
A free satellite TV service from Astro. Watch lifetime entertainment, news, learning & information and more.
Pictures for illustration only.
Enjoy free access to 15+ TV channels & 10+ radio channels.
* Subject to Astro terms & conditions.
Step-1 |
Step-2 |
Step-3 |
Choose a plan & sign-up online. |
Sit back & wait for installation. |
Enjoy your new Astro / Broadband! |

A free satellite TV service from Astro. Watch lifetime entertainment, news, learning & information and more.
Pictures for illustration only.
New decoder only without satellite dish & cabling. You must have Astro/Njoi satellite dish and cable installed and working properly.
Including installation.
New decoder complete with satellite dish & cabling.
Including installation.
Applying for
| Njoi Astro UniFi Maxis |
Find your answers here.
We provide one stop service to apply Astro and Broadband for you.
You can avoid driving and queuing at the sales counter. We are the dealer that can help you to handle your application from the beginning to the end.
We do not charge you when you apply from us. There is no credit card information required to apply here. Charges are the same as you apply from the sales counter.
First, you can apply online, we will get back to you immediately during business hour. WhatsApp/Email/Fax us your Photocopy of IC (for malaysian) / Passport (for foreigners). When we receive all the information, we will proceed with your application immediately.
Once we receive your application with complete information, we will process your application immediately during business hour. The contractor from the service provider will then contact you for installation appointment once your application is approved.
Enjoy greater savings and hassle-free bill payment in one single bill for both Astro and Broadband. You get to enjoy Astro and Broadband at discounted price every month over the contract period of 24 months.
Astro offers multiple TV packs including Entertainment, Sports, Movies and Kids options. You can choose a pack that matches your viewing preferences and add optional streaming apps where available.
Yes, you may subscribe to Astro TV packs without bundling broadband. However, bundling Astro TV with Fibre Broadband may provide better monthly savings and convenience with a single bill.
For small households with light streaming and browsing, 100Mbps is usually sufficient. Larger families, gamers or heavy streamers may benefit from 500Mbps or 1Gbps plans for smoother performance across multiple devices.
Most Astro TV and Fibre broadband plans come with a 24-month contract. Early termination charges may apply if cancellation is made before the contract ends.
Yes, you may upgrade your TV pack or broadband speed at any time, subject to eligibility and coverage. A new contract period may apply depending on the upgrade.
Your monthly bill will be issued directly by Astro. You may receive it via email or access it through your Astro account. Bundled customers will receive a single combined bill for TV and broadband services.
Payment methods may include online banking, auto debit, credit card or other approved payment channels provided by Astro. Our team can guide you during the registration process.
If you experience any service interruption, you may contact Astro customer support for technical assistance. In many cases, issues can be resolved remotely or a technician will be arranged if necessary.
Yes, relocation is subject to service availability at your new address. Relocation charges and contract adjustments may apply depending on your plan.
No, you do not need a credit card to submit your application. Payment setup will be arranged directly with Astro after your service is approved.
Selected Astro TV packs allow optional add-ons such as streaming services depending on current promotions and availability. Additional monthly charges may apply.
Yes, a WiFi router is typically provided during fibre installation. The router model may vary depending on the selected broadband speed plan.
Yes, we will check the service coverage at your address before proceeding with your application to ensure broadband is available at your location.
For Malaysians, please provide a copy of your MyKad. For foreigners, provide a copy of your passport when submitting your broadband application.
After your application is approved, the service provider typically contacts you within 2 to 7 working days to arrange the broadband installation appointment.
Most Astro Broadband plans come with a 24-month contract starting from your installation date. If you relocate, a new 24-month contract may apply at your new address.
Yes, you can relocate your broadband service, subject to service availability at the new address. Your contract may reset for another 24 months from the new installation date.
Yes, you may request to relocate broadband devices within your home. Non-standard installation charges may apply and are payable to the installer directly after assessment.
Yes, you can switch to Astro Broadband. To avoid service interruption, it is recommended to activate the new service before terminating your current broadband contract.
Standard installations may be free during promotions, but non-standard installations (e.g., device relocation or complex wiring) may incur extra charges payable directly to the installer.
Astro Fibre installation will come with 1 unit of TM fibre modem and 1 WiFi router with 24 months warranty period.
While warranty period for Mesh WiFi will be treated as one-to-one swap for faulty Mesh units at any point of time during your service tenure with active Mesh subscription.
Service will be resumed after you make payment within 45 days. The monthly subscription fee to be prorated accordingly and a reconnection fee of up to RM20 (exclusive of SST) will be applied upon service resumption.
If payment is made within 45 days from your bill cycle date, Astro & Broadband services will be resumed within 3 hours of payment received. Your following month's bill will be prorated accordingly.
