Considering the fact that it was the only other mobile operator in the State(Kerala) - Escotel was PRETTY good. Well it is taken over by IDEA now. But when it was here it did have the best coverage and the cheapest call rates when compared to BPL.
Where as BPL always had the wrong segment in the marketing sense – spot on. It always bought me the best offers from across the border. It had a lot of firsts too. (In Kerala at least). First one with “flashing bill” of last call made, first with the ringer to one concept, free calls to all same network mobiles (THAT offer increased their market by more than 40% - actual figure)
One personal favorite was when “all outgoing calls were free” – “but you get charged for incoming”!!! It was Hilarious to see us fall over each other to give the other person a Buzz just to say Hi!
Customer care was alright – till the BOOM came then it all went to Hell- for all most all providers – if you are a prepaid customer then god help you.