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.

Netflix is available to IPTV customers on the Ultra Box and Ulti Box. Non-Ultra Box customers will not be able to access Netflix on CH741. Please upgrade to the Ultra Box/Ulti Box to access Netflix on the Ultra Box.

STEP 1
Switch off the power of your box and make sure that the adapter’s power light is off.


STEP 2
Unplug the HDMI cable from your TV and plug it back in securely to other available HDMI port.


STEP 3
Switch on the power for your box and make  sure that the adapter’s power light is on.
Please wait for 5 minutes.


STEP 4
Turn on your box. Do select the correct TV input.
You should no longer be experiencing this problem. 
​

Astro invests billions of ringgits in content annually to keep Malaysians entertained and informed. Hence, we work alongside industry players, content partners and regulators in protecting intellectual property so that Astro can continue to produce and aggregate compelling content for our viewers.

We continue to educate and raise awareness among the public and businesses about the economic and social losses caused by content piracy. You can play your part in combating piracy by reporting potential copyright infringement of Astro content to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) on the following channels:

• 1-800-886-800 (hotline)  
• 03-8882 6088 (Enforcement Command Centre)
• +6019-279 4317 (WhatsApp)

If you need further help with the Astro Fibre app, you may call our Customer Contact Centre at 03 - 9543 1543 and an Astro agent will be available to assist you immediately.

STEP 1

Check on your TV input to ensure correct input selected.

If issue remains, switch off the power for your box and make sure that the adapter's power light is off.

STEP 2

Unplug the HDMI cable from your box and plug it back in securely.

STEP 3

Switch on the power for your box and make sure that the adapter's power light is on. Please wait for 5 minutes.

STEP 4

Turn on your box. You should no longer be experiencing this problem.

If issue persist, please submit the issue on our Feedback Form with the error details and provide  sim card number for assistance.

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.

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.

Yes, until 31 August 2022, customers can subscribe to the Movies Pack for only *RM59.99/month or the Platinum Pack for only *RM99.99/month for 6 months as well as the Premium 1 or Premium 3 Pack for only *RM99.99/month for 6 months until 30 October 2022 and be entitled to access Disney+ Hotstar as part of their Astro subscription. To find out more about our latest promotions, please visit promotions.astro.com.my. 

Payment for Astro services will not increase. However, the Service Tax applicable will be increased from 6% to 8% and this will result in an increase in the total amount payable.

Yes. As a Sports Pack customer, you will get access to Liga Malaysia as well as a variety of local and international sporting events as part of your subscription.

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.

If you subscribe to Astro Fibre between 1 October 2023 to 23 November 2023, you may still get the speed boost by calling in to our Customer Contact Centre at 03-9543 3838 and re-contracting with us. Kindly note that your account will restart with a new 24-month contract.

Please ensure that you are using the correct ID for eKYC submission.

For Malaysians :

1. Please ensure you are using MyKad or MyTentera.

2. Capture the front and back of your ID.

3. Ensure that there is no glare when capturing the photo.

4. Ensure that are capturing it in a bright room to have the highest picture quality.

5. Please do not cover your ID when capturing it, as it may impact the OCR Optical Character Recognition accuracy.

‍

For Malaysian Permanent Resident and Other Nationality :

1. Please use Passport only.

2. Please capture your whole passport, which has your personal information on it and your signature.

3. Ensure that there is no glare when capturing the photo.

4. Please do not cover your ID with your when capturing it, as it may impact the OCR  Optical Character Recognition accuracy.

If you did not receive the recovery email or verification code, please make sure that:

1. You are inserting the correct email or mobile number you used to register for your Astro ID.
2. Check your junk mailbox or spam folder.  

To find out which email or phone number you have used to register your Astro ID, you may submit a feedback form. Kindly select feedback type "I have an enquiry/issue with Apps" choose "Astro GO" 
 

We will get in touch with you within 48 hours to solve your enquirie

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:

• Microwaves
• Bluetooth Devices
• Cordless Phone

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.