Find out more about the reconnection fee here.
Please update your auto-debit payment details via My Astro Portal.
Please first ensure Disney+ Hotstar access is included and has been activated as part of your Astro subscription. Once you have completed your activation process, you can enjoy Disney+ Hotstar on the Ultra box with these simple steps:
Only the account holder is allowed to manage the auto-debit facility. However, a third-party card holder has the right to withdraw their registered card from the linked-account with proper validation.
For any NJOI-related information, please visit the NJOI Help & Support page at https://purchase.njoi.com.my/en-support
If band steering is enabled, you do not need to worry about which frequency band that your devices are connected to because the WiFi router will make the assessment and direct each device to appropriate frequency band.
However, it is important to note that quality and signal strength are not guaranteed due to unpredictability given that it is completely up to the connected devices and the WiFi router to intelligently decide on which band to connect.
Intermittent internet connection using LAN cable
Looks like there is something wrong with your service connection.Please run a Ping Test, Traceroute Test and attach the picture or screenshot of both test results in the Feedback Form below, in order for us to provide further assistances.
Please make sure to attach the required screenshot(s) in ONE file (i.e. Microsoft Word document, PDF, Image file) before submitting the form.
Quick Info
A Ping Test shows how long it takes for packets to reach host.
A Traceroute Test traces the route of packets to destination host from our server.
Intermittent internet connection using Wi-Fi
1. Router Positioning
Most people underestimate the importance of picking a good spot for a Wi-Fi router. Even a small shift in positioning could end up being the difference between day and night.
i) High vs. Low
Put the router as high up as possible to extend the broadcasting range of the radio waves. This also helps clear the router of possible interferences.
ii) Concrete & Metals
Make sure your router isn't blocked by any other objects, especially devices that are electronic. Also, avoid placing your router in your basement as this area is usually enclosed by a lot of concrete, which can be almost impossible for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate.
iii) Distance to Router
The further away from your router you get, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal. Therefore, the best option is to place your router as close to your devices as possible, but this is only practical if you have one main area where you tend to use your devices.
Otherwise, you should place your router near the center of your home. After all, Wi-Fi broadcasts in 360 degrees, so it doesn't make sense to put it at one end of the house.
2. Wireless Interference & Noise
You've probably never noticed but there are wireless signals all around you wherever you go and they're passing through you all the time. From where? Electronic devices, Wi-Fi routers, satellites, cell towers, and more.
Although Wi-Fi is supposed to be on a different frequency than most of these devices, the amount of radio noise can still cause interference. Some common causes of interference include:
3. Surrounding Wi-Fi signals
A truth of the modern world is that every household has their own Wi-Fi network, which can cause issues with channel overlap. This can be somewhat problematic in a townhouse, but is especially problematic in housing complexes and apartments where there can be many routers within close proximity.
Which is why it's important that you pick a good channel in your router settings. Modern routers can choose channels for you automatically, but sometimes it's better to investigate and find the best channel yourself.
4. Usage
More likely, however, is that the people on your network such as friends, roommates, or family members are participating in bandwidth-heavy activities like gaming and streaming Ultra box/ Netflix.
Fortunately, if this is the case, you can prioritize your own network traffic by enabling Quality of Service in your router settings.
If the problem persists, please run a Ping Test, Traceroute Test and attach the picture or screenshot of both test results in the Feedback Form below, in order for us to provide further assistances
Please make sure to attach the required screenshot(s) in ONE file (i.e. Microsoft Word document, PDF, Image file) before submitting the form.
Quick Info
A Speedtest is a service that provides free analysis of Internet access parameters, such as connection data rate.
A Ping Test shows how long it takes for packets to reach host.
A Traceroute Test traces the route of packets to destination host from our server.
We are not able to transfer your existing Disney+ Hotstar access. To enjoy our bundle rates with one of our packages, simply sign up or renew your subscription to any of our new Packs for even better value and savings. Please visit astro.com.my to find out more.
STEP 1
On your Astro remote, press the HOME button and the home menu will be displayed on top of your screen.
STEP 2
Navigate to Settings.
STEP 3
Navigate to STB Diagnostics and press "OK".
STEP 4
Select General Diagnostics and press "OK".
STEP 5
General Diagnostics results will be displayed on the screen.
Scroll until observed the SW Download Status.
Please refer to these FAQs for more information, or click here to learn more and sign up for the Ulti Box. Alternatively, you may call 03-7481 8000 to get in touch with an Astro representative.
Please call our Customer Contact Centre or WhatsApp "DH Help" at 03 9543 3838 to cancel your Disney+ Hotstar 3-months add-on pass with Astro.
No, you are still able to access HBO Go on your current Movies pack.
STEP 1
Identify your remote control:

