Airtel and Sunil Bharti Mittal – Untold Story
Airtel Broadband, General Thoughts, Indian Telecom February 20th, 2005 461 views
Tags: Airtel, BSNL, MTNL, Reliance, Sify Broadband, Tata
Airtel and Sunil Bharti Mittal – Untold Story
Sunil Bharti Mittal must be a happy man by now. Hailing from a small town in Punjab, Ludhiana, he has achieved in life what some people dream of. He was a push button telephone manufacturer until recently. It was the winds of change in the telecom sector, which really propelled him in the national limelight. However, Airtel has its own share of bloopers, which are clearly not in the public domain. I shall try and lay out a case as to why their practices are not in the national interest.
There was a cover page in Business World magazine recently whose title said “The man who gave up his network awayâ€. It was clearly unprecedented step in the telecom sector anywhere in the world. Network is one thing that is sacrosanct to any owner. However, in a smart and clever move he did that which could fetch him a lot of savings. I am not going in the details of the dealings or the pros and cons. This is clearly a business move, which he knows best. My only concern is the overwhelming presence of the multinational corporations in the sector and such crucial as this one.
There are two main issues here. In my earlier post here, I had mentioned as to why FDI has not really changed the telecom scenario. More money for expansion invariably comes at the cost of risk to other operators. I shall go in that detail a little later. The overriding concern is the technology that would be used for the switches and telecom equipment. I read in Rediff article recently that low cost equipment is feasible as of now. If we talk of partnership between the academia and the industry, then this would have been a golden opportunity to reclaim our investments in IITs across the country. I am sure that spurred on by the demand they would have come out with some solution. Thus, save the precious foreign exchange. It is clear that overwhelming presence of the MNCs in the sector would clearly benefit their host nations. A poorly thought of strategy indeed, to increase the FDI.
The second crucial aspect is the security. I have a reason to believe that Singapore based companies are actually a front for the Chinese government. Thus, surreptitiously they are entering this sector. Why the mandarins sitting high up haven’t really thought of this at all? This is beyond any logical conclusion. I have opposed FDI on this very ground because these are ill prescribed prescriptions of the donor agencies. The so-called security measures announced were good enough to keep the Left shut up their mouths. Not that these people are not nationalists. The very idea or the foundation of their beliefs is flawed and outdated.
However, the biggest beneficiary has been Airtel after the increase in the FDI. They have realized, although belatedly, that value added services is the way to go. There was one major flaw in the roll out of the subscribers. To ramp up the numbers they concentrated mainly on the prepaid subscribers. The health of any telecom network is determined by the number of post-paid subscribers it has. To correct this they have started resorting to monopolistic tactics. The GPRS subscribers on the prepaid networks can only access the Airtel Live portal. In case they wish to download anything, a hefty charge of Rs 10 is charged per request. This is clearly anti competitive and goes against the established logic. Of course, a better way could have been to introduce a recharge voucher for a fixed monthly fee in case one wishes to access the GPRS and thence Internet. This forces the people to shift to post paid segment where the ownership costs are much higher.
Airtel has invested heavily in building up its brand. However, despite the greatest cricketer of our times, their advertising pitch does not enamor me. I believe that Airtel had consistently fallen behind the TRAI’s parameters in terms of quality of offerings barring a few circles. Hence, the newer ad pitches of “stronger and clearer†network.
The fixed line business is imperative for growth. As I had mentioned, increased funding would now mean that it needs to acquire operators with fixed line business. One that comes to my mind is Connect from HFCL in Punjab. After a relative lull in the roll out of services, it has suddenly woke up to ramp up subscribers. I was surprised to see their advertisement banners recently. Perhaps it could be because of entry of TATA in the Punjab circle. I have a feeling that HFCL wants to ramp up numbers and sell out. As it is, they have a lousy service and customer support in the after sales services. Airtel would want to pick up this stake for good because it does not make any business sense to duplicate the entire infrastructure. In any case, there is not room enough for another fixed line operator given the fact that Punjab has BSNL and Connect offering their services.
It is interesting to note the recent news that was reported in the media. On the announcement of the unified licensing regime, any operator who wanted to have a fixed line license was allowed to pay the migration fee. Airtel slapped a notice on the government asking it refund the same after the second round of policy changes were announced. It was clearly pointed out that fixed line license was voluntary. Airtel could have waited for the same or forego this amount. Is Mr. Bharti keeping his idle legal department busy? I am looking forward for the judgment.
Before I end this post, as the events have unfolded I have a hunch that Mr. Bharti would want to sell out his stake in Airtel. That explains his recent diversification in selling vegetables. It is clearly an untapped market and would go a long way to improve the best agricultural practices. I wish him all the best. The main reason is that despite all his ills, his was the first network that got the mobile network in India. How he pulled it off is another story.
Discuss on: Sify Broadband, Tata Indicom, Airtel Broadband, Reliance Broadband, MTNL – BSNL Broadband, Dial Up, Others
This post was submitted by Dr. Abhishek Puri on the Broadband Blog on Techwhack.
This write up comes on in The Statesman after I submitted this post. Sunil Bharti Mittal wants to go international.Already he has apllied for US stock exchange listing.I have a feeling that they want to ramp up numbers. make this company look attractive and sell out. When? I have no idea.But I have a feeling that recent branding exercises and now listing in the US market, they wish to acquire more capital and hand over the baby to a foreign company. Stay tuned for more!
Here is the link :
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=...
This write up comes on in The Statesman after I submitted this post. Sunil Bharti Mittal wants to go international.Already he has apllied for US stock exchange listing.I have a feeling that they want to ramp up numbers. make this company look attractive and sell out. When? I have no idea.But I have a feeling that recent branding exercises and now listing in the US market, they wish to acquire more capital and hand over the baby to a foreign company. Stay tuned for more!
Here is the link :
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=12&theme=&usrsess=1&id=69285
Hi There,
I would like to bring your notice the carelessness and absolute apathy shown towards a customerâ??s plight in getting a pre paid cellular connection converted into a post paid connection. The following letter lists my travails through this agonizing journey, which I regret has not been complete so far.
