Azlan Othman

The launching of new products and service packages by Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST) and Imagine Sdn Bhd provides better choices for customers.

Customers while congratulating telco companies also welcomed the move which offers better pricing and deals while creating a healthy competition.

The public was made aware of the benefits before the launch on Friday.

“Everyone kept saying, we want cheap and unlimited data and at what speed. We are living in a world where the demand in data streaming is high. I was surprised that my local data bundle increased and topped-up automatically the day it was launched on Friday. If I knew, I would not have added-on my data bundle earlier,” said Yanti.

Netizens flooded the social media with mixed response. “Gone are the days where the services are unstable and consumers pay high prices,” said a netizen.

Progresif in a newspaper advertisement stated they will unveil their new products and services in February.

Following the announcement and formation of Unified National Networks (UNN) recently, there has been much anticipation of what is to come for consumers.

CEO of DST Radin Sufri bin Radin Basiuni at the launching last Friday said DST’s key company objective has always been to serve the communities in the Sultanate.

Having this as DST’s guiding commitment, DST has materialised and transformed its long serving products both as new or much duly improved and worth the wait for its customers. Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Sdn Bhd Suzannawati binti Haji Suharju at a press conference on Thursday, prior to the launching, said, “With customers in mind, we provide better value and service and the part and parcel of these plans is simplicity. It is consumer-centred.”

She added that packages for both broadband and postpaid mobile were created as a result of public feedback. Another new product offered by Telco providers and the first in the Sultanate is mobile number portability.

The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) said the introduction of number portability is in line with AITI’s key functions to promote a fair and efficient market conduct and effective competition to provide greater consumer choice and flexibility in subscription plans.

To ensure a seamless transition and experience for consumers, the number portability pilot has been undergoing intense testing by UNN and the service providers. The pilot project will begin with limited capacity and full implementation is expected over the coming months.

Meanwhile, Progresif in a recent press statement also informed that customers who wish to switch their mobile or fixed line service to Progresif from an alternative carrier will be able to keep their telephone numbers. They stated that the issue of number portability has long been a frustrating hindrance for customers who want to change telephone carriers.

“Many customers have explained that the main setback of switching to a new provider is the hassle of having to reach out to family, friends, clients and other contacts to inform them of the change,” it said.