a) Remote control with Astro logo at the bottom of the remote, proceed to STEP 2.
b) Remote control with Astro logo at the top of the remote, proceed to STEP 4
STEP 2 (Astro Logo at the bottom of the Remote)
On your remote, press the “set tv” button and set tv instructions will be displayed on top of your screen:

STEP 3
Follow the steps appear on the TV screen to sync your Astro remote and complete the setup.

STEP 4 (Astro Logo atthe top of the Remote)
Press and hold “tv input” key on bottom left of the remote for 3 seconds until the LED blinks twice.

STEP 5
Enter the 2-digit TV Code of your TV Brand and the LED will blink twice:

STEP 6
Try out the TV controls (TV Standby or adjust Volume) to check if they are working correctly.

STEP 7
Press ok and wait for the LED to blink twice to save the settings.
Advance payment is only applicable to Astro TV pack purchases. If you subscribe to an Astro Fibre+TV bundle, only one month of your TV subscription fee (excluding tax) is required to be paid upon sign-up. The full tax amount and the first-month subscription fee for Astro Fibre will be paid on your first month's bill.
Yes, as part of our Astro Fibre Movies & Sports Campaign, new Astro Fibre customers can enjoy 50Mbps + the Movies/Movies+/Sports/Sports+ Pack TV bundle for a special price from only RM164.99/month when they sign up within the campaign period, with more than RM800 savings in total.
Customers who subscribe to the Movies, Premium 1, Premium 3 or Platinum Pack will be able to access Disney+ Hotstar immediately and start streaming all their favourite Global, Regional and Malaysian hits upon activation.
Should you choose to discontinue/terminate the Astro Fibre Bundle service before the expiry of the contract (24 months), you will be subjected to an early cancelation fee of RM100 x Remaining months of the contract period for your Broadband services and early cancellation fee of New Packs accordingly RM600 (prorated) for Ulti Box or RM1000 (prorated) for Ultra Box.
Any bundle package promotion will be removed, and you will no longer get to enjoy similar promotions upon reconnection.
All Astro Fibre devices provisioned (Fibre modem, WiFi router and Mesh) will need to be returned upon termination. Our team will schedule the collection of equipment after your Broadband services have been terminated.
If equipment is damaged, lost or cannot be retrieved, penalty fees will be applied (excluding Service Tax) accordingly.
No. Astro GO is a FREE entitlement exclusively for customers with an Astro subscription. If you do not have an Astro subscription account, please visit astro.com.my to find out more.
Intermittent internet connection using LAN cable
Looks like there is something wrong with your service connection.
Please run a Ping Test, Traceroute Test and attach the picture or screenshot of both test results in the Feedback Form below, in order for us to provide further assistances.
Please ensure to attach the required screenshot(s) in ONE file (i.e. Microsoft Word document, PDF, Image file) before submitting the form.
Intermittent internet connection using Wi-Fi
Router Positioning
Most people underestimate the importance of picking a good spot for a Wi-Fi router. Even a small shift in positioning could end up being the difference between day and night.
i) High vs. Low
Put the router as high up as possible to extend the broadcasting range of the radio waves. This also helps clear the router of possible interferences.
ii) Concrete & Metals
Make sure your router isn't blocked by any other objects, especially devices that are electronic. Also, avoid placing your router in your basement as this area is usually enclosed by a lot of concrete, which can be almost impossible for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate.
iii) Distance to Router
The further away from your router you get, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal. Therefore, the best option is to place your router as close to your devices as possible, but this is only practical if you have one main area where you tend to use your devices.
Otherwise, you should place your router near the center of your home. After all, Wi-Fi broadcasts in 360 degrees, so it doesn't make sense to put it at one end of the house.
Wireless Interference & Noise
You've probably never noticed but there are wireless signals all around you wherever you go and they're passing through you all the time. From where? Electronic devices, Wi-Fi routers, satellites, cell towers, and more.
Although Wi-Fi is supposed to be on a different frequency than most of these devices, the amount of radio noise can still cause interference. Some common causes of interference include:
i) Microwaves
ii) Bluetooth Devices
iii) Cordless Phone
Usage
More likely, however, is that the people on your network such as friends, roommates, or family members are participating in bandwidth-heavy activities like gaming and streaming Ultrabox/Netflix.
Fortunately, if this is the case, you can prioritize your own network traffic by enabling Quality of Service in your router settings.
If the problem persists, please run a Ping Test, Traceroute Test and attach the picture or screenshot of both test results in the Feedback Form below, in order for us to provide further assistances.
Please make sure to attach the required screenshot(s) in ONE file (i.e. Microsoft Word document, PDF, Image file) before submitting the form.
Quick Info
A Ping Test shows how long it takes for packets to reach host.
A Traceroute Test traces the route of packets to destination host from our server.

