My guess is, when there's sports ad-hoc channels, they'd only configure it to Sports Pack customers, but didn't thought or forgotten about Liga Malaysia (soon will become Sports Special?) subscribers...

This post has been edited by joshhd: May 6 2024, 01:09 AM

As long you missed your due date once, then it will start to affect your credit score already, just like how you would forgot to clear your credit card statement's outstanding amount by the due date. If you missed the due date more than 2 months, that one even no need to say.
Actually, this is not just Astro. Even your mobile telco's postpaid plans is the same too. This isn't something new also, and it has been like that for a very long time already.

https://ctoscredit.com.my/personal/5-mistak...dit-score-fast/

Anything that shows that you have a bad payment record on any service, shall affect your credit score.
So be a good payer, just pay it before the due date whenever it comes to any bills, then you shouldn't worry too much about affecting your credit score.
If you scared forget to pay, then sign up for auto debit as the payment method for your bill.
If you have serious cash flow problem, then you need to relook into your expenses already.

Yes it is possible.
Primary Pack RM59.99 + News & Documentaries RM14.99

No, as long you intend to switch from your legacy pack to Primary Pack, it cannot be done via self-serve platforms like My Astro or CH200.
If you're wondering why... Well, it's pretty obvious, isn't it? You intend to pay lesser to Astro, which they will lose revenue from you, so of course they won't make it easy for customer to do it.

Try send email to wecare@astro.com.my and ask them to switch your existing legacy pack to Primary Pack with News & Documentary for you.
Since you're switching from legacy to new pack, maybe they may allow it? Do let us know on the outcome...

Otherwise, just call customer service (03-95433838) and ask the agent to do it for you.

And yes, the offer you see on Astro website (30% off) is only for new customers only. Existing customers are not eligible at all.

Hah?
I don't see this information on Astro website.. Can share with us on where you get this info from?

- Deleted -

This post has been edited by joshhd: May 10 2024, 02:46 AM

Starting 1 May 2024, Astro’s pack contract auto-renewal rule has been discontinued
After digging information here and there, according to persons familiar with the matter, it seems that Astro has decided to discontinue the contract auto-renewal rule to those who subscribe to any of the new Astro packs, effective 1st May 2024.

Meaning, you subscribe to the new Astro packs, it comes with 24 month contract, and then from 25th month onwards, you will no longer have a contract. No more “contract auto renewal”.
The same rule applies to every Astro customers and packs, including Astro Fibre customers, especially those who bundle broadband and TV subscriptions in a single bill.

Contract auto-renewal? What’s that?
Just to give a brief context to those who are unaware... Since Astro introduced new packs back in 9 Nov 2021, that is where the contract auto renewal rule was introduced, and it is known to be the very first in Malaysia.
How it works is, when you subscribe to the new Astro pack on a 24 month contract, it will automatically renew/extend for another 24 months upon expiration, without requiring any action from you, and this will repeat everytime your contract expires.
It is as if like, once you are on the new Astro packs, your Astro subscription will always be in contract until you die.
Now almost 4 years since the inception of their contract auto-renewal rule, it seems that Astro has decided to finally press the stop button.

Astro's Subscription T&C (Clause 4) has been quietly revised too...
Previously, Astro's Subscription T&C did mention about contract auto renewal (Clause 4, section 4.2, to be exact).
Today, that section has been removed, and section 4.4 was brought up to 4.3.

BEFORE

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20240118152717/...tro-subscribers

AFTER

Source: https://www.astro.com.my/general-terms-and-...tro-subscribers

So what's next? Tell me more…
Since they’ve stopped the contract auto-renewal rule from 1st May 2024, you might have some questions. Here are some scenarios that should help answering them:

Scenario 1: The 24 month contract of your Premium Pack 2 was supposed to auto renew on 2 June 2024
Result: Congrats. Your contract will end on 2 June 2024 as-is. It will not be auto-renewed, and you will continue to enjoy the same 24 month contract price of your Premium Pack 2 (RM149.99) thereafter.

Scenario 2: The 24 month contract of your Premium Pack 2 was supposed to auto renew on 30 April 2024
Result: I pity you very much. Since your 24 month contract has already been auto renewed (as how it works previously), so you would have to continue your newly renewed 24 month contract until 30 April 2026.
But after that date, it will not be auto renewed, and you will continue to enjoy the same 24 month contract price of your Premium Pack 2 (RM149.99) thereafter.

