Jan 04, 2010 11:15 AM
2259 Views
(Updated Jan 07, 2010 06:35 AM)
This review is relevant for Long-term plan (Not sure about short term, so cant comment on it).
Summary in short:
Its costly, no value-for money and binding for a year, so my recommendation is: DO NOT opt for Matrix. Its a kind of trap.
On arriving in Australia, I could use my phone instantly and felt that I have made a very wise decision and am ahead of pack in situation readiness by picking up a sim from India itself.
I was using the phone, bearing in mind the monthly discount and more charges after discount is over. So used just over the discount limit.
I was happy using this connection till I received a mail saying something like 'Thank you for Payment of Rs. '. I was shocked. I had not received bill yet and extravagant amount is charged to credit card on top of blocking initial amount. I felt helpless and uncomfortable with the fact that my credit card details are in someone elses hands and I have no control over bills and payments of Matrix connection.
Mailed to customer support and they responded with in a day, in mechanized way though. But still good to get a response quickly.
Got to know many things after things went out of my hand:
First month billing and hence discount was pro-rated. I wasnt aware of this and matrix people never mentioned this and its not available in any terms and conditions. I was using this considering monthly discount and at the end of month costed me hell. Felt very much duped after first seeing first month bill, which came 2 days after receiving payment(credit card charged) mail.
Advance rental was charged at the start of regular month. Advance rental was nowhere mentioned in person or in terms and conditions. According to Matrix, this is implicit. I was not aware of this till I faced this. This might be the practice followed by other companies also but you cant assume that people will know this in advance.
I was travelling for the first time and hence was unsure about availability of other options and didnt have time to research on Matrix and hance failed to identify the trap of costs and duration(of 1 yr contract). There are many cheaper and flexible options(not only calling cards, but also pre-paid and post-paid both) available once you land in respective countries.
Go for Matrix, if you don't care about money. Otherwise I would suggest to take up pre-paid / post-paid sims once you reach destination country.
