx SDSL, you need a new copper line (TM personnel will apply for you upon application of the service). |
26. Do I need additional wiring at my house / office?
Streamyx will be installed at where the telephone line is terminated. You need to do the additional wiring should you want to use the service at other part of your premise than where the phone line is terminated at your own cost.
27. Do I need to install a network card?
| Yes. You need the Network Interface Card (NIC) in order for your PC to communicate with the modem. |
28. Is Streamyx available nationwide?
| Streamyx can only be provided in areas where TM exchange has available ADSL ports to push the service to your home. |
29. If my neighbour has subscribed to Streamyx, can I get Streamyx too?
| Not necessarily as Streamyx is subject to service availability |
30. Which areas are served by Streamyx?
Please refer to Service Area for the areas that are covered by Streamyx service.
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31. Can I subscribe to Streamyx if my fixed line is served under OLNOs area?
No. You need to have a fixed line provided by TM to connect to Streamyx.
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32. Can I change the package before installation?
You are not allowed to change the package before installation. Should you need to do so, kindly cancel your application and reapply.
33. How do I install Streamyx?
a) Without modem package
You will be provided with a Streamyx Self Installation CD to assist your Streamyx installation. However, should you require assistance from our installer, a fee of RM88 is chargeable.
b) With modem package
Our installer will contact you for an appointment. You need to ensure that all equipment requirements are fulfilled before the installation. An installation fee of RM88 is chargeable. Alternatively, you can opt for Streamyx In-A-Box for self-installation.
34. What is the mailbox space/capacity allocated for Streamyx user’s e-mail?
TM has upgraded Streamyx user’s mailbox space from 4M to 10M. You can upgrade your mailbox from 4M to 10M for FREE via Selfcare at https://tmbill.tm.net.my.
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35. Can I enjoy Streamyx if my telephone line is using fiber connection?
Yes. You can still apply for Streamyx even if your telephone line is using fiber connection. However, the service is only available at selected areas.
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36. Will I enjoy fast speed at all times?
Streamyx download and upload speed varies and is dependant on the following factors:
- Location of website - user may experience slow response from international websites.
- Capacity of visited web server - some web servers cannot cope with huge traffic demand from users. In addition, some sites restrict download speed of their users to ensure fair level of service among them.
- Network congestion - high level of traffic at peak times causing some slowdown.
- Running other application simultaneously - using other application (e.g P2P) at the same time can degrade download performance..
37. What is a 'contention ratio'?
To provide a cost effective service – Streamyx is 'contended' (shared) at the following ratios:
| Package | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Contention Ratio | | Streamyx 384k | 384k | 128k | 1:25 | | Streamyx 512k | 512k | 256k | 1:25 | | Streamyx 1.0M | 1.0M | 384k | 1:25 | | Streamyx 2.0M | 2.0M | 512k | 1:25 | | Streamyx 4.0M | 4.0M | 512k | 1:25 | This contention is applied within the TM network - with other Streamyx subscribers on the same TM telephone exchange.
What this means in the 'worst case' is that you could be sharing a 1000 kbps connection with up to 25 other users. So if they were all using Streamyx at the same time 'theoretically' you would only get 40 kbps. However, 'in reality' this scenario is very unlikely to happen and you should usually find it to be far faster than a dial-up connection. Streamyx relies on individual users not making unreasonable traffic demands on the network to provide fast access speeds for all. Remember if you are not getting the speed that you expect, it may not be due to the contention ratio only but many other factors including the capacity of the remote site you are accessing, the quality and distance of your telephone line from the local exchange.
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38. What is Peer-to-Peer (P2P)?
Peer-to-peer is a type of Internet network allowing a group of computer users with the same networking program to connect with each other for the purposes of directly accessing files from one another's hard drives. P2P speed of download and upload depends on customer network cloud. It will be faster if the seeders (person who share their files) are in the same local cloud as the leechers (person who download the files). Example of P2P applications that are commonly used by Internet users are Kaza & Bittorent.
Streamyx maximum download and upload speed is not guarantee for P2P or any international traffic connection. TM’s policy had restricted and enforced the P2P regulations to avoid heavy congestion for Malaysia Internet cloud. Currently P2P is consuming greater bandwidth than other normal Internet applications (e.g. web browsing) for Malaysia’s local internet cloud.
39. Will I enjoy fast speed for P2P?
Throughput for P2P application (eg. Kazaa, Bittorrent) is subject to peers (seed) availability and their throughput as well. TM does not have any control over peers availability or throughput.
40. Why do I experience slow P2P even though there are lots of peers available?
P2P application uses a lot of bandwidth and can significantly reduce the connection speed of other users especially during peak hours. To ensure optimal broadband experience for all users, TM has imposed prioritization during peak hours that would restrict throughput for P2P application.
41. Why TM is offering unlimited packages & at the same time limits the amount of traffic?
Unlimited means that there is no time capping for user to access to the Internet and it does not mean that user can download/upload an unlimited volume of data.
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42. What is the different between Kilobits & Kilobytes (bits & bytes)?
In data communications, a kilobit is a thousand bits, or 1,000 bits. It's commonly used for measuring the amount of data that is transferred in a second between two telecommunication points. Megabit per second is usually shortened to Mbps.
Normally lowercase "b" will be used to distinguish between bits (b) and bytes (B). When used as a measurement of network data transfers, or throughput, always assume the word is bits (b) first.
In Data storage, and when describing Memory size, a Kilobyte is 210, or 1024 bytes. Because of binary computer architecture and memory address boundaries, bytes are always some multiple or exponent of two. In addition 1 byte (B) is also equal to 8 bits (b).
Normally many files transfer applications use Byte (B) to measure the size of the data or files need to be transferred. Therefore during the transmission of the files it will indicates the size of the files or data being transferred as Kilobytes per second or KBps. This will translate to the network data transfers, or throughput in kbps by multiplying the data being transferred in Kilobytes per second with 8.
