[Resolved]  Airtel — Failure to provide service after assurance

Address:

600044

On Saturday, 17th December 2016, I saw an advertisement in a flyer that was stuck on my door, showing promising tariff of vfibre broadband with a stamp of local contact number. I wanted to verify so I check the internet, and there was an option for online booking. I booked and promptly i got a call from the airtel saying they would send someone on monday and probably they will fix within 48 hrs. In a hope of their visit, I waited patiently till monday evening, but nothing happened, no one came. So I called up a number which was given on the back of the flyer ([protected]), the Customer care executive told me that there was so such booking registered with my mobile number, even though there was (received sms for booking on 17/12/2016, bearing ref number ONTMCHENN66188747C). I thought that was a humble mistake and accepted their suggestion for new-booking (Airtel A/c number [protected], ref. number[protected]. The next day I got a call saying they can't service 40mbps vfibre in my area but they can surely provide 16mbps regular broadband at the same price, which was confusing as advertisement was misinforming. Being out of options and urgency I accepted the offer, and immediately they asked for activation fees of Rs 1000. To my surprise they called me over and over again for the activation fees like 4-5 times in an hour, got irritated when they called in the middle of the transaction. And they also asked for the soft copy of my passport size photo, rent agreement and ID proof, which I sent with 1-2 hrs. I was in a positive expectation after seeing such haste in the process of acquiring the prerequisites, thought they would keep the 48 hours promise. Unfortunately, their calls stopped coming after payment. I kept calling them when they crossed the 48 hrs period. They would keep promising that they will surely do it next day. I was aware of the damage that happened in Vardah cyclone, keeping that in mind I kept my cool. But they ignored my Request. No updates, no phone calls, no emails. I even took a leave from my work as the customer care executive promised they would surely come the next day morning at 10, which never happened, again. I made a complain regarding the issue. They kept lying over and over again tell tomorrow for sure. I even bought a landline phone as they said they wont be providing the phone. After too much of waiting and patience, eventually they told me that "airtel broadband is not available in my area, and to apply for refund" which happened yesterday. FYI, there is an airtel distribution box 2-3 buildings from my apartment, which is barely 70 feet away. My friend is using airtel broadband which is about 150 feet from my residence.
I felt it was a mistake to expect great service from airtel.