A wave of change… Maxis iPhone 3G more affordable…

I heard a few weeks back from trusted sources that maxis was working on a new plan to iron out some ‘hiccups’ in their existing iValue plans that were great for some new Maxis postpaid users but not so for heavy Maxis users that have Value Plus plans and supplementary lines. If you’ve been reading my blog, you would’ve seen my MASSIVE post on how upset I was…

The ‘miracle’
Honestly, I’ve been itching for an iPhone ever since the 2G version was launch – and even more when the 3G was launched and EVEN EVEN more when it was officially launched by Maxis. I’ve been uneasy… constantly thinking of ways to get it cheaper… this was increasingly so in the past couple of days… and then this arrived while I was checking out Maxis’ site for a ‘miracle’…

Something called iData plans… apparently it was launched just today… only e-mails were circulated… not many of the Maxis consultants I called up knew about it… for Maxis standards, it seemed like a largely ‘unknown’ plan…

How does it affect you?
Firstly, if you’re like me, a heavy Maxis customer with 2 supplementary lines with the primary signed up with one of their Value plus plans – you would’ve been enjoying FREE sms, video calls, mms, voice calls.

The iValue Plan
In the past, if you went for the iValue plan 2 (based on latest prices) where you pay RM 155 per month with a 24 month contract, you’d be paying RM 2,160 upfront for the 16GB iPhone 3G. With that plan, you’ll get 1GB of free data.

If you were to ‘upgrade’ to any iValue plan, you immediately LOSE all family plan privileges…

• no more free calls to family members
• no more free sms to family members
• no more free video calls to family members
• no more free mms to family members

The iData plan a.k.a MIRACLE
With the iData plan, all you’re required to do is tag on another RM 99 to your existing line. So if you’ve been using Value 50, Value 80, Value 150 etc. – just add another 99 ringgit for UNLIMITED DATA (fair usage of 3GB) and commit to that data package for a period of 12-24 months and you get your iPhone at a lower, more affordable price… For example :

• 24 months contract – 16GB iPhone 3G – RM  2,100

Best part of the iData plan?

• You keep your Value plan privileges
• All free calls, sms, mms, video calls to your family members will remain
• You essentially pay less!
• It’s way more flexible… you can have the cheapest Maxis Value Plus Plan of RM 50 and still get an iPhone 3G!

In fact, Maxis has even opened up purchases of iPhone 3G to Maxis Prepaid customers! More information on new plans here.

I’m happy. I’m pleased to announce that I own an iPhone 3G from Maxis.

Maxis, welcome back.