Packet One Networks or P1 has been the major provider of WiMax services since 2008
Wireless Broadband Internet has come a long way here in Malaysia and Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd or P1 has been a major mover and provider of wireless broadband since 2008. Many Malaysians were among the first to enjoy the latest Wireless Technology or WiMAX when the regulatory Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) awarded the 2.3GHz spectrum to 4 Internet Service Providers in 2007, which included P1. hundreds of thousands of Malaysians now use P1 services for their Home and Mobile Internet needs as we move forward to a nation that is continuously updating their Facebook and other social media while watching YouTube videos.
With WiMAX being part of the nation’s broadband roll-out history, it is equally important for us to also know that the 2.3GHz frequency is actually a regulated spectrum allocated to deploy WiMAX technology in the country. However, despite the regulated allocation, WiMAX Internet Service providers within the 2.3GHz spectrum which also include P1, are currently facing serious interruptions in their network due to the growing usage of non-standard wireless devices in the market, which also utilize the 2.3GHz frequency in transmitting data.
Familiar scenarios such as a decrease in speeds, drops in network reliability and connectivity are not necessarily caused by the service provider. The rapidly growing number of non-standard wireless devices being used by consumers is one of the key reasons that have caused interruptions in the service provider’s network performance. While purportedly using the unrelated 2.4GHz frequency band, these devices which include AV wireless transmitters and receivers, TV Boxes, Miracast dongles, Wireless CCTV and many more are actually using the 2.3GHz frequency band by default. This creates frequency interference into the service provider’s network, causing more drops in speeds, connectivity and reliability to Internet users, effectively killing your surfing experience.
Devices like Wireless AV transmitters use the 2.3GHz band by default interfere with the WiMax signal from P1 base stations
As we become a more connected and developed nation, people are taking advantage of technology to simplify things. For example, AV wireless transmitters and receivers are often used by home owners to transmit a TV signal from ASTRO to a TV in another room without having to do any messy cabling. Unfortunately, one of the main reasons these 2.4GHz devices are interfering with the regulated 2.3GHz frequency band could be that in the country they were manufactured, this frequency band range isn't occupied by any known ISP which is why they are set to that range by default. The number of AV wireless transmitter and receivers is rapidly growing as restaurant owners are now using them to provide a TV signal to open air projectors, so while you enjoy a late night goal with your teh tarik drinking buddies, you're actually killing someone's surfing experience.
While wireless receivers make it easier to watch TV in your home they could also be interfering with your WiMax signal
This wouldn't be so bad if it was just your own wireless devices and your home Internet service clashing over the same frequency band, however it is currently breaking the law to do so to other people's WiMAX Internet connection, which is what you are doing with your set-to-default wireless devices. Under CMA 1998, the fine for this can be up to RM500000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both. It is actually very simple for the regulator, MCMC to detect this frequency interference and have enforcement officers come knocking on your door.
SKMM can easily detect frequency interference and come knocking on your door
In such situations, the enforcement officers will first issue a warning and ask you to turn off your interfering wireless device but this can escalate to a search warrant and confiscation of the device if you choose to ignore the warning. While it may be simple to just turn off your AV wireless transmitter and receiver, some wireless devices like Wireless CCTVs are rather expensive and the alternative to connect said devices through other means is usually even more expensive. To avoid such consequences, it is crucial that you ask the device seller to check on the default frequency that has been set on the device.
Most AV Wireless transmitters and receivers are using the frequency interfering 2.3GHz band by default
One other option is to retune your interfering device to the 2.4GHz frequency band it was supposed to be using in the first place, allowing you to keep using your devices without them illegally killing someone’s Internet connection. Granted, retuning seems like the obvious solution, but MCMC officers aren't required to do that for you, so stay tuned as we'll be covering more about this in our next articles on interference frequency and your Internet experience.
COMMENTS