Astro is desperate nowadays....
Not "nowadays". Astro has been desperate since decades ago.

They did big mistake with the new astro one package offering
Why do you think it is a mistake when they want to simplify their offerings?

ARPU really going down... Cannot relays on ads $$$ too...
Ad spends by advertisers is also dropping since quite some time already, as many advertisers would rather put their ads on digital platforms like social media and YouTube ads, where there's more eyeball and able to track engagement better.
But Astro also their other digital platform websites like Gempak or Stadium Astro, which they're also putting ads on it, hence another revenue for them, but I don't think it is still as significant as pay TV subscription revenue.

On top of ads, I'm sure they're also relying on Astro Fibre sign ups to push their ARPU higher.

Seriously, I don't think the "sudden charge of paper bill" is intentional. It could be an isolated incident and it really seems like their system bug to me, which is still a bad thing, as it appears that they didn't do proper checks when doing some backend deployments.

Sounds like a DMT5 model to me.
Meaning, now when you try to boot your PVR box, the front panel there just shows "BOOT" and then keep repeating, is it?

Try refresh NVRAM method to see if it solves the issue:
https://support.astro.com.my/question/refre...-hd-enabled-box

If still doesn't work, the next thing I would suspect, would be a faulty power adapter...
Is your Multiroom's box also using the same model of PVR box as your main box? If yes, try swap the power adapter and see if issue persists.
Or if you have friend or relative who is using the same PVR box model as yours, try borrow their power adapter and see if issue persists.

If all fails, then yeah, probably some chip in your PVR box is dead.

Is this Astro's way of getting me to change to Ulti box?
Nothing got to do with that. Don't need to think until that far.

PVR box can still work even when the hard disk is faulty, or even removed.
It's just that you won't be able to record/view recordings and download On Demand content (which is to be discontinued on Dec 2025).
You can still watch Astro as usual. It won't cause entire PVR box to fail entirely.
Some repair electronic shops may know how to repair Astro box, but that would be outside Astro's jurisdiction.
You can give it a try if you know where to find.

From Astro's perspective, they are offering FREE Ulti/Ultra Box upgrade, and a guaranteed NO CONTRACT option to all PVR box users (provided if you remain at whatever package you're on now).
Plus, the On Demand service for PVR box will be discontinued by 31 Dec 2025, so I see that they've been actively encouraging customers to upgrade, especially those who actively using the On Demand service on PVR box.
But do note that upon upgrading the box, by default, they will tag your Astro account under Plug & Play mode.
If you want to continue watching Astro via satellite reception, you must specifically mention to the agent that you want Satellite.

On Demand service will stop working from Jan 2026 onwards.
If you don't mind losing access to the On Demand service, then should be fine.
You can still continue watching Astro with PVR box. Core functions like recording all those, will still work as usual.

In other words, from Jan 2026 onwards, whether your PVR box connects to the Internet or not, it gives no benefit anymore.

What kind of content that made you love watching CGTN Documentary so much?

Ohhh... Nope, never see that before, but thanks for sharing
I find that it's a good reminder, cuz I believe there are customers who is genuinely forget to pay by due date.

Btw how do you trigger it to appear? Are you able to dismiss that message?