TM Smart Call vs VOIP, Malaysia

What is Telekom Malaysia Smart Call ?

TM Smart Call is not a new technology or product. It is a cheap call rate offer from Telekom Malaysia. It enables you to make cheap international calls from Malaysia as well as cheap domestic and mobile calls within Malaysia. International calls, calls to mobile phones within Malaysia and outstation calls to fixed telephones within Malaysia are charged at lower than the standard rates, with no hidden charges, such as local call charges, that you pay when you use VOIP in Malaysia.

These cheaper 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 their 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 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 vary depending on specific circumstances. For the purpose of this example, let us assume that the rate is 15 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 10 seconds each (note: actual rates may be higher or lower, depending on the specific circumstances).

Let us also assume that the VOIP charge is at 12 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 20 seconds each, or 4 sen every 20 seconds. 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 TM Smart Call rate for calls to mobile telephones within Malaysia can vary depending on specific circumstances. For the purpose of this example, let us assume that the rate is 15 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 20 seconds each (note: actual rates may be higher or lower, depending on the specific circumstances).

Let us also assume that the VOIP charge is at 12 sen per minute, broken down into blocks of 20 seconds each, or 4 sen every 20 seconds. 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:

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. 010-365 8513 or fill in this form and we will contact you at your convenience.