VOIP vs Telekom Smart Call

What is Telekom Malaysia Smart Call ?

TM Smart Call is not a new technology or product. It is a reduced rate offer from Telekom Malaysia affecting STD and International call rates and calls to mobile telephones that are made from TM's existing fixed line telephones. For example, calls to mobile phones within Malaysia are charged at 19 sen per minute, while outstation calls to fixed telephones within Malaysia are charged at 18 sen per minute, with no hidden charges, such as local call charges, that you pay when you use VOIP.

These reduced call rates are offered to existing TM fixed line customers who are currently making their long distance calls (national and international) through any other discounted call service provider, notably VOIP.

What is VOIP ?

How do you currently make your long distance phone calls? If you pick up your phone, hear the TM fixed line dialing tone, and then you dial the number that you want, then you are not a VOIP user. You are using the normal TM fixed line for making your long distance calls, and TM Smart Call is not for you.

On the other hand, if you first dial a 1-800 number, or if your telephone system is fitted with an autodialer, or if you first dial a "call centre" number before dialing the number that you want to connect to, or if your telephone system is connected to your Internet connection, then you are using VOIP, and TM Smart Call is for you.

How are VOIP calls charged ?

Our focus here is the normal VOIP service that uses the TM local call service to connect to the VOIP call centre. This call is charged in your TM bill at a rate of 8 sen for the first 2 minutes or less and 4 sen per minute for each additional minute or less. If you use a 1-800 number to connect to the "call centre", then you are likely to be using a lower quality - and cheaper - VOIP service, but it may still be worth while to compare the quality and price of Smart Call as an alternative.

After connecting to the VOIP call centre, you then dial the telephone number that you wish to call. This call is charged for by your VOIP service provider at their own rates.

The following diagram describes how VOIP calls are made and charged:

Charges: VOIP versus TM Smart Call

1. Long distance Fixed Line to Fixed Line within Malaysia:

The TM Smart Call rate for calls to fixed line telephones within Malaysia can be as low as 12 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 10 seconds each. In other words, the actual Smart Call charge for domestic calls can be a low 2 sen for every 10 seconds.

Let us assume, for this example, that the VOIP charge is at 9 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 20 seconds each, or 3 sen every 20 seconds. For VOIP, there is also a hidden charge for local calls, at 8 sen for the first 2 minutes or part thereof, and 4 sen per subsequent minute or part thereof.

The call charges then would be as follows:

2. Fixed Line to Mobile Phones within Malaysia

The Telekom Malaysia SmartCall rate for calls to mobile telephones within Malaysia is 12 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 20 seconds each, or 4 sen for every 20 seconds.

Let us assume, for this example, that the VOIP charge to mobile phones is at 9 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 20 seconds each, or 3 sen every 20 seconds.

The call charges then would be as follows:

3. International Calls

The Telekom SmartCall's International call rates vary by country. We shall be happy to share the rates with you if you so desire.

For more information on Smart Call, please contact us at tel. 03-5637 1664 or fill in this form and we will contact you at your convenience.