This is to inform you that I had submitted an application for conversion of my pre paid connection to post paid vide Subscriber Enrolment Form # 2961141, dated 26th February 2005. A Cheque of Rs. 2400/- vide Chq # 319134, thru HDFC Bank was also enclosed with the form along with all the necessary documentation as required for conversion. (Document collected â?? 1 Passport sized Photo, 1 photocopy of Voters ID card with complete address as mentioned in the form for address verification). The bill plan opted was Airtel One 150 â?? Amount Rs. 900/- towards waiver of two years monthly rental and a security deposit of Rs. 1500/- towards STD activation.
This was collected from myself by your executive Mr. Chandra Bhan, Mobile # 98108 51127 on the same date and was promised by himself that the conversion would take place within the next 24 hours.
But my Phone was deactivated completely from the circle on the night of 28th February 2005. And since then my phone has not been activated.
Upon numerous calls bordering on the infinite, I got through to your customer care at 98100 12345 on the 2nd of March 2005 at 1945 hrs, complaint # 4365967. The person in touch was Mr. Pratham, who with deepest sincerity assured me of the activation within the next 24 hours, WITHOUT FAIL.
Since that moment on my agony and embarrassment have continued till date today. I have been talking to your Customer care people literally every day, Ex: Shilpi, Muskan, Aparna, Sheetal – all of the before have been very sweetly promising me activation within 24 hours respectively.
Muskan & Aparna have even gone to the extent of calling up Mr. Chandra Bhan, to confirm submission of documents at Airtel, which he has since confirmed. Upon getting in touch with Mr. Chandra Bhan also, I was given the non-existent number of his senior, Mr. Nakul, Mobile # 98108 51123. (Kindly note that Mr. Chandra Bhan maintains that he is a direct employee of Airtel and has not been sent by any DSA or others). At this time only I was informed that the conversion process would take at least 5 days from date of submission of documents. But even by this yardstick, my documents were submitted on the 26th of February. So, supposedly, I shouldn’t be having any issues in this regard.
Now, on Friday, 4th March, I got in touch with Ms. Neelanjana, Floor Manager, who upon very great insistence from my end, got in touch with your â??Conversion Departmentâ?? only on the 5th of March, where upon I had a word with Mr. Sandeep first, then Mr. Amit, CSR (as he introduced himself). Upon checking my form, he informed me that my form has been put on hold due to some bill plan issues as were requested by myself. But upon checking the form again in my presence, he found out that the bill plan issue was nothing but BAD HANDWRITING on the executiveâ??s part who collected my form. Upon clarification of the same, Mr. Amit, on Saturday, 5th March, promised me activation of my phone as a post paid number by 1200 Noon on Monday, 7th March.
The time now is 00:40 AM on the 8th of February. I have just got off the phone with your customer care, where I was in conversation with, in that order, Kumar, Davinder â?? Floor Manager, Balraj then Davinder again for a total of 30 minutes only. I have been informed by Mr. Davinder that my phone will not be activated, as my address verification has not been completed from your end. And also quoting him verbatim â?? â??Airtel does not send its own employees for conversion of connection EVERâ??, thereby contradicting Mr. Chandra Bhan who I had mentioned earlier maintain that he is a direct employee of Airtel.
NOW, for all the above, I have a few questions to ask:
1. Why has my phone been deactivated when my address verification has not been done?
2. As per your Standard Operating Procedure, effective 26th February 2005, as I have been informed & I quote â??the conversion would take a maximum of 5 working days from date of submission of documentsâ?? â?? so taking into account my submission date of 26th February till date i.e. 7th march, I seem to have completed 6 working days not taking into account Saturdays and Sundays which would push it to 9 days? Does your company believe in harassing your customers so much?
3. There seems to be an eagerness to over commit and then to non-deliver from the people at your organization. Why am I being put in a lot of hardship for a certain carelessness at your employeeâ??s end?
4. My cell phone upon dialing is coming as â?? â??this number does not existâ?? â?? the embarrassment faced due to this absurdity at your end is difficult to understand and now perhaps overlook. All I would ask you to do is â?? if it is not possible to covert my phone to a post paid cycle then at least have the decency to activate it as it was earlier without further delay at your end?
I would request you to kindly look into the matter and put an end to all this on an immediate basis, one way or the other.
My alternate temporary contact numbers are:
93508 31535 / 5155 2441.
Thanking you in anticipation of an earliest response.
Nitish G.
Mob # 9810 472 572 (disconnected as of till now).
Email: nitish_gmurthy@yahoo.com
Hi There,
I would like to bring your notice the carelessness and absolute apathy shown towards a customerâ??s plight in getting a pre paid cellular connection converted into a post paid connection. The following letter lists my travails through this agonizing journey, which I regret has not been complete so far.
This is to inform you that I had submitted an application for conversion of my pre paid connection to post paid vide Subscriber Enrolment Form # 2961141, dated 26th February 2005. A Cheque of Rs. 2400/- vide Chq # 319134, thru HDFC Bank was also enclosed with the form along with all the necessary documentation as required for conversion. (Document collected â?? 1 Passport sized Photo, 1 photocopy of Voters ID card with complete address as mentioned in the form for address verification). The bill plan opted was Airtel One 150 â?? Amount Rs. 900/- towards waiver of two years monthly rental and a security deposit of Rs. 1500/- towards STD activation.
This was collected from myself by your executive Mr. Chandra Bhan, Mobile # 98108 51127 on the same date and was promised by himself that the conversion would take place within the next 24 hours.
But my Phone was deactivated completely from the circle on the night of 28th February 2005. And since then my phone has not been activated.
Upon numerous calls bordering on the infinite, I got through to your customer care at 98100 12345 on the 2nd of March 2005 at 1945 hrs, complaint # 4365967. The person in touch was Mr. Pratham, who with deepest sincerity assured me of the activation within the next 24 hours, WITHOUT FAIL.
