HSBB, or so called High Speed Broad Band is an internet service provided (not yet) TM Net. HSBB works under fibre optic cable, unlike normal landline internet services which utilised copper based wiring. With the launch of HSBB later, Malaysian should be able to have new surfing experience with faster connections and lag-free streaming.

I would like to share some of the information I managed to collect during my frequent visits to TM Point. Read more.

When

According to the source person, a TM Point manager, the service shall start running in April 2010. Currently, they are conducting their trial run on selected houses, which were given 20Mbps bandwidth, without capped. Theoretically, this fibre optic broadband can support up to 1Gbps data transfer. OMG.

Cost

Roughly, there is still no final word on how much they will charge for the services, however you can expect the price will be around RM200 and plus. This system need two special designed tools : Light data converter and Data Modem. These tools are roughly priced at RM500 and plus. But, pray that they will loan them to you at some small cost.

Packages

They said the maximum bandwidth will be 20Mbps, however there is no word on how they will divide the bandwidth into small packages.

How It Works

1. Service Coverage
   They will do some check up on the availability of the service located at your address.
2. Drilling and Wiring
   They will need to do a little drilling to setup the fibre optic cable into your house. Before this procedure starts, they will consult you first.
3. Decoding
   Connecting the fibre optic cable to its special decoder. This box will decode the transmitted light into electrical data.
4. Modem
   Then, from the light decoder box, they will connect it to the modem. This modem is equipped with WiFi and it is a special made by TM, and not available at any other store. Reminder, this is a special modem and any other common modem sold by IT store will not be compatible with the system. Sorry guys.
5. The Internet
   From the modem, then you can connect you computer to the internet, and view your IP-TV (need a special tool, not released yet).

To see them in diagram,

In summary, the HSBB service will start rolling soon enough but will start with Klang Valley, and soon towards other places. From their calendar, Sabah and Sarawak are not listed for 2o10 release. Again, sorry to hear about that. So far, Shah Alam (40000) is fully supported, and its residents should be able to subscribe to this package as soon as the service is commercialised.