Yes, Astro is bounded by the PDPA act. All information received will be used in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

Astro is an official distributor of Disney+ Hotstar, the dedicated streaming home of global, and Malaysian Hits. Astro customers can now subscribe to Disney+ Hotstar through our Movies, Premium 1, Premium 3 or Platinum Pack and enjoy award-winning entertainment with Disney+ Hotstar alongside Astro's much-loved local content for even better value and savings. Now, customers can enjoy Disney+ Hotstar on their Ultra or Ulti Box, mobile app or web! In addition, customers who have multiple primary Astro accounts will be entitled to multiple entitlements to Disney+ Hotstar.

Disney+ Hotstar is available to Astro customers on the Disney+ Hotstar app on Android and iOS devices and website (DisneyPlusHotstar.my) which is accessible on tablets and connected TVs. Unfortunately, Disney+ Hotstar is not available on Astro GO. However, customers can enjoy it on the big screen via the Ultra or Ulti Box. 

No, you will not be charged 8% Service Tax for paper billing option.

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.

STEP 1    

Press "HOME" button on your remote control.

STEP 2    

Navigate to Settings and press "OK".

STEP 3    

Navigate to Digital Audio and press "OK".

STEP 4    

Choose your preferred selection and press “OK”.

STEP 5    

Select Yes, continue and press "OK" to confirm on the changes.        

Otherwise, select No, go back to cancel.

Yes, eKYC verification is mandatory. In addition, this verification process helps to reduce manual handling of customer's personal information and secure against unauthorised usage.

STEP 1

On your remote, press the “HOME” button and the home menu will  be displayed at the bottom of your screen.

STEP 2

Navigate to SETTINGS and press “OK”.

STEP 3

Navigate to STB  DIAGNOSTICS and press “OK”.

‍

STEP 4

Select the “Network” tab in the STB Diagnostics page.

Please ensure the Tunes service multicast  status is Multicast Up.

If the status is Multicast is Not Available, please reboot your box and router before verifying this status.

If issue persists, please submit the issue in our Feedback Form and attach a picture of your Network tab of the STB Diagnostics for assistance.

Yes, any active Astro subscriber with a minimum primary subscription fee of RM100 can subscribe to a Multiroom (Astro Box) at a price of RM49.99 monthly with the box setup (subscription price is subject to Govt Tax).

Yes, you are entitled to a free Ultra/Ulti box with free standard installation upon signing up Astro Fibre with a new 24-month contract.

You do not need to request for a reconnection as our system will detect your payment and process it immediately, provided you paid via a real-time payment channel.

Click here for a full list of our payment channels.

Service will resume within 3 hours after payment is made.

It will begin on 1st March 2024 and onwards.
 

There are a few ways you can access Netflix on the Ultra Box as below: 

• Access Netflix on the Ultra/Ulti Box via the Home Screen and select the Netflix app from the Apps row. 
• Launch the Netflix app directly from their remote control by clicking on the “Netflix” button if it’s available on your remote control. 
• Tune into CH 741

IMPORTANT! If you are accessing Netflix on your Ultra/Ulti Box for the first time, please wait for the Netflix activation email from Astro (this may take up to 10 minutes) for the app to be reflected in your account. If you skip this 10-minute period, you may experience double charging by incorrectly signing up for Netflix using your credit card details.

Further details on pricing, billing and availability will be confirmed in coming months. Look out for more details and register your interest via https://astro.com.my/Netflix

Not to worry, our representative will be contacting you within 24 hours.

We are thrilled to announce that as part of your subscription, you are able to enjoy exclusive coverage of live matches in HD on Astro channels, On Demand and Astro GO! This means that you'll have access to all the latest games, highlights, and analysis, right at your fingertips.

With this new addition, you'll be able to follow your favourite teams and players closer than ever before, keeping you up-to-date with all the action on and off the field. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual spectator, this new content is sure to provide you with endless hours of entertainment.

