I'm guessing Astro will likely be seeking compensation from the ongoing court case, including demanding that ex-staff to pay all the revenue losses from the 743 accounts that she converted to, multiply by number of months that the 743 customers have been enjoying Astro for free.
Or maybe more than that, I'm not sure...
Well, I only heard before Astro residential account and business account (typically used in restaurants, hotels, etc.)
But for "corporate account", I only got to know that there is such thing from the news saying that it allows access to all channels for free.
So I'm guessing, either they have a special package that costs RM0 per month, or their system won't issue any bill if it's a corporate account, yet it grants access to all TV channels?

Either way, it seems like their definition of "corporate account" is meant for special purposes only, and not for general public, yet that ex-staff appears to be exploiting it for the benefit of the 743 customers?
That ex-staff even pleaded not guilty for all the charges, so maybe there's another side of the story?

This post has been edited by joshhd: Jun 5 2025, 10:07 PM

Be like me, use Satellite so you won't see this message
...unless if you use their Internet-required services like On Demand, Play from Start, Live Pause or watch your recordings via My Library, then it's a different story.

If given a choice, would you want to watch Astro via satellite dish, rather than Plug & Play?

Boy96 Are you still on Movies Pack now? If yes, then Prime Video is already included in your subscription with no additional cost, just like you get to enjoy Disney+ Hotstar Basic and HBO Max Standard today.
Can share a screenshot here on how that message look like?

The free for 2 months one is meant for those non-Movies pack customers.

Then yeah, on top of Disney+ Hotstar and HBO Max, now you get Prime Video too...

Found anything interesting to watch there?

Yes. Remember the Switch to Continous Viewing feature where a message tells you to switch to streaming when your box has no satellite signal? This is considered best of both worlds already.



To enjoy this feature, your Astro account needs to be tagged as Satellite in their system, and your box operating mode needs to be in Satellite mode. And of course, your box needs to be connected to the Internet.

This feature isn't applicable for those who are on Plug & Play mode.

Why need to "switch off continuous viewing feature"? I don't quite get you, what you're trying to do here?
As long your Astro box is connected to the Internet and your box's operating mode is Satellite (means receive channels via satellite dish), then the Continuous Viewing message will prompt you automatically whenever there's no satellite signal (e.g. heavy rain).
When you press Switch Now, then your Astro box will start to load the channel via Internet, until you change to another channel (which it'll try to receive the channel via satellite again, just like normal).

As long there's satellite signal, then your Astro box will receive the channel via satellite dish as-is.

I hope that clears your doubt?
It is believed that either Astro ceases Eurosport channel because of low viewership (means too few people watches that channel on Astro; no point continue that channel) or somehow it is related to some business strategic decisions happening between Warner Bros. Discovery and Astro.

Which pack are you currently on, and how much is your monthly fee now?
If not sure, check your Astro bill, page number 3.

Generally, both Ulti and Ultra Box are considered "stable", but Ultra Box has a better hardware specs than Ulti Box (since Ultra Box supports 4K UHD resolution while Ulti Box is up to Full HD only), hence Ultra Box will be more responsive compared to Ulti Box, but that doesn't mean Ulti Box is terrible. It is still "usable" one.

From technical perspective, Ultra Box is suitable for those who is seeking a more "premium" experience, such as:
- Enjoy live sports like Premier League in 4K UHD, on Astro Sports UHD channel 805 (your subscription needs to have Sports)
- If you don't have Sports pack, you can enjoy documentary channel Love Nature in 4K UHD, on channel 549. This channel is available to all Astro customers.
- Launch Netflix app on Ultra Box, login to your existing account, and stream shows in 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos whenever available (Netflix Premium plan required)
- Stream selected On Demand content in 4K UHD quality (very limited content, so don't expect much from it)

I assume you don't subscribe to Sports pack (so no 4K sports for you), and your usage is mainly for your wife to watch TVB Jade channel (I'm guessing those HK primetime dramas at 8:30pm/9:30pm), and I believe you would stream Netflix on your devices instead, then Ulti Box is sufficient already.

