Mar 11, 2003 11:10 PM
4497 Views
(Updated Mar 22, 2003 09:34 PM)
I am a subscriber of Prepaid BPL service(KERALA) for a long time(almost since they started). They were offering free incoming at some time, on around 1998. At that time the calls would be costing around 7.50 if im correct. From that till now, I may be the only prepaid customer for them, who havent gone for any other service.
Last month, I got a strange message from BPL like - ''We have made the incoming calls free for a month, and we have deducted 50rs balance from ur account for further details, please dial 567''. I tried to call the 567 number for atleast 20 times and atlast, after an hour I got a customer care(??) rep. I told him that I dont require that service and they gave me the 50 bucks back. If I havent called them wasting my time, then what would have happened? I would have surely lost 50Rs. (Please undrestand that all other mobile service providers are giving incoming calls free of cost including BSNL, AIRTEL, and ESCOTEL;).
The main thing because of which I was forced to write this review came after this incedent. Today, I got a missed call alert from the BPL. I wasnt aware of the fact that that facility was chargable. I called the customer care and asked them whether the facility is chargable. They told me that the service is chargable and im right now availing that facility now. I have never asked them to activate that facility. Then how come that activated in my number? They told me that they had send all the prepaid costomers a mail regarding that on 27th feb, and if any of the customers dont want that facility, they should call the customer care number and cancel that facility before first of march...(only 27, and 28th is there for cancelling).
What am I supposed to du? Is it mandatory for me to check all the mails that are coming from BPL to keep my balance correct? How could they forcefully ask the customer to select some chargable services that they are not even know about?
A customer like me, who charges the mobile with 325 rs gets only 150 rs worth talk time. From that, if 50 rs goes for incoming call free offer, 25 rs for missed call alert and 25 for friends and family plan, then how much I have now(1.50 ps for a message compared to free sms in BSNL)?
In the same time, BSNL is charging very reasonable rate for all the services, and above that, they are giving much value for money. They are giving free SMS for prepaid customers.
I have a suggession for all the BPL customers to change their subscription and go to other service providers because u never know when they will send u a message, telling you that your 500Rs being reduced from your account to give to the US Army for fighting against Iraq.
Adarsh