Since that moment on my agony and embarrassment have continued till date today. I have been talking to your Customer care people literally every day, Ex: Shilpi, Muskan, Aparna, Sheetal – all of the before have been very sweetly promising me activation within 24 hours respectively.
Muskan & Aparna have even gone to the extent of calling up Mr. Chandra Bhan, to confirm submission of documents at Airtel, which he has since confirmed. Upon getting in touch with Mr. Chandra Bhan also, I was given the non-existent number of his senior, Mr. Nakul, Mobile # 98108 51123. (Kindly note that Mr. Chandra Bhan maintains that he is a direct employee of Airtel and has not been sent by any DSA or others). At this time only I was informed that the conversion process would take at least 5 days from date of submission of documents. But even by this yardstick, my documents were submitted on the 26th of February. So, supposedly, I shouldn’t be having any issues in this regard.
Now, on Friday, 4th March, I got in touch with Ms. Neelanjana, Floor Manager, who upon very great insistence from my end, got in touch with your â??Conversion Departmentâ?? only on the 5th of March, where upon I had a word with Mr. Sandeep first, then Mr. Amit, CSR (as he introduced himself). Upon checking my form, he informed me that my form has been put on hold due to some bill plan issues as were requested by myself. But upon checking the form again in my presence, he found out that the bill plan issue was nothing but BAD HANDWRITING on the executiveâ??s part who collected my form. Upon clarification of the same, Mr. Amit, on Saturday, 5th March, promised me activation of my phone as a post paid number by 1200 Noon on Monday, 7th March.
The time now is 00:40 AM on the 8th of February. I have just got off the phone with your customer care, where I was in conversation with, in that order, Kumar, Davinder â?? Floor Manager, Balraj then Davinder again for a total of 30 minutes only. I have been informed by Mr. Davinder that my phone will not be activated, as my address verification has not been completed from your end. And also quoting him verbatim â?? â??Airtel does not send its own employees for conversion of connection EVERâ??, thereby contradicting Mr. Chandra Bhan who I had mentioned earlier maintain that he is a direct employee of Airtel.
NOW, for all the above, I have a few questions to ask:
1. Why has my phone been deactivated when my address verification has not been done?
2. As per your Standard Operating Procedure, effective 26th February 2005, as I have been informed & I quote â??the conversion would take a maximum of 5 working days from date of submission of documentsâ?? â?? so taking into account my submission date of 26th February till date i.e. 7th march, I seem to have completed 6 working days not taking into account Saturdays and Sundays which would push it to 9 days? Does your company believe in harassing your customers so much?
3. There seems to be an eagerness to over commit and then to non-deliver from the people at your organization. Why am I being put in a lot of hardship for a certain carelessness at your employeeâ??s end?
4. My cell phone upon dialing is coming as â?? â??this number does not existâ?? â?? the embarrassment faced due to this absurdity at your end is difficult to understand and now perhaps overlook. All I would ask you to do is â?? if it is not possible to covert my phone to a post paid cycle then at least have the decency to activate it as it was earlier without further delay at your end?
I would request you to kindly look into the matter and put an end to all this on an immediate basis, one way or the other.
My alternate temporary contact numbers are:
93508 31535 / 5155 2441.
Thanking you in anticipation of an earliest response.
Nitish G.
Mob # 9810 472 572 (disconnected as of till now).
Email: nitish_gmurthy@yahoo.com
ur a clearly a moron.
dggfdg gffdgfd gfdgfdgfd gfdgdfgfdg gfdgfdgfdgfdgfdgfdgdfgfdgfdgfdgfdgdfgfdgfdg
ur a clearly a moron.
dggfdg gffdgfd gfdgfdgfd gfdgdfgfdg gfdgfdgfdgfdgfdgfdgdfgfdgfdgfdgfdgdfgfdgfdg
i do not need any more clues on who is the moron here…
i do not need any more clues on who is the moron here…
SPARSANAM CHARITABLE TRUST
Reg;No-28/V/05
A CHARITABLE TRUST IN INDIA
All the outset we wish to bring to your
kind attentio that we are in the process of formation
of a’TRUST’ in the name of ‘SPARSANAM CHARITABLE
TRUST’
with the intention to provide support to theneedy
public, in India who are suffering likeanyuthing for
want of necessary assistance
Indi, being such a big and thicky popuated country
, it is obvious there are number of public,
particularly in rural areas, lacking
support/assistance in the relevant areas for the main
reason that their problems are not brought to the
attention of concerned authorities from time to
ti! me.As such, the very purpose of formation of this
TRUST is to deeply the problems/difficulties
experienced/encountered by these public and to provide
timely assistance to them to the almost extent
possible and also to bring the same to the attention
of the concerned higher authorities so as to ensure
long tern assistance thereby minimizing and
eradicating such problems in the ‘FUTURE INDIA’.
We are glad to mention that knowing plan of the
trust aterm of highle energetic and qualified youth
have offered to extend their helping hand to whatever
areas possible as a service so as to help the trust to
achieve our goal as soon as possible and more
effectively.Accordingly the trust has planned to start
up with 12 projacts immediately as listed below;-
SPRSANAM MEDICAL CENTER
SPARSANAM EDUCATIONL CENTER
SPARSANAM OLDAGE HOME
SPARSANAM CHILDRENS HOME
SPARSANAM POOR HPME
SPARSANAM HOUSING LOAN
SPARSANAM YOGA&MEDITATION CENRE
SPARSANAM AIDS CARE CENTER
SPARSANAM AGRICULURAL LOAN
SPARSANAM JOB ORIENTED PROJECTS
SPARSANAM MARRIAGE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME
SPARSANAM LEPOROSY CARE CENTRE
(LOAN’S WITOUT INTEREST)
As you will understant the initial difficulties
involved for any trust to get established we are
looking for the valuable guidance and financial
assistance of the existing leading charitable trusts
like yours and would request you to kintly provide us
with necessary support,as an encouragement to us to
make our tasks really meaningful and purposeful.