Does your wife uses Astro GO to stream shows?
If she's familiar using it, then it shouldn't be an issue to interact the Ulti/Ultra Box because the interface is very similar.

I’m on the basic pack (RM70+) and I don’t qualify for the free ultra box upgrade
If that's the case, Ulti Box will be your default option. Installation/setup is free of charge.
If you opt for Plug & Play, then there'll be no contract.
However, if you opt for Satellite, there will be 12 months contract imposed on your Astro account.
If you don't intend to cancel Astro anytime soon, and you prioritises viewing reliability, I strongly suggest continue using Satellite.

If you insist wanting an Ultra Box & Satellite mode, then you might need to pay installation fee of up to RM149. You can double confirm this with customer service, as their installation fees matrix may revise from time to time.

Yeah, their free box swap campaign is still on.
HippyTony mentioned that his subscription is RM70+. Because his subscription fee is under RM100, so he's eligible for free Ulti Box and not Ultra Box.

Nevertheless, if you're willing to pay, they SHOULD be able to give u an Ultrabox. Not sure who said u can't get them.
For those who pay less than RM100 per month ones, still can get Ultra Box but you have to specifically request it and pay installation fee...
If the agent say "cannot" all the way, that means that agent is probably still sleeping.

No. Just because you subscribed to HBO Max apps addon, that doesn't makes you a Movies Pack customer.

I assume you're still on Premium Pack 2? If yes, then nope, that pack does not includes Movies.
Therefore, Prime Video won't be included in your subscription.

But you can still activate Prime Video 2 months free access before 23 June.
https://product.astro.com.my/apps/primevideo
The 2 months access starts from the day you activate, and it will auto cancel 2 months later, so don't worry, you won't be charged thereafter.
If you want to continue Prime Video after the 2 months period, you'll need to subscribe Prime Video manually.

My Ultra Box is now a hybrid, allowing me to choose between Satellite and plug-and-play options. The contract has been extended until June 10, 2027.
Before you tell Astro agent to change your account tagging from Plug & Play to Satellite, your house already have satellite dish that is previously installed, is it?

Did you go through all these steps? Or you went through somewhat different process than this?:
https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...#entry111492990

Astro installer did not come to your house to do any settings configuration whatsoever, correct?

I remember back then I used it once or twice to test it out on my PVR box. It feels like a fancy feature.
After testing it, I don't use it anymore.
I still prefer using physical remote control to interact the box.

They removed it probably because only few people using it regularly?

Ultra Box has HDMI-CEC function, where you can use TV remote control to control your Astro box.
Did you try using your TV remote control to navigate? Buttons such as pressing channel number, ch+/-, up down left right buttons?
It works for me though.

Anyone here tried this?

Prime Video in Malaysia only has 1 streaming plan, and it supports 4K Ultra HD streaming and Dolby Atmos.
It is the same plan even if you link your Amazon account with your Astro subscription. There's no "special treatment" there, same goes to the rest of the streaming apps you get from Astro.

However, if you stream Prime Video on the Ultra Box, it is up to Full HD streaming only.
If you want to stream in 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos, you have to use the Prime Video app on your own devices (e.g. smart TV or supported Android TV box/dongles), not through Ultra Box.
The technical limitation is due to the lousy OS within Ulti/Ultra Box.

Yes, both of us got the same info from a "reliable source". Here's a summary:

If you are on the previous or legacy Astro packs (means NOT the latest Astro One packs) and you're still using PVR box, you can now upgrade to Ulti Box (if monthly fee is lower than RM99.99) or Ultra Box (if monthly fee is RM100 and above) for FREE (means no installation fee), no contract, while remain existing package (regardless of old or new packs).

