Perdon my expression in the subject line. But that is 100% true. Here's why ...
I got AIRTEL service connected 2 weeks back, Prepaid. Having a Blackberry, I wanted to use emails and SMS. Hence when I asked the guy in the counter, he provided me with the Rs. 498/- internet service package. That was the only package provided in the flyer he showed me which is something to do with internet. The person in the counter told me that this is the package service I have to buy to get emails and SMS. I was also told it would take 2 days (48 hours) to activate this package. 4-5 days passed and nothing happens. I talked to the customer service at Airtel (phone). They took a day to find out that I have to visit a local Airtel office to setup my Blackberry enabling emails and SMS. I went to the Local Blackberry Airtel service counter and below is the conversation ..
Purba - Can you please setup my Blackberry to get SMS and Email?
Service Rep - What service you bought?
Purba - Internet Package Rs. 498/-
Service Rep - Did you buy Blackberry Service Also?
Purba - I was not told, Ok I am ready to buy, will that help me to use Rs. 498/-?
Service Rep - No, it will not because Blackberry Service cannot use Prepaid Amounts.
Purba - then what happens to that Rs.498/- I already paid?
Service Rep - I am extremely SORRY mam, its GONE !!! You should have got the connection from us. Why do not you buy a new handset from us?
Purba - what do you mean? How do I know I have to buy the blackberry service from a specfic counter at kolkata? Is this the way you handle customer?
*** NO ANSWER ****
I then called the customer service at Airtel again, but heard only one statement ... " The money is already with the SIM, we cannot HELP, SORRY ..."
SO BEWARE WHEN YOU BUY ANYTHING FROM AIRTEL
I am a NRI, and I will also make sure all NRI gets this message.
Airtel — Mobile office-Poor Technological Knowledge
I purchased a recharge card of Rs.395, which provides free internet for one month.But whn i used internet, now you guess it.Called customer care, found many uneven answers each time i call.
I lost around 20 to 30 rupees.