Scenario 3: You just subscribed to Astro, or just switched to the new Astro pack (24 months contract) on 9 May 2024
Result: Your contract shall end on 9 May 2026, and that’s it. It will not be auto renewed, and you will continue enjoy the same 24 month contract price thereafter.

Scenario 4: You opted for 12 months contract when subscribing to Entertainment Pack on 9 May 2023
Result: Your contract shall end on 9 May 2024, and that’s it. It will not be auto renewed, and you will continue paying the same 12 month contract price thereafter.

Scenario 5: You opted for 0 months contract when subscribing to Entertainment Pack quite some time ago.
Result: Nothing will happen to you. You will continue paying your slightly pricey 0 month contract price. But you can opt for 24 months contract option to enjoy a lower monthly fee whenever you want.
The treatment will be the same as whoever subscribes to the 24 month contract plan, which is you'll need to complete the 24 months contract ONCE, and that’s it.

***Note:

• Astro won't notify you (be it SMS or email) when your ongoing contract period is about to end (or ended) for obvious reasons.
• When you are no longer in contract, and if you upgrade or downgrade to other pack, then the 24 months contract shall restart.

But some existing Sports Pack and Premium Pack 1 customers may experience a price hike of either RM10 or RM5…?
Long story short, if you are on 24 months contract of either Sports Pack or Premium Pack 1 and you’re paying the old price of RM89.99 or RM124.99 respectively (if not sure, check your Astro bill), then from 1st May 2024 onwards, your Sports/Premium Pack 1 price will be standardised to the current price of RM99.99 or RM129.99 respectively.

Here’s the long story. For 24 month contract, the Sports Pack RM89.99 and Premium Pack 1 RM124.99 is actually the old price.
Since 9 Feb 2023, Astro has increased the price for the 2 packs by RM10 and RM5 respectively, and that decision happened at the same time during Liga Malaysia launch.
But not everyone will get the price hike at the same time… Only those where their 12/24 months contract of their Sports/Premium Pack 1 is being auto-renewed, will experience the price hike instead (start to pay the current price).

Sports Pack (Price hike of +RM10)

Contract period	Before 9 Feb 2023	From 9 Feb 2023
0 month	RM104.99	RM114.99
12 months	RM94.99	RM104.99
24 months	RM89.99	RM99.99

Premium Pack 1 (Price hike of +RM5)

Contract period	Before 9 Feb 2023	From 9 Feb 2023
0 month	RM149.99	RM154.99
12 months	RM134.99	RM139.99
24 months	RM124.99	RM129.99

But from 1st May 2024, Astro don’t care anymore (too complicated to maintain?) regardless of your contract end date, now every Sports Pack and Premium Pack 1 customer will be paying the current price, which standardises everyone, and that RM10/RM5 hike will happen "automatically".
For those who already been paying the current price for Sports/Premium Pack 1 (e.g. RM99.99 and RM129.99 for 24 mths contract), will not be affected. Here’s a full context on what happened back then https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry106573625

Is this discontinuation of contract auto-renewal, permanent?
This time, Astro neither uses the term “until further notice”, nor “permanent”. Instead, I’ve been told that they use the term “temporary discontinuation of auto-renewal”.
But to me, “temporary” could also last for years or even decades.
So, regardless of whatever fancy words they use, at the end of the day, their Subscription T&C (Clause 6) already stated that they have the right to make changes to whatever business rule at any point in time, so this clause alone can override everything.
Therefore, honestly speaking, the outcome makes no difference to me.

In my opinion, even if the worse case scenario would to happen someday where they miserably resumes the contract auto-renewal rule, I guess it would likely affect new sign ups and whoever that subscribe to the new packs during that time onwards. So I wouldn't worry that much anyway. So just enjoy it as long as it lasts.

Why Astro stops the contract auto-renewal rule now?
According to persons familiar with the matter, it seems to suggest that Astro's new packs isn't performing as what they expected, especially when it comes to its pricing (compared to legacy packs) and their draconian business rules of how they treat customers today, especially those who are on legacy packs.
Nowadays, they have been giving some leeway to existing legacy pack customers, like able to subscribe to add-ons (Kids, Variety, Korean,...).