| Step 1: Visit https://id.astro.com.my/ and click on “Forgot Password?” | Step 2: Enter your username, email or mobile number. A verification code will be sent to you. Please enter it into the field and click “Verify” to reset your password. |
If you are subscribed to Netflix via a bundle, Netflix comes by default as part of your entitlement.
If you are subscribed to Netflix as an a-la carte, the cancellation of Netflix can only be done via Netflix's Website, etc). This change will reflect in your next bill. From mid-December 2021 you may also cancel Netflix add-on through Astro Call Center.
Please see the table below for the offers available for residential customers.

Notes:
· Installation fee includes Government tax.
· Monthly subscription fee does not include Government tax.
· The Ulti Box offers in the table above include a contract Period of 24 months with a pro-rated early termination fee of RM600 (excluding Government tax).
· The installation fees listed in the table above applies for a standard installation of the Ulti Box in your home. Additional charges may apply for non-standard installation.
· * Existing customers with monthly pack >RM100 are recommended to select Ultra Box @ FREE Installation fee with 24 months contract.
· ** New customers with monthly pack >RM100 are recommended to select Ultra box @ RM99 installation fee with 24 months contract.
· You may visit https://product.astro.com.my/box to find out more details about Astro Ultra Box.
· Ulti Box installation is free for Astro & Broadband customers for Starter Pack and above. A separate list of TNC’s will be applicable for this offer.
If you have more than one card registered for OTP payments, you will be asked to select the specific card to be used for that specific transaction.
Yes, you will. Customers who purchased Astro First / Astro Best / Pay-per-View event in February 2024 with a viewing period in March 2024 will be charged an 8% Service Tax in their next bill.
For any technical issues, you may visit Astro's Help & Support page or contact Astro via WhatsApp at 03-9543 3838 by typing PNP.
STEP 1
On your remote, press the Home button and the home menu will be displayed on your screen.
STEP 2
Navigate to Profile.
STEP 3
The Profile Selection Screen will be displayed.
STEP 4
Navigate to Edit Profile.
STEP 5
Choose a profile to edit.
STEP 6
Navigate to Name.
STEP 7
Enter your new Profile Name, navigate to DONE and press "OK".
STEP 8
Your new profile name will be shown in the Profile Selection Screen.
STEP 1
Check on the adapter's power light.
If the adapter's power light is ON, please refer to Blank Screen troubleshooting steps here.
Otherwise, if the adapter's power light is OFF, switch off the power for your box.

STEP 2
Ensure power cable is connected tightly.
Plug in power cable to different power socket and switch on the plug.
You should no longer be experiencing this problem.
If issue remains, proceed to STEP 3.