Your D.D Cheques etc may be send to our bank
account at ICICI A/C.NO.026201000145.ICICI
BANK,PALAKKAD.
THE CHAIRMAN
(contact adress) SPARSANAM CHARITABLE TRUST
R.S.ROAD
OLAVAKKOD P.O.
PALAKKAD DISTRCT
KERAL-678002,INDIA.
emai-sparsanam@yahoo.com
WE ARE EXPECTING YOUR CO-OPRATION…………………………………..
SPARSANAM CHARITABLE TRUST
Reg;No-28/V/05
A CHARITABLE TRUST IN INDIA
All the outset we wish to bring to your
kind attentio that we are in the process of formation
of a’TRUST’ in the name of ‘SPARSANAM CHARITABLE
TRUST’
with the intention to provide support to theneedy
public, in India who are suffering likeanyuthing for
want of necessary assistance
Indi, being such a big and thicky popuated country
, it is obvious there are number of public,
particularly in rural areas, lacking
support/assistance in the relevant areas for the main
reason that their problems are not brought to the
attention of concerned authorities from time to
ti! me.As such, the very purpose of formation of this
TRUST is to deeply the problems/difficulties
experienced/encountered by these public and to provide
timely assistance to them to the almost extent
possible and also to bring the same to the attention
of the concerned higher authorities so as to ensure
long tern assistance thereby minimizing and
eradicating such problems in the ‘FUTURE INDIA’.
We are glad to mention that knowing plan of the
trust aterm of highle energetic and qualified youth
have offered to extend their helping hand to whatever
areas possible as a service so as to help the trust to
achieve our goal as soon as possible and more
effectively.Accordingly the trust has planned to start
up with 12 projacts immediately as listed below;-
SPRSANAM MEDICAL CENTER
SPARSANAM EDUCATIONL CENTER
SPARSANAM OLDAGE HOME
SPARSANAM CHILDRENS HOME
SPARSANAM POOR HPME
SPARSANAM HOUSING LOAN
SPARSANAM YOGA&MEDITATION; CENRE
SPARSANAM AIDS CARE CENTER
SPARSANAM AGRICULURAL LOAN
SPARSANAM JOB ORIENTED PROJECTS
SPARSANAM MARRIAGE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME
SPARSANAM LEPOROSY CARE CENTRE
(LOAN’S WITOUT INTEREST)
As you will understant the initial difficulties
involved for any trust to get established we are
looking for the valuable guidance and financial
assistance of the existing leading charitable trusts
like yours and would request you to kintly provide us
with necessary support,as an encouragement to us to
make our tasks really meaningful and purposeful.
Your D.D Cheques etc may be send to our bank
account at ICICI A/C.NO.026201000145.ICICI
BANK,PALAKKAD.
THE CHAIRMAN
(contact adress) SPARSANAM CHARITABLE TRUST
R.S.ROAD
OLAVAKKOD P.O.
PALAKKAD DISTRCT
KERAL-678002,INDIA.
emai-sparsanam@yahoo.com
WE ARE EXPECTING YOUR CO-OPRATION…………………………………..
Airtel is like a TITANIC WHICH ARE SINLED SLOWLY
Airtel is like a TITANIC WHICH ARE SINLED SLOWLY
i am a subscriber of Airtel my mobile no: 9815004020
i think i had made a wrong decision while choosing your company for mobile communication.On 2nd of Dec,2005 i got a free SMS pack of Rs. 26 but i’ve not utilised the full pack scheme due to non stoppable deduction from my account so far from the first date company has deducted more than Rs. 85. atleast 8 complaint i have given to customer care but i didn’t get any positive response from them. the last complaint no : CINBDC 122605590500 where i told to Add-Back my money.”kya mein jaan sakta hu ki why are you deducting amount even you have given a FREE SMS Scheme. SECONDLY: Company also have deducted a amount of Rs. 30 in the form of Ring Tones where i recieved a call from the company but i didn’t accept the offer.even second day a message was about “they are subscribing/updating the ring tone and very next day they deducted Rs. 30 from my balance .
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. so Sir i’m approaching directly to you because u can do a favour in my complaint.when ever i ask for Status they ask 24/48 more hours for the same. i think this is not good for a company like you. so i hope u will cooperate with me and oblize with taking some action against my complaint.
harsh malhotra
i am a subscriber of Airtel my mobile no: 9815004020
i think i had made a wrong decision while choosing your company for mobile communication.On 2nd of Dec,2005 i got a free SMS pack of Rs. 26 but i’ve not utilised the full pack scheme due to non stoppable deduction from my account so far from the first date company has deducted more than Rs. 85. atleast 8 complaint i have given to customer care but i didn’t get any positive response from them. the last complaint no : CINBDC 122605590500 where i told to Add-Back my money.”kya mein jaan sakta hu ki why are you deducting amount even you have given a FREE SMS Scheme. SECONDLY: Company also have deducted a amount of Rs. 30 in the form of Ring Tones where i recieved a call from the company but i didn’t accept the offer.even second day a message was about “they are subscribing/updating the ring tone and very next day they deducted Rs. 30 from my balance .
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. so Sir i’m approaching directly to you because u can do a favour in my complaint.when ever i ask for Status they ask 24/48 more hours for the same. i think this is not good for a company like you. so i hope u will cooperate with me and oblize with taking some action against my complaint.
harsh malhotra
This is for Mr. Sunil Mittal:
Ref.: Parent subscription : 9845549696; Add-on subscription : 9880880443
Mr. Mittal, I have been a postpaid mobile subscriber of Airtel since about two years now. I have been given an add-on SIM card in August / September, 2005.
I had bought my first (parent) subscription from a credit card, thus deposit was waived. My monthly bills were being paid through auto debit from that credit card (I had given a Standing Instruction (SI) for it). I had given SI for auto debit from the same credit card towards my monthly bill of the add-on SIM card, too. Monthlly payments were smooth till some time ago.