Conclusion
Since contract auto-renewal rule are no longer in picture now, situations where customers forget about the contract auto-renewal and forced to remain on the service that they don't intend to continue, should be over.
Customers shall regain more control over their subscription choices now, where this might encourage customers to subscribe to some extent...
I have to say, this is indeed a great win to the customer :thumbsup:

R.I.P
Astro Contract Auto-Renewal
9 Nov 2021 - 1 May 2024
Wish you rest in peace and remain dead.

This post has been edited by joshhd: May 10 2024, 03:53 PM

Opps... Yeah, it's section 4.2, not 4.3. Thanks for the correction.

You can actually check on My Astro whether you have ongoing contract or not. Not necessarily must wait for the bill.

If you are bundled under Maxis, then it is called Astro & Broadband (Maxis) . Astro Fibre is using own network, and doesn't rely on Maxis Fibre.

Yes correct.

They can amend whatever business rules they want, so as long you continue your Astro subscription, you are deemed to be agree on it. If you're not happy with whatever rule, then you should terminate their service as per Clause 8 of their Subscription T&C.
In other words, their Subscription T&C is like telling you, nobody is pointing a gun at you to subscribe Astro, so if not happy, just leave.

Depending on situation, if they see that the customer will potentially dispute further and escalate this to MCMC or even tribunal court, Astro will find ways to "calm you down" one. One of the example is, allow you to downgrade/terminate and waive the penalty fees (if have), which usually subject to higher management's approval.

They'd expect that once they waive the penalty fees FOR YOU, then this case will close.
So yeah, they rather solve it on a case by case basis, rather than the root problem.
When other customers faces same situation as you, this cycle would repeat. Yeah, by then it won't be your problem anymore, but the problem will still continue happen to others.

And if government asks Astro why like this why like that, Astro can just say "Oh, we've already managed the customer by waiving whatever penalty fees", and then case close.
So, mandate? What mandate?

Revenue is their utmost priority.

Is there a valid reason to have a waiver for penalty? What would it be?

But I found this instead:

https://support.astro.com.my/question/what-...-to-astro-fibre

So now the difference is, Astro won't contact you prior expiry of your contract for better offer?

I start to doubt the credibility of information being shown on Astro's Help & Support website...

Now you see this:

https://support.astro.com.my/question/what-...-to-astro-fibre

=================================

And then, now you see something else:


https://support.astro.com.my/question/i-am-...fibre-offerings


https://support.astro.com.my/question/i-am-...undle-offerings


https://support.astro.com.my/question/i-am-...ith-astro-fibre

It appears that they don't properly update all their FAQ pages, especially their Broadband related topic, making the information shown there to be inconsistent and contradicting.
Also, I don't see any detailed FAQs related to the discontinuation of contract auto-renewal. So they're planning to make this information to be exclusively known by internal staffs only?

Now you can subscribe to Sports add-on at RM42.99/month?

Source: Astro Malaysia Info Fans (Facebook group)

This one also another one... Launch something new without announcing anything?

Here are all the things you need to know about what happened to Chinese Favourites and all Chinese channels on Astro
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry109501354

Initially they say TVBAnywhere+ would still be available to only existing Chinese Favourites customers. However, some customers say they're still able to use it, but some say can't login at all anymore.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=109552105

Eventually they made a U-turn on TVBAnywhere+ :
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=109618850

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=109597053

Here are the ways to get TVBAnywhere+ right now
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=109627412

This post has been edited by joshhd: May 13 2024, 01:26 PM

Talking about contract, Astro has stopped contract auto renewal rule effective 1 May 2024.
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=109707353

So once your contract ends, which package do you plan to downgrade though?

Astro recently launched Sports add-on, where you get the same sports offerings from Sports Pack, but instead of a "pack" where you need to commit 24 months contract, this Sports add-on does not have a contract.
Sports add-on priced at +RM42.99/month, open to all legacy and new Astro packs customers, and available only for non-Sports Pack and non-Liga Malaysia* subscribers.

*The RM9.99 add-on of "Liga Malaysia" will be renamed as "Sports Special" from this month onwards, and will be reflected on the Astro bill to those who subscribed to this add-on.
All Chinese channels (CH300-335) have already opened up to all Astro customers, regardless of what race you are or which Astro pack you're currently on, you will be able to watch all Chinese channels regardless**

**Unless you're still on their legacy pack called 'Family Pack' or 'Chuen Min Pack (Chinese Family)' without the New Emperor add-on, then you still won't be able to watch CH333 (the only Chinese channel that has been 'left out').