STEP 3
Try a different power socket to connect the equipment.
Turn on the power socket and check the adapter's power light.
If there is no light on your power adaptor's, please submit the issue on our Feedback Form with error details and provide your sim card number for assistance.
Please indicate in the form if any lightning strike/thunderstorm/power trip occurred.

Broadband Deal bundle are recommended packages offered to customers with higher rebate as compared to Broadband Non-Deal bundle.
Astro is continuously improving our user interface and introducing new features to our platforms to ensure that your Astro experience is more seamless, efficient and user-friendly.
For details on our latest interface, Picture-in-Picture mode and auto-start interactive mode on Astro GO, please click here.
In addition, we have also recently introduced a new look to the Title Information Page, the ability to disable the Profile Selection Screen and adjustable auto-standby timing. For more information, please click here.
Please note that your request to opt out has been processed, and payment for Disney+ Hotstar is not required. Your bill adjustment will be reflected in your next bill.
Tap on the "Account' screen on the navigation bar and scroll to the "Subscription' section. Tap on "TV Pack' to view your pack, box, multiroom, and Astro GO information.

Yes, you can upgrade your internet speed. However, speed downgrade is not allowed.
ransfer of Equipment Ownership
A request to transfer the equipment’s ownership from the existing account holder to a new account holder.
Note: Transfer of Equipment Ownership is not applicable for IPTV and NJOI account.
Merge of Equipment
A request from the account holder to merge the equipment from two different accounts into one account, provided the equipment must be within the same service address and registered under the same accountholder’s name.
Split of Equipment
A request from the account holder to split the equipment from one account to two different accounts and registered under the same account holder’s name.
There is no contract for this subscription.
Please ensure that you have subscribed to the mentioned channel.
If you're subscribed to this channel, follow below steps.
STEP 1
You need to refresh the signal on your box.
Refer to Refresh signal of your box guide.
STEP 2
If issue persist after 30 minutes, proceed to submit report via WhatsApp or Feedback Form.
This issue occurs because your TV does not support the higher resolution.
STEP 1
Switch off the power for your box and make sure that the adapter's power light is off.

STEP 2
Switch on the power for your box and make sure that the adapter's power light is on.

STEP 3
Press the standby button repeatedly after switch on the power.
The Startup Options screen will appear on your TV.

STEP 4
Press "987" to access the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Then, press "1" to initiate a reset setting.

STEP 5
Press "OK" to confirm restore to factory setting.

STEP 6
After the factory setting is restored, TV will turn blank.
Please wait until the box completes initiate setup.

STEP 7
Press "1" to initiate Linux download on the software.

STEP 8
Once completed, the following screen will appear on your TV.
Refer to Installation Setup guide here to complete the setup.

Please refer to the table below:

Note:
Please find some examples (for Residential customers) as below:
Termination
Customer signed up for Entertainment Plus Pack (24-month contract) with Ultra Box. Customer decided to terminate the subscription 8 months into the contract. As the customer still has 16 months remaining, the maximum applicable fee will be RM41.67 x 16months = RM666.67
Pack downgrade
Customer signed up for Movies Pack (24-month contract) with Ultra Box. 18 months in, customer decides to downgrade to Primary Pack (24-month contract). As the customer still has 6 months remaining, the maximum applicable fee will be RM20.83 x 6months = RM125
Dropping off Netflix or Disney+ Hotstar within first 12 months
Customer signed up for Entertainment Plus (24-month contract) with Ultra Box and 12-month commitment on Netflix App. 6 months in, customer decides to upgrade to Premium Pack 1 (24-month contract) which does not include Netflix App. As the customer still has 6 months remaining in the first 12 months of commitment for Netflix App, the maximum applicable fee will be RM41.67 x 6 months = RM250. Upon upgrading to Premium Pack 1, a new 12-month commitment for Disney+ Hotstar App begins alongside the 24-month contract on the package.

1. Please standby computer/laptop to access to the internet and connection must be via LAN (cable) [Connect the LAN (cable) to the yellow port in Maxis Router and direct to computer/laptop].
2. You may open any web browser such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and etc.
3. On the address bar, please go to http://192.168.1.254 and below page will appear.