My credi card was upgraded to a Gold Card, which number was intimated in writing by me to Airtel – separately for two numbers, which was confirmed by Airtel to have been updated in the system there (Airtel). But, I started to receive calls / emails / SMSs that auto-debit was declined. I checked with the bank providing the credit card, who said that the bill be re-presented for payment, as there was no problem with the bank / account. I cross-checked with Airtel and found out the credit card number available in the system is correct, i.e., the new number.
Firstly, I had problems with the Airtel outlet at Banashankari 3rd Stage, 100 Ft. Ring Road, Bangalore, where I handed over the SI. But it never reached Airtel. I had to give it the second time.
I cancelled the SI following problems of payment getting declined. I was asked to pay a deposit for the two connections, the customer support executive who called said I could make it in one cheque. I did it in one cheque mentioning the numbers of the two connections overleaf. The lady at the outlet mentioned above declined to accept it saying I had to make two cheques – separately for the two numbers. As I had already written the cheque I returned to write to Airtel. Airtel replied telling that I could, indeed, make my deposit towards the two numbers by one cheque!!! The executive who called asked me to contact a specific person in the same outlet, who I was told that was from Airtel. I again went there and the cheque was accepted – though by another person, as the one referred by Airtel was not available when I visited.
I had, long ago – soon after I received the add-on SIM card, written to Airtel to make a sinle bill for the two connections. I received a confirmation by a customer service executive that it has been done now!! After a good four-five months.
I received an SMS on my parent card telling that a particular amount was outstanding, which I later found to be of the add-on SIM card. Wouldn’t it have been better to mention the relevant number in the SMS? I received a mail telling that the same amount is pending and I need to make the payment fast, but the SMS tells the due date is 27-02-2006. I check my bills over internet (http://www.airtelworld.com), and the same is confirmed.
On 03rd February, 2006, I had paid an amount through Netbanking towards the bill for my parent card, whose due date was 11th February. The receipt was not confirmed by Airtel. When I wrote to enquire, I received a mail yesterday saying that the payment was received on 06th February, but there was delay in posting the same to my account. That was atrocious and ridiculous. Isn’t it? And over that there was a mention that I need to pay an amount towards the bill of my add-on SIM card as immediately as it was pending. The SMS reached my parent card!
I am being harrassed by Airtel for flimsy reasons when I have not committed any mistake, when there is no fault of mine. My name is spelt wrong (as separate names), despite my request a number of times, since a long age, the same is not corrected, i.e., the name in the last bill I received appears wrongly.
I feel the people at Airtel Bangalore are behind me to harrass. I wonder what are they upto. I am sure that they were trained by Airtel to work there, and efficiently at that. But I wonder why Airtel is complacent about its operations!
Yesterday I spoke to one customer support executive to sort out the issue of pending bills, etc. He says I don’t have an add-on SIM card at all!! That was a big joke. Wasn’t that? He said the two cards are not related to one another – that is they are mutually exclusive and not parent- and add-on cards!
Airtel is a brand that I liked for its youthfulness and trendy concept. But I am getting frustrated with it. I’m seriously thinking of changing loyalty, whereas I was suggesting my friends and folks in the family to go for Airtel. There are a few good service providers outside Airtel, I know. Anyway, Airtel doesn’t give a damn if one like me quits from its network.
Should Airtel continue like this, doom is not far. And it would be sad day for Indian telecom industry. BSNL would laugh at you.
I wish you tighten your belts. Become more professional in your work approach. Lest you’ll cease to exist. Hope necessary action will be taken.
Guruprasad Pavanje,
4/2, 6th A Cross, Gummaiah Layout,
Chikkalsandra, Padmanabhanagar,
BANGALORE – 560 061.
Mob.: 9845549696 (parent – with me, preferred to called on this number), 9880880443 (add-on – available between 08.00 pm to 08.00 am)
This is for Mr. Sunil Mittal:
Ref.: Parent subscription : 9845549696; Add-on subscription : 9880880443
Mr. Mittal, I have been a postpaid mobile subscriber of Airtel since about two years now. I have been given an add-on SIM card in August / September, 2005.
I had bought my first (parent) subscription from a credit card, thus deposit was waived. My monthly bills were being paid through auto debit from that credit card (I had given a Standing Instruction (SI) for it). I had given SI for auto debit from the same credit card towards my monthly bill of the add-on SIM card, too. Monthlly payments were smooth till some time ago.
My credi card was upgraded to a Gold Card, which number was intimated in writing by me to Airtel – separately for two numbers, which was confirmed by Airtel to have been updated in the system there (Airtel). But, I started to receive calls / emails / SMSs that auto-debit was declined. I checked with the bank providing the credit card, who said that the bill be re-presented for payment, as there was no problem with the bank / account. I cross-checked with Airtel and found out the credit card number available in the system is correct, i.e., the new number.
Firstly, I had problems with the Airtel outlet at Banashankari 3rd Stage, 100 Ft. Ring Road, Bangalore, where I handed over the SI. But it never reached Airtel. I had to give it the second time.
I cancelled the SI following problems of payment getting declined. I was asked to pay a deposit for the two connections, the customer support executive who called said I could make it in one cheque. I did it in one cheque mentioning the numbers of the two connections overleaf. The lady at the outlet mentioned above declined to accept it saying I had to make two cheques – separately for the two numbers. As I had already written the cheque I returned to write to Airtel. Airtel replied telling that I could, indeed, make my deposit towards the two numbers by one cheque!!! The executive who called asked me to contact a specific person in the same outlet, who I was told that was from Airtel. I again went there and the cheque was accepted – though by another person, as the one referred by Airtel was not available when I visited.
I had, long ago – soon after I received the add-on SIM card, written to Airtel to make a sinle bill for the two connections. I received a confirmation by a customer service executive that it has been done now!! After a good four-five months.
