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The whole Internet community goes hoo haa when Streamyx announce the free upgrade promotion for existing subscriber. Some of them are frustrated because they have just signed up and would not be eligible as they are still bound to their existing contract, and one of those disgruntled customers include me.
As I am using Streamyx Combo package, getting the Internet speed of 1Mbps, (and I have just recently upgraded making me not eligible for the super upgrade promotion), effectively it means I am paying an additional RM15 each month compared to those who opted for this upgrade (RM110 - 95). Shouldn't have upgraded earlier, right?
But after thinking for a while, I realized that maybe there is a catch behind this promotion. By opting for the 'super upgrade', it would tie you to a 24 months contract, hence Streamyx could be sure of their future cash flow in the next 24 months.
I believe that in 4 months time, the 'super upgrade price' will be extended to all customers.
Think of it this way, TM could be planning to upgrade our Internet speed, perhaps due to Government's pressure (or pressure from it's 'Potong' rival) but imagine if Streamyx were to announce today that all packages price will be reduced, that will mean a major loss of revenue if you consider the millions of subscribers that Streamyx has.
So TM could have decided that they 'secure' the cash flow by giving you the 'free upgrade' for the first 4 months, and paying a minimal RM5/10 for the upgrade package forever.
Why 4 months? Because I believe by the 4th month, the 'super upgrade' price could be extended to all subscribers. If they were to do, they only have 2 options.
1) Existing subscribers 'forced' to upgrade by paying that RM5/10 to the newer package (like how Astro always raises its price).
2) Reduce the price that existing customer is paying instead of offering them an upgraded package at a higher price as per Option 1 above. Again as this option would result in TM losing a very substantial cash flows instantly, option 1 seems to be what could be happening in the next 4 months.
So to upgrade or not to upgrade? If you upgrade, you could be bonded to pay the 'upgraded' price by the time the price of your existing package is reduced in the next 4 months.
What I deduce above, is just what I think, it may not be true, and I do not have any sources, and of course, as a disclaimer, I do not represent TM, it's just what I feel.
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