Charges for Unwanted Value Added Services . Review on Airtel Mobile Operator

I wish to bring this issue to all consumers of Mobile telecom services. I have been customer of Airtel Postpaid Mobile Services for the past ten years in Bangalore. My mobile number is 9845175885.

On 24th, May'2011, I have received my bill. There are charges of Rs. 11437/- towards Value Added Services under GPRS.(Still dont know whether it is 2G, 3G, GPS etc). This is for a period of 24th, April'2011 till 12th, May'2011.(Less than twenty days).

I use Apple I Phone. Wi Fi is activated on my mobile. I use data through Wi Fi both in Office and Home. I have high speed(4 MBPS Leased Lines not broadband) internet in all my work areas and home. I had no clue that data services are activated on my phone.

I contacted Customer Care on 24th, May'2011. Same date I have received my bill. I have told them that, I have not activated any data services on my phone. Customer care promised me to resolve the issue by 27th, May'2011. I called them again on 27th to find out the resolution. They said, they will let me know by 29th, May'2011. They never called me back or repled me through any means. I called them again on 30th, May'2011. They said issue is closed. They found that, I have used data through my mobile device. My bill statement contains the details of data usage.

Issue is that, I never activated any data plans in my package. I never had a clue Airtel Activated data services in my phone. I never knew charges or details of the package. I contacted Airtel Nodal Office. I did not have any answer. Then I escalated to Appelate officer of Bharti Airtel. Every Airtel representative confirms that, as a consumer I have never activated any value added services. It is Airtel who activated services "Free of Cost" on "Pay per Usage"  basis. Since I have used data services, I have to pay the entire amount.

After I spoke to several people, in my friends and professional circle, I realised that, I am not the only guy, Airtel is charging for unwanted services. Everyone of such victims did speak to Customer care. Since the bill amount is less than Rs. 3000/- towards value added service, they paid to avoid disconnection. Reason they have not taken the issue to court is because they dont have time to fight. And they dont want to suffer disconnection.

I spoke to TRAI. I got the documents from TRAI. Please download https://trai.gov.in/trai/upload/misc/4/Letter23may06.pdf to understand TRAI guidelines to Telecom Service providers in India. No telecom provider can charge consumers for Value Added Services, unless they have explicit written acceptance from Consumer for activation of such services. Also threatning to terminate the connection, when service provider has deposit in excess compared to the charges. In my case Airtel has my deposit more than Rs. 15000/- paid in the year 2001.

I have served legal notice to Bharti. Surprising Bharti Airtel representatitives told me that, every consumer paid. They are saying that, I am irritating and should stop complaining and simply pay. I dont know who is culprit. Bharti Airtel for charging consumers illegally. Or tolerant Indians, who just pay the bills, without taken any action.

Today mobile devices are not used just as communication devices like simple phones. They are used as Still cameras and Video Cameras, functionalities equal to any laptops, radios, organisers and more. You don't pay to service provider for using device as a camera or organiser. I am using data through Wi Fi for the past eighteen months. I use Apple I Phone. I had no clue data services are activated in my phone. On what grounds I can accept to pay Airtel. Rs. 11437/- just for 18 days.