If below box appear, please enter required details as below:

USERNAME: Administrator
PASSWORD: (ACCESS KEY AT THE RGW STICKER)
(These are the defaults, if you have done previous configuration on your router the password may be different)
4. Once enter into the page ‘’TECHNICOLOR TG784N V3’’, you may follow below step for the wireless information.
i. Click "Configure”

ii. Once clicked configure button, below screen will appear.

A. This is your current password. Please delete and enter the new password.
B. Once completed the selection; click the "Apply" button. Router will auto reboot and connection re-establish after few minutes.
Please re-connect your wireless using the new password.
As a rule of thumb, this issue might happen when the devices are not equipped with minimum requirement above that supports the subscribed internet speeds:
As mentioned above however, it is important to note that despite meeting the device minimum requirements, it is not a guarantee that devices connected over WiFi will be able to achieve maximum subscribed internet speeds due to the following:
Note:
Astro and its service providers will not offer any guarantees for compatibility of the customer's equipment (e.g., Personal Computer, Notebook, printers) nor provide on site troubleshooting for WiFi service issues related to the customer's equipment.
You will be contacted by Astro via SMS/call at the end of your 24 months speed upgrade period. Customers who choose to remain the upgraded speed after 24 months will be charged as per the monthly subscription fee of the upgraded speed plan from the next month onwards and customers who choose to downgrade to their initial subscribed speed plan will not be charged any additional fees.
Situation 1:
Customer is subscribed to the 50Mbps Astro Fibre plan and is entitled to receive a free 100Mbps speed upgrade for 24 months. If the customer chooses to downgrade back to 50Mbps at the end of the 24-month period, no additional charges will apply.
Situation 2:
Customer is subscribed to the 100Mbps Astro Fibre plan and is entitled to receive a free 500Mbps speed upgrade for 24 months at RM129/month. If the customer chooses to remain with the upgraded speed of 500Mbps at the end of the 24-month period, they will be charged RM189/month* from the 25th month onwards.
*This price might differ depending on the offer or promotion
Each Astro customer is entitled up to 4 smart devices to be registered including mobile, laptops, tablets and Smart TV per household.
If you have maximised the registered device, you will be able to see the list of all your current registered devices on your mobile screen. Please remove any one device to allow the current Smart TV device to be included.

Do note that only 1 Smart TV device is allowed at any point in time.
By changing from a 12-months commitment period to 24-months, there will not be any cancellation fee applicable. You will start a new contract with 24-months commitment and receive the corresponding discount for that duration.
Non-standard Broadband installation covers the scenario where additional cables and drilling is required to complete your Astro & Broadband installation or by installing the cable in the walls/ceilings. There are additional fees applied for the additional requirements as follows:


You may proceed with the following troubleshooting steps and it shouldn’t take you much longer than 15 minutes.
1. Please standby a computer/laptop to access to the internet and connection must be via LAN cable (connect the LAN cable to the Black port at D-Link Router and direct to the computer/laptop).
2. You may open any web browser such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and etc.
3. On the address bar, please go to http://dlinkrouter.local./ and below page will appear. (These are the defaults and if you have done a configuration on your router previously, the password may be different).
Username: admin
Password: (Leave the field blank)

4. Once you have successfully login, the router's web-based setup page will appear. Please follow below steps for the configuration.

5. From the top menu, click Settings and then choose Wireless.

6. Below screen will appear to configure the wireless setting. Since this is a dual band router, you will have 2 Wi-Fi Names (SSID) i.e. 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
You may connect to any of the SSID, preferably with a stronger signal available.

7. You may change the Wi-Fi Name (SSID) and the Password to follow your preferences, and then click "Save" for the changes to take place.
Please reconnect to the new wireless name with the new password once completed.
Zee5 is the only app that has a change in price upon the SST increase. Prices of Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Viu, iQIYI, WeTV and Qalbox will not be affected.
- Credit or Debit Cards
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maybank2U - Pay using your Maybank2U account
- FPX - Pay using any local bank account via FPX
- E-Wallet - Touch "n Go
Upon submitting your application, you will receive the eKYC link via SMS/email/astro.com.my to complete the eKYC verification within 3 days.
Yes, you can sign up for auto-debit after your account has been activated via My Astro.
Alternatively, you may also call our Customer Contact Centre at 03-9543 3838 for assistance or to enquire about any current Auto Debit promotions.