I received an SMS on my parent card telling that a particular amount was outstanding, which I later found to be of the add-on SIM card. Wouldn’t it have been better to mention the relevant number in the SMS? I received a mail telling that the same amount is pending and I need to make the payment fast, but the SMS tells the due date is 27-02-2006. I check my bills over internet (www.airtelworld.com), and the same is confirmed.
On 03rd February, 2006, I had paid an amount through Netbanking towards the bill for my parent card, whose due date was 11th February. The receipt was not confirmed by Airtel. When I wrote to enquire, I received a mail yesterday saying that the payment was received on 06th February, but there was delay in posting the same to my account. That was atrocious and ridiculous. Isn’t it? And over that there was a mention that I need to pay an amount towards the bill of my add-on SIM card as immediately as it was pending. The SMS reached my parent card!
I am being harrassed by Airtel for flimsy reasons when I have not committed any mistake, when there is no fault of mine. My name is spelt wrong (as separate names), despite my request a number of times, since a long age, the same is not corrected, i.e., the name in the last bill I received appears wrongly.
I feel the people at Airtel Bangalore are behind me to harrass. I wonder what are they upto. I am sure that they were trained by Airtel to work there, and efficiently at that. But I wonder why Airtel is complacent about its operations!
Yesterday I spoke to one customer support executive to sort out the issue of pending bills, etc. He says I don’t have an add-on SIM card at all!! That was a big joke. Wasn’t that? He said the two cards are not related to one another – that is they are mutually exclusive and not parent- and add-on cards!
Airtel is a brand that I liked for its youthfulness and trendy concept. But I am getting frustrated with it. I’m seriously thinking of changing loyalty, whereas I was suggesting my friends and folks in the family to go for Airtel. There are a few good service providers outside Airtel, I know. Anyway, Airtel doesn’t give a damn if one like me quits from its network.
Should Airtel continue like this, doom is not far. And it would be sad day for Indian telecom industry. BSNL would laugh at you.
I wish you tighten your belts. Become more professional in your work approach. Lest you’ll cease to exist. Hope necessary action will be taken.
Guruprasad Pavanje,
4/2, 6th A Cross, Gummaiah Layout,
Chikkalsandra, Padmanabhanagar,
BANGALORE – 560 061.
Mob.: 9845549696 (parent – with me, preferred to called on this number), 9880880443 (add-on – available between 08.00 pm to 08.00 am)
Ref: 771-4048925 (Raipur)
Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal,
I applied for a BroadBand Connection 12 days prior. I got the voice connection very next day, & it was told to me that ur Broadband connection is in process and mordem will be issued next day.
But next day , no response, no contact, no mordem. After that i contact the customer care. They told me that ur connection is in process.
After 2 days, i again contact customer care. Customer care transffered my call to DSL depatt. their i was talking with Mr. Pranjal Singh (Sales Coordinator),he told me that u r not getting broadband connection because their is some technical problem. Airtel is unable to provide u connection. He already rejected my application form.
in this case, i told him , it is not possible for me to contine with the connection. He assured me that within 2 days connection will be removed.
After expiry of above 2 days i contact Mr. Pranjal Singh. He told me that process is going on. than i contact the customer care and filed a complaint related to the matter. customer care executive Mr Nitin (Bhopal)assured me that they will ring back. But i never got any call.
next day i again contact customer care. they again assured me that i will get a call from them.
next day i got a call from Airtel. they told me to submit one application for removal of connection.
On next day i.e.Saturday 03.06.2006, i reached ur office at 1320 hours , which is situated at Krishna Complex,Raipur (C.G.). Here i meet Ms Richa (Retention Team) executive. She asked me for the phone instrument also with the application. i told her that it was not told to me thatswhy i not brought it . She told me that office will be remain open till 1730 hours . But i came again at 1340 hours. Lunch time was going on therefore i waited for the 10 min. their only . but Ms Richa , after 10 min. came out of office & gone for picnic. The other employees told me to come again at Monday because they are not having authority to take application.
After that i came back & called customer care . Ms Ritu (Customer care executive,Bhopal) noted my complaint and she told me that she will definately do the needfull. for that she asked me for 2 hours. i said her that i will wait for 2 hours.
After 2 and half hours i again called customer care, this time Ms Divya attended my call , she gave me a complaint no. 389270.
After the call, immediately i received a call from Bhopal Airtel Office. Mr Manish (DSL Supervisor) told me that till Monday he will solve the problem.
But today (Monday) i again call customer care, this time Ms Divya Transfered my call to Mr Akshay Dani (Retention Team) he assured me that he will take the action.
but till now my connection has not been discontinued.
kindly, tell me why this is lingering so on…
or should I complaint to the consumer forum.
i think employees of Airtel are busy in attending picnic and they are playing with the customers.
Ref: 771-4048925 (Raipur)
Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal,
I applied for a BroadBand Connection 12 days prior. I got the voice connection very next day, & it was told to me that ur Broadband connection is in process and mordem will be issued next day.
But next day , no response, no contact, no mordem. After that i contact the customer care. They told me that ur connection is in process.
After 2 days, i again contact customer care. Customer care transffered my call to DSL depatt. their i was talking with Mr. Pranjal Singh (Sales Coordinator),he told me that u r not getting broadband connection because their is some technical problem. Airtel is unable to provide u connection. He already rejected my application form.
in this case, i told him , it is not possible for me to contine with the connection. He assured me that within 2 days connection will be removed.
After expiry of above 2 days i contact Mr. Pranjal Singh. He told me that process is going on. than i contact the customer care and filed a complaint related to the matter. customer care executive Mr Nitin (Bhopal)assured me that they will ring back. But i never got any call.
next day i again contact customer care. they again assured me that i will get a call from them.
next day i got a call from Airtel. they told me to submit one application for removal of connection.
