TELEKOM Malaysia (TM) has become more aggressive in its efforts to acquire more Unifi subscribers as evidenced by the free one-month subscription to new customers who sign up online and waiving RM200 worth of installation free.

In a research note today, ECM Libra said they see a proactive measure by TM to acquire more retail subscribers before competition in the fixed-broadband space steps up a notch with the imminent arrival of Maxis.

ECM Libra also said even TM has at least one-year head start over its competitors, they believe some potential new customers could be adopting a wait-and-see attitude before deciding whether to opt for TM's Unifi or Maxis' fixed broadband service.

"The lengthy 24-month lock-in period for Unifi customers might also discourage new customers from hastily signing up and locking themselves, especially since Maxis will be launching its service soon," it said.

"As TM's share price has achieved our target price of RM3.80, we downgrade our recommendation to 'hold' as we believe the current price has priced in the expectation of a special dividend in the fourth quarter financial year 2010.

"We recommend to investors to switch to Axiata which is our top pick in the telco sector as it is exhibiting higher earning growth while trading at undemanding valuation," it added. - BERNAMA