Since you only want Sports and Netflix, you can consider downgrade your Platinum Pack (RM194.99/month) to Sports Plus Pack (RM129.99/month).
RM129.99/month is the cheapest Astro package that bundles with Netflix.

FYI, all Netflix bundles from Astro come with Netflix Standard (Full HD streaming, 2 concurrent screens)
If you want the Netflix Premium plan (4K UHD streaming, Dolby Atmos, and 4 concurrent screens), you can add another RM10 for the Netflix Premium Upgrade on top of your RM129.99.
That one is an add-on and doesn't tie with your 24 months contract, so you can remove that Netflix Premium Upgrade whenever you want.

You can refer to the April 2024 subscription rate card here:
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=109501353

This post has been edited by joshhd: May 13 2024, 09:59 PM

To avoid penalty, yes, you can downgrade to Sports Plus Pack once your contract ends.
And as expected, downgrade = you'll pay lesser to Astro = lesser revenue to Astro.
Therefore it can only be done through calling customer service, or walk-in to Astro Exclusive Partners https://support.astro.com.my/astro-near-me#exclusive-partner
Astro will not entertain pack downgrade requests via email, live chats, feedback form, etc.
Yes, it is a deliberate attempt by them, and it's been like this for many years already.

From RM194.99 to RM129.99, it's quite a lot actually.
Don't be surprised that they proposes some retention offer during the call, like if you stay on your <current pack name>, then you will get monthly rebate of <insert amount here> for <number of months> AND/OR free channel preview of <pack/addon name>, in exchange of additional <between 0 to 36 months> of retention offer contract.

So it's up to you to decide.

This post has been edited by joshhd: May 13 2024, 10:57 PM

So there's this upcoming local Malaysian Chinese drama series (Astro Originals), featuring 2 Hong Kong veteran actor/actress, and it is said to be another breakthrough for Malaysian Chinese series.

https://www.facebook.com/AstroMediaSolution...27456493374569/

And now Astro is starting to convince advertisers out there who is targeting this segment of audiences to take this opportunity to bombard more advertisements to customers.
Hmm, let's see

Astro be like: "Customer put a calendar reminder on the contract end date, so that customer won't forget to downgrade package (or terminate Astro). Aiyoo... We want all our customers to forget about their contract end date "
You look at the amount of ads you see throughout Astro channels (including the ones you see when streaming On Demand)... From there, you can make your own judgement whether the "economy is good or not". 🤷

As previously mentioned on https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...entry109501354:
cdspins Platinum Pack is one of the Astro packs that requires you to choose 1 free Asian Favourites. Just a refresher, 'Asian Favourites' selections are:

• Chinese Favourites (Already discontinued since 1 Apr 2024)
• Viu Premium
• Indian Favourites
• Indonesian Favourites

Because all Chinese channels that were used to be part of Dynasty and Chinese Favourites, have already moved to the base package (Primary Pack), which is why every Astro customers can watch Chinese channels now.
Since all Chinese channels have moved to the base package (Primary Pack), then there's nothing left on Chinese Favourites, correct? So how oh?

Okay. Let's assume that your Asian Favourites selection was already on Chinese Favourites, and what's going to happen is, it will be automatically switched to Viu Premium, because Viu is also one of their Asian Favourites selection, and logically, Viu is the closest alternative to Chinese Favourites.
Takkan la you expect them to automatically switch to Indian or Indonesian Favourites for you, right?
That is why you get free Viu Premium right now, not because it is "free for Platinum Pack customers".
Astro tells you that you have free access to Viu Premium now, is because they don't want to directly tell you what happened to their Chinese Favourites (it'll be a long story to explain), and also to make you feel good that they're giving you free stuff "as a loyal subscriber". This is called strategy

As for the free TVBAnywhere+, Astro no longer offer that anymore. That free offering is gone already. So if you want TVBAnywhere+ right now, then get it elsewhere and subscribe it from there.

I know some of you here, like pokemon still able to access it, so enjoy it while you can.
As previously mentioned, that free access is only their temporary solution, and it will be gone in another few months.
Like it or not, still have to move on sooner or later.