On next day i.e.Saturday 03.06.2006, i reached ur office at 1320 hours , which is situated at Krishna Complex,Raipur (C.G.). Here i meet Ms Richa (Retention Team) executive. She asked me for the phone instrument also with the application. i told her that it was not told to me thatswhy i not brought it . She told me that office will be remain open till 1730 hours . But i came again at 1340 hours. Lunch time was going on therefore i waited for the 10 min. their only . but Ms Richa , after 10 min. came out of office & gone for picnic. The other employees told me to come again at Monday because they are not having authority to take application.
After that i came back & called customer care . Ms Ritu (Customer care executive,Bhopal) noted my complaint and she told me that she will definately do the needfull. for that she asked me for 2 hours. i said her that i will wait for 2 hours.
After 2 and half hours i again called customer care, this time Ms Divya attended my call , she gave me a complaint no. 389270.
After the call, immediately i received a call from Bhopal Airtel Office. Mr Manish (DSL Supervisor) told me that till Monday he will solve the problem.
But today (Monday) i again call customer care, this time Ms Divya Transfered my call to Mr Akshay Dani (Retention Team) he assured me that he will take the action.
but till now my connection has not been discontinued.
kindly, tell me why this is lingering so on…
or should I complaint to the consumer forum.
i think employees of Airtel are busy in attending picnic and they are playing with the customers.
Dear Mr Sunil Mitta
Since last 3 years I am associated with Airtel . I am satishfied for its connectivity but not at all satishfied with it’s customer care service . I don’t know it is customer care or payment and ring tone alert services .
On 12 th sep 06 (my payment due date) I dropped a cheque but it was not correctly written . Then again I dropped a cheque unfirtunately it was also not right (date was omitted) . Your customer care told me to deposit cash . I told them to return the cheques . But they told me that don’t worry we will not deposit the cheque in Bank . So I deposited the cash then & there .
But few days later your customer care deposited the cheque in Bank and it dishnoured . After making cash payment . My HDFC Bank debited my account by Rs 400 (cheque bouncing charges) . You also charged late payment fees . I am surprised again in this month you charged Rs 200 for cheque dishnoured charges .
After that I talked to your customer care executives (about 10 time ) also e-mail about my problem . But everybody is silent .
Now please tell me who is responsible for my loss of total Rs 700 (approx) ? Either your staffs are below qualified or they have instruction for harrashing the people .
Please Advice .
Arup kumar sinha
585 shalimar garden (ext-I) Sahibabad , Ghaziabad
Cell no – 9810570506
Dear Mr Sunil Mitta
Since last 3 years I am associated with Airtel . I am satishfied for its connectivity but not at all satishfied with it’s customer care service . I don’t know it is customer care or payment and ring tone alert services .
On 12 th sep 06 (my payment due date) I dropped a cheque but it was not correctly written . Then again I dropped a cheque unfirtunately it was also not right (date was omitted) . Your customer care told me to deposit cash . I told them to return the cheques . But they told me that don’t worry we will not deposit the cheque in Bank . So I deposited the cash then & there .
But few days later your customer care deposited the cheque in Bank and it dishnoured . After making cash payment . My HDFC Bank debited my account by Rs 400 (cheque bouncing charges) . You also charged late payment fees . I am surprised again in this month you charged Rs 200 for cheque dishnoured charges .
After that I talked to your customer care executives (about 10 time ) also e-mail about my problem . But everybody is silent .
Now please tell me who is responsible for my loss of total Rs 700 (approx) ? Either your staffs are below qualified or they have instruction for harrashing the people .
Please Advice .
Arup kumar sinha
585 shalimar garden (ext-I) Sahibabad , Ghaziabad
Cell no – 9810570506
Dear Mr Sunil Mitta
Since last 3 years I am associated with Airtel . I am satishfied for its connectivity but not at all satishfied with it’s customer care service .BUT FROM LAST YEAR I HAVE VERY BAD EXPERIANCE WITH AIRTEL’S SERVICES NOV-2006 AIRTEL CUSTOMER CARE EXCUTIVES CALL ME & GIVE AN OFFER FOR ANNUAL HELLO TUNE FOR RS.200.00
I ACCPTED IT & PAY THE ONE TIME CHARGES FOR 365 DAYS OF HELLO TUNES.THE PROBLEM START NOW IN EVERY MONTH HELLO TUNE CHARGES ADD TO MY BILL WITH TAXES NOW THIS IS MY ROUTINE OF EVERY MONTH I CALLED TO AIRTEL & WRITE AN E-MAIL FOR MY WAVERS IN BETWEEN THIS PERIOD AIRTEL DISCOUNTNU MY HELLO TUNE WITHOUT GIVING ME ANY NOTICE WHEN I CALL FOR THIS THE EXCUTIVES TOLD ME THAT THIS IS TECHINICAL PROBLEM & THE HELLO TUNE ACTIVATED AGAIN BUT NEXT MONTH BILL I C THAT THE HELLO TUNE CHANGE CHARGES ADD TO MY BILL & NOT GIVIN ME ANY WAVER YET NOW THEY AGIAN CHANGE MY HELLO TUNE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHEN I WRITE AN MAIL TO 121 THEY ASK ME I HAVE TO PAY THE HELLO TUNE CHANGE CHARGES I WANT TO KNOW WHERE IS THE MY MISTAKE OR IS THIS MY MISTAKE I ATTECHED WITH AIRTEL .ONCE THEY GIVIN ME AN OFFER FOR MY MONTHLY RENT PLAN FOR DISCOUNTING BUT NO BODY MAKE THE DISCOUNTS I WANT TO KNOW ARE YOU ONLY FAITH IN GROWING YOUR BUSSINESS ENVORINMENT OR ARE YOU FAITH IN BETTER CUSTOMER CARE NOW I REQUEST TO YOU PLEASE MAKE MY ALL WAVERS IF U CAN MY CELL NO.IS 9872869703 FROM PUNJAB
SANDEEP SHARMA
MOBILE 98728-69703
CIVIL LINES
LUDHIANA
Dear Mr Sunil Mitta