What makes it special for PVR box customers this time is,
- You have the freedom to decide whether to opt for Satellite or Plug & Play, and it will still be FREE and NO contract.
- If you're paying lesser than RM60/month (e.g. the old Family Pack RM39.95) are also eligible for a free box upgrade, where previously was ineligible.

Pack name/type	Your current Astro box:	You can swap your box to:	Satellite (Standard/Installer Assisted)	Plug & Play
Any legacy packs, monthly fee of RM99.99 and below	PVR Box	Ulti Box	Free + No contract	Free + No contract
Any legacy packs, monthly fee of RM100.00 and above	PVR Box	Ultra Box	Free + No contract	Free + No contract
Primary Pack, Entertainment Pack, Movies Pack	PVR Box	Ulti Box	Free + No contract	Free + No contract
Sports Pack and above (packs with RM99.99 and above)	PVR Box	Ultra Box	Free + No contract	Free + No contract
Multiroom	PVR Box	Ulti Box	Free + No contract	Free + No contract

Reminder: This special treatment above is only meant for PVR box users.
Also known as HD PVR or DMT5, it is the one that can record 2 TV channels at the same time, and also commonly known to have 2 satellite cables (Dual Universal LNB) connect to the Astro PVR box.

Still using Astro HD Box?
Also known as Zapper box, DMT4, or the old "B.yond HD box" branding.

If you are not a PVR box user (means you are using HD box), then the same business rule still apply as per existing box swap campaign.

Pack name/type	Your current Astro box:	You can swap your box to:	Satellite (Standard/Installer Assisted)	Plug & Play
Any legacy packs, monthly fee of RM60.00-99.99	HD Box	Ulti Box	Free + 12 months contract	Free + No contract
Any legacy packs, monthly fee of RM100.00 and above	HD Box	Ultra Box	Free + No contract	Free + No contract
Primary Pack, Entertainment Pack, Movies Pack	HD Box	Ulti Box	Free + 12 months contract	Free + No contract
Sports Pack and above (packs with RM99.99 and above)	HD Box	Ultra Box	Free + No contract	Free + No contract
Multiroom	HD Box	Ulti Box	Free + 12 months contract	Free + No contract

If the default upgrade box option you're getting is Ulti Box but you insist wanting an Ultra Box, then you shall be chargeable with an installation fee and shall come with a 24-month contract, which is not within this free box swap campaign.

You can upgrade your box via the My Astro app. Do note that the default “Your installation method” selection there will be ‘Plug & Play’.
If you want to continue using a satellite dish to receive Astro channels on your new Ulti/Ultra Box, remember to choose the ‘Standard’ option.
Alternatively, if you're contacting customer service, remember to specifically mention that you want it to be in Satellite. If you don't mention that, then you'll get Plug & Play instead.

What's the reason you want to terminate?
Want to terminate for good, or you're expecting some retention offer from them?

Or talk to their chatbot also can.

Then call customer service tell them you want to terminate, then see what they say.

Try clear NVRAM first
https://support.astro.com.my/question/refre...-ultra-ulti-box

If issue persists, contact customer service and ask them to get a technician to come over and check. From there, they'll likely just swap new box for you.
Their new Ultra boxes are working fine, so no need to worry too much there. If it's problematic, you would have see us complaining here

Ultra Box is covered with manufacturer warranty for 2 years (if not mistaken), and it starts from the day you firstly use the Ultra Box.
After the 2 years, any technical issues arises will be under after sales support, not under manufacturer warranty.
If your Astro subscription has ongoing contract, then after sales support services like satellite signal issue or box replacement, should be FOC.

But for retention discount.... Hmm I don't think it's counted?
What pack are you currently on, and what's the retention offer that you've accepted earlier on?

I see... Then try the clear NVRAM method first.
If issue persists, contact customer service.

Woman charged with 743 counts of database tampering to undergo psychiatric evaluation
https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/20...rgo-psychiatric
Errrr... I have no idea what's the full story behind that lady, so... No comment...