To ensure that we continue offering the best choice in sports content, our Sports Pack will now be priced at RM104.99/month (for 12 months contract) or RM99.99/month (for 24 months contract) and Premium Pack 1 will now be priced at RM139.99/month (for 12 months contract) or RM129.99/month (for 24 months contract) starting 9 February 2023, and this applies to all new customers. 

Note that there will no changes for existing Sports Pack & Premium 1 customers in 24 or 12 month contract being renewed before 1st June 2023.

We appreciate your continued support and can't wait for you to experience this exciting new addition to your Sports Pack subscription.

Please refer to the table below for the full revised pricing for the following packs:

We hope you continue to enjoy your Astro experience with us.
 

You may proceed with the following troubleshooting steps and it shouldn't take you much longer than 15 min

1. Please standby a computer/laptop to access to the internet and connection must be via LAN cable (connect the LAN cable to the Yellow port at Tplink 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 tplinkwifi.net and to access to below login page. Type the Username and  Password, then click "Login".

The default login of the router is available on the sticker at the back of the router. If you have done a configuration on your  router previously, the password may be different.

For example, below is the login details of the above router:
 

Username: admin

Password: TIMECE24
 

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, choose Advanced and click the Wireless tab on the left menu. Then, select Wireless Settings from the sub menu. Below screen will appear for 2.4GHz selection.

i. Please ensure to tick Enable Wireless Radio function.

ii. To change the channel, click the  drop-down arrow for Channel, then select your desired channel.

Choose between 1 to 13 (Suggested  channels : 1,6,11). Then, click "Save" for the changes to take place.

iii. Click Save for the changes to take place. The router will auto reboot and connection will re-establish after few minutes.

iv. Next, select 5GHz to make changes on the wireless channel for 5GHz.

v. Click the drop-down arrow for Channel, then select your desired channel from the selection.

vi. Click Save for the changes to take place. The router will auto reboot and connection will re-establish after few minutes.

You may proceed with below troubleshooting and it shouldn't take you any longer than 15 minutes.

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 at ZTE 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://192.168.0.1 and below page will appear.

4. Type the Username and Password as below. Then click Login. (These are the defaults, if you have done previous configuration on your router the password may be different)

Username: admin
Password: admin (or time123)
 

5. The router's web-based setup page should now appear. Please follow below steps for the  configuration.

i. On the setup page, click the Network tab then click on the WLAN then choose Basic sub-tab.

ii. Please ensure Wireless RF Mode is Enabled.

iii. Click the drop-down arrow for Channel, then select your desired channel.

Choose between 1 until 11 (Suggested 1,6,11).

iv. Click Submit. Router will auto reboot and connection re-establish after few minutes.

Yes, you can purchase Astro First and Astro Best content by using the app and web. Refer below for the steps to purchase movies via this app and web. Thereafter, you can watch them on Astro Go.

You may still be using an older version of the Astro GO. To resolve this issue, please go to your respective app store and update your Astro GO app.

If you are still having issues, proceed to submit report via WhatsApp or Feedback Form.
 

1. Please standby computer/laptop to access to the internet and connection must be via (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://192.168.0.1 or www.tplinkwifi.net and below page will appear.

The default login of the router is available on the sticker at the back of the router. If you have done a configuration on your router previously, the password may be different

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, choose Basic and then click Wireless tab on the left menu to access to below screen.

6. Since this is a dual band router, you will have 2 Wireless Network 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 Wireless Network Name (SSID) and the Password to follow your preferences, then click "Save"  for the changes to take place.

Please reconnect to the new wireless name with the new password once completed.

Yes, all existing Astro & Broadband customers within contract or out of contract can subscribe to Astro & Broadband offerings. The 24 months contract will be renewed upon signing up for the new packs.

