KUCHING: The recent unveiling of YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL Comms) two new Yes devices – the Samsung Buzz mobile phone and the Zoom router as well as two new prepaid packages branded as ‘Valuepacks’ received lukewarm responses.
LATEST MOBILE PHONE: Samsung Buzz, 4G Cloud phone.
NEW DEVICE: The Zoom router.
According to a research report by RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd (RHB Research), the Samsung Buzz were less than favourable due to smaller-than-average screen size, lack of applications, keypad being too small and a not-so-friendly user interface.
Despite the competitive rates offered by the Valuepacks, the users faced mobility issues with the scheme as they could only enjoy free voice minutes and short message service (SMS) via the use of Samsung Buzz.
Otherwise, users would have to log in using a Yes ID to a non-handset device such as desktop or laptop to utilise the freebies which posed mobile inconvenience.
Following the lacklustre response the research firm pointed out that parent company YTL Power International Bhd’s (YTL Power) high future dividend payouts were in doubt with its lower than expected second interim single tier dividend per share of 1.88 sen.
Also on the cards was the planned launch of Android smartphones in June given their growing popularity among consumers.
Based on customer intelligence firm Market Force Information’s research, 34 per cent among consumers preferred Android, 21 per cent preferred the iPhone and 12 per cent preferenced Blackberry.
The introduction of Android smartphones with appealing designs, clean interface and a host of features, should help to boost YTL Comms’ appeal in a highly saturated mobile market, concluded RHB Research. It pegged YTL Power at a target price of RM2.57 per share.