[Resolved]  BSNL internet — overcharge of phone bill due to error

Address:

Goa

I just thought i would share the difficulty I had regarding an error in my phone bill. The entire incident was tiresome and further complicated by an uncooperative commercial officer. My experience could possibly help someone who is in a similar situation. Well here goes...

I had applied for a change of internet plan from a limited to unlimited plan (which cost about 750 rs). However at the end of the month, the bill amounted to 50000+ rs.
When I went over to the commercial officer he asked that my letter be presented so he could ensure that I hadnt made an error (I had neglected to take a xerox copy of the letter for myself). The peon brought over the letter and I could see that I hadnt made an error. In fact, the commercial officer had struck out my request and made a correction which resulted in my being given a LIMITED plan. To his credit, he didn't dispute that he made the change (he had signed for the change). He did however insist that I pay the full amount (50000+ rs.)
This was the start of endles trips to his office, pleading with him to reconsider. Wanting to not antagonize him, I remained deferential throughout and kept pointing out that I did nothing wrong.
I considered Consumer court but it was overly cumbersome (multiple visits to the court which my job wouldnt have permitted).

Finally, a helpful official from the Accounts department came to my rescue.
On his behest I filed an official complaint letter and submitted it to the C.O (this time I took a copy) and to the accounts dept. When a matter is under complaint BSNL cannot make an automatic deduction from your bank account. Neither can they stop the internet service.
I stopped my visits and calls to the CO. After 2 weeks he began calling me back and offering rebate schemes. I held firm and refused to pay anything more than the original amount (rs. 750).

After 2 months the matter was sorted out. He apologized to me. I paid the amount that was due and the issue was finally closed.

FYI, I have heard from friends of mine that had mistakenly ordered the wrong plan and then were charged for excess usage. In their case they had to pay the full amount (in one case rs. 1,50,000).
My matter was resolved quickly only because the error was on the part of the CO.