Step 1:

Type ASTRO<space>BARCODE<space>10 digit account number

Example: ASTRO BARCODE 0866603852

Step 2:

Send SMS to 66688

*Standard telco charges and Terms and Conditions apply

No, Astro First movies/series are available as Per-per-view basis. Pricing is indicated on each of the programme posters. All prices are subjected to 6% service tax.

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. 

Starting 16 February 2024, you may be asked to perform Astro ID verification when you log in to their Astro account on digital platforms such as www.astro.com.my, Astro GO, My Astro etc. This 2-step process encompasses verifying your email address or phone number and re-entering of your existing password.
 

• If you have signed up for a PVR (New customers), you will have to maintain your Astro subscription for 24 months, or a pro-rated penalty shall apply.
• If you have signed up for a PVR (Existing customers), you will have to maintain your Astro subscription for 24 months, or a pro-rated penalty shall apply.
• If you took up a PVR decoder at a special offer with the package subscription of Super Pack Lite/Super Pack/Super Pack Plus/monthly subscription > RM169.60 (price includes Govt tax), you will have to maintain your package subscription for a minimum of 6 months, or a flat penalty fee of RM106 (price includes Govt tax) shall apply.

Yes, all Astro customers with a Disney+ Hotstar subscription can access the app on the Ultra/Ulti Box. To access the app, please refer here. 

STEP 1

On your 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 Master PIN and press “OK”.

STEP 4

Please enter your PIN (Default PIN is 0000).

STEP 5

Please enter your new PIN.

STEP 6‍

Please re-enter your new PIN to confirm.

STEP 7

Your PIN successfully changed when this  screen appears.

There is no contract for this subscription.

For customers with Entertainment Plus, Movies Plus, Sports Plus, Premium 2, Premium 3, and Platinum Pack 

1. Launch Netflix from the home screen or via remote control. 

2. Click on Get Started

3. If you are an existing Netflix customer, please fill in the email address and password associated with your Netflix account. Once successfully completed, all existing settings and watching history on your Netflix account will be brought over. If you are a new Netflix customer, create a new account by filling in your email address and a password for your new Netflix account. 

4. In the next screen, you will be shown your default Netflix package “Standard”, you can choose to upgrade to “Premium” here. 

5. The final screen provides a summary of your account including your email. Click Start Watching to enjoy Netflix on your Ultra/Ulti Box. 

‍

For Non-Entertainment Plus, Premium 2, Premium 3, and Platinum Pack Pack customers (New Netflix customers) 

1. Launch Netflix from the home screen or via remote control.

2. Click on Join Now

3. Create a new account by filling in your email address and a password for your new Netflix account. 

4. The final screen provides a summary of your account including your email. Click Start Watching to enjoy Netflix on your Ultra/Ulti Box. 

Note: The Netflix plan will be defaulted to Premium, you may select ‘Change Plan’ to choose the ‘Standard’ plan. 

‍

For Non-Entertainment Plus Pack, Premium 2, Premium 3, and Platinum Pack customers (Existing Netflix customers) 

1. Launch Netflix from the home screen or via remote control 

2. Click on Sign-in 

3. If you are an existing Netflix customer, please fill in the email address and password associated with your Netflix account. 

4. You will be able to start watching Netflix on your Ultra/Ulti Box once you log in.

After order submission, the Plug & Play Box and Astro SIM card will be couriered separately to your service address. The delivery dates with the tracking numbers will be communicated via SMS.

The Plug & Play Box and Astro SIM card should arrive within 3-working days after your order submission. You may self-install your box by following the guide here.

Mesh WiFi devices are available as an add-on subscription from RM10/month across all Astro Fibre speeds. You may subscribe to a maximum of 5 units of Mesh WiFi per Astro Fibre subscription. 

You can contact Astro's Contact Centre (03 - 9543 1543) to subscribe to the Mesh WiFi.

You will require HD-PVR service in order to subscribe for a PVR. This service is included in all Starter Pack, Value Pack, Super Pack Lite, Super Pack and Super Pack Plus subscriptions.