Since last 3 years I am associated with Airtel . I am satishfied for its connectivity but not at all satishfied with it’s customer care service .BUT FROM LAST YEAR I HAVE VERY BAD EXPERIANCE WITH AIRTEL’S SERVICES NOV-2006 AIRTEL CUSTOMER CARE EXCUTIVES CALL ME & GIVE AN OFFER FOR ANNUAL HELLO TUNE FOR RS.200.00
I ACCPTED IT & PAY THE ONE TIME CHARGES FOR 365 DAYS OF HELLO TUNES.THE PROBLEM START NOW IN EVERY MONTH HELLO TUNE CHARGES ADD TO MY BILL WITH TAXES NOW THIS IS MY ROUTINE OF EVERY MONTH I CALLED TO AIRTEL & WRITE AN E-MAIL FOR MY WAVERS IN BETWEEN THIS PERIOD AIRTEL DISCOUNTNU MY HELLO TUNE WITHOUT GIVING ME ANY NOTICE WHEN I CALL FOR THIS THE EXCUTIVES TOLD ME THAT THIS IS TECHINICAL PROBLEM & THE HELLO TUNE ACTIVATED AGAIN BUT NEXT MONTH BILL I C THAT THE HELLO TUNE CHANGE CHARGES ADD TO MY BILL & NOT GIVIN ME ANY WAVER YET NOW THEY AGIAN CHANGE MY HELLO TUNE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHEN I WRITE AN MAIL TO 121 THEY ASK ME I HAVE TO PAY THE HELLO TUNE CHANGE CHARGES I WANT TO KNOW WHERE IS THE MY MISTAKE OR IS THIS MY MISTAKE I ATTECHED WITH AIRTEL .ONCE THEY GIVIN ME AN OFFER FOR MY MONTHLY RENT PLAN FOR DISCOUNTING BUT NO BODY MAKE THE DISCOUNTS I WANT TO KNOW ARE YOU ONLY FAITH IN GROWING YOUR BUSSINESS ENVORINMENT OR ARE YOU FAITH IN BETTER CUSTOMER CARE NOW I REQUEST TO YOU PLEASE MAKE MY ALL WAVERS IF U CAN MY CELL NO.IS 9872869703 FROM PUNJAB
SANDEEP SHARMA
MOBILE 98728-69703
CIVIL LINES
LUDHIANA
Dear Mr. Mittal,
Is Airtel in the bussiness of exortion, threats, blackmailng, breaching privacy of customers etc. etc..
The Customer care no. is impossible to connect and if conected instead of solving they cause moree confusion. Are they trained to cause discomfort to consumers who are hapless.
I had a landline number on which there were certain billing disputes. In six months since Aug 2007 I attempted to reconcile and pay the actual. I wanted billing details.None helped. Ultimately somebody in Biling agreed to waive Rs. 3000/- and have check for balance colleted.
No body turned up and instead a drama of coercion, blackmailing and absolute breach of privacy started on 8/9th Feb 2008. One Mr. Amir against all norms of decency and personal privacy took telphone numbers from the previous billing record and started using abusive and unparliamentory language to all those persons from phone 93505 84244. This is the limit of lowest decency which you have trained your people to come down.
This Guy Amir seems to a high end mafia boy of your organisation.
you must make a policy to satisfay the consumer and disapprove the use of criminal coercion.
I immediately reported abuse on cutomer care email of Bharti Airtel and copy to you as follows
______
Dear Sir/ Madam,
By this mail I wish to record my complainat against a person who is making calls regularly from No. 93505 84244 under different names using abusive and coercive language on my cell phone. This conduct is serious breach of the legal rights and blatant attack on the liberty.
Please provide the Exact name and address of the gentleman using the phone
If the issue is not resolved by you within two hours I may be compelled to report the matter to the law enforcing agency and get the the matter investigated by leading news chhanels on TV.
S K KOCHHAR
COPY to Mr. Sunil Mittal
____________
but alas no action was taken for this abusive conduct indicating your connivance in the entire conduct.
Dear Mr. Mittal,
Is Airtel in the bussiness of exortion, threats, blackmailng, breaching privacy of customers etc. etc..
The Customer care no. is impossible to connect and if conected instead of solving they cause moree confusion. Are they trained to cause discomfort to consumers who are hapless.
I had a landline number on which there were certain billing disputes. In six months since Aug 2007 I attempted to reconcile and pay the actual. I wanted billing details.None helped. Ultimately somebody in Biling agreed to waive Rs. 3000/- and have check for balance colleted.
No body turned up and instead a drama of coercion, blackmailing and absolute breach of privacy started on 8/9th Feb 2008. One Mr. Amir against all norms of decency and personal privacy took telphone numbers from the previous billing record and started using abusive and unparliamentory language to all those persons from phone 93505 84244. This is the limit of lowest decency which you have trained your people to come down.
This Guy Amir seems to a high end mafia boy of your organisation.
you must make a policy to satisfay the consumer and disapprove the use of criminal coercion.
I immediately reported abuse on cutomer care email of Bharti Airtel and copy to you as follows
______
Dear Sir/ Madam,
By this mail I wish to record my complainat against a person who is making calls regularly from No. 93505 84244 under different names using abusive and coercive language on my cell phone. This conduct is serious breach of the legal rights and blatant attack on the liberty.
Please provide the Exact name and address of the gentleman using the phone
If the issue is not resolved by you within two hours I may be compelled to report the matter to the law enforcing agency and get the the matter investigated by leading news chhanels on TV.
S K KOCHHAR
COPY to Mr. Sunil Mittal
____________
but alas no action was taken for this abusive conduct indicating your connivance in the entire conduct.
Mr. mittal
hi.this is a devoted worker of Indian National Lokdal(Haryana).We want to provide you our party Hello Tone which our workers want to download from your network.The charges you can take as per your norms.The only thing to take care is time.We have RALLY in BHIWANI on 25 sept 08.Before that compelete the process.Number of workers is more than 2 lakhs,Rs 30 per worker.They will download in a single day.Please do contact me earliest my no.9896508760,9896969609,9416771307