Astro subsribers take down yer pants, the second richest man in Malaysia , owner of maxis and astro is gonna screw u

as taken from http://www.jeffooi.com/archives/2004/08/astro_subscribe_1.php :

As new payTV operator MiTV is feverishly trying to launch its service
in December, Astro is conspiring to lock-in its current subscribers
like fish-in-the-net without their realising it.

As it is, Astro is sending out notices to tell subscribers that they
should be receiving a "new improved security smart card", during the
1st week of September.

The existing card will not work after Sep 30, 2004. Take it or leave it!

Now, there is a catch. Coming with this new card is a Astro Subscriber
agreement.

If you go to Astro website, you should know that, by accepting the new
card and activating it, you are tied to Astro for another 12 months
thereafter!

If you decide to stop the service from Astro after the activation of
the "new" card, you can be charged an "agreed fee" of RM500! (see
screenshot below)

Some subscribers have used Astro for more than 12 months - some years
- now comes the next 12-month force-stay period after the activaiton
of the "new" card.