Airtel charged me rs.85/- twice in march 2010(total rs.170/-) for activating some junk service called "pc secure" which I never asked for. When I complained, Airtel customer care advised me to either pay up or disconnect. Airtel clearly follows unethical practices for earning profits at the cost of customers.
I recently subscribed to airtel rs.899/- plan with 256kpbs speed. Unlike bsnl, airtel tariffs and modem charges are not transparent. Airtel tariffs vary depending on your location and your ability to bargain.
Airtel also employs underpaid installation "engineers" who try to make extra money by selling modems at inflated prices. Airtel installation "engineer" came and immediately screwed up my bsnl modem. He tried to sell airtel modem for rs.1000/- its actual cost is only rs.500-.
For now, I have decided to continue with good old bsnl speed-combo 1100 plan, which costs me less after 20% discount, eight times faster at 2 mbps speed, and it also includes 500 free calls, which gives good value for my money. Further, there are no hassles with airtel’s staff who are always eager to act smart and make quick money.