Jul 07, 2009 01:51 PM
2694 Views
I was a happy post paid Airtel customer till Oct 2005, until this incident happened.
In october 2005, I had to leave for a overseas stay of 6 months. As number cannot be kept in reserve for more than 2 months, paid my dues, called Customer Service and told them to deactivate. They asked me to handover a written letter regarding the same. Since I couldn't find time, I left.
On my return in April 2006, I was pleasantly surprised to get an SMS welcoming me back on my mobile. I checked with Airtel customer service about my mobile number being active and checked whether I got any additional dues. I was assured that there will not be additional billing on my account and I will be charged from April 2006 only.
At the end of the month, my bill carried charges for the 6 months(Rs 200* 6= Rs.1200) I did not use. I explained them the clarifications that I had received etc. It was no use, the issue was escalated to their managers and they said nothing can be done as these are computer system driven calculations. Ironical part is, a mobile number as per their terms is going to be deactivated if not paid for 2 months. In my case, my max liability must be Rs 400. But who cares, NOBODY CARES from their end. They simply keep repeating system does not allow any changes.
After a while this issue had moved to their legal & recovery team and they were after me. I was disgusted, I shelled out that Rs 1200 and immediately switched mobile provider.
I would not be recommending Airtel to anyone. Now I am a happy PRE-paid customer with another mobile provider.
