I had to choose Hutch in Kolkata as there was no other option in the area where I am staying. I was skeptical from the first day when I had to move from Airtel (Bangalore) to Hutch (Kolkata) after using Airtel for about 5 years.
Here is the difference that I noticed when I had to move from Airtel -
Hutch charges double for ISD calls than Airtel or BSNL at this time
Hutch does not provide the itemized bill even online for free. Airtel does provide that free online at airtelworld.com
In West Bengal The ROB (Rest of Bengal) roaming scheme does not work when moved slightly out of the Kolkata range; while my friends airtel mobile was always in reach.
Hutch never takes the lead in declaring the new beneficiary plans; it always follows the market trend when Airtel/BSNL/Others declare something competitive.
Most of the time their customer care numbers are busy.
Recently there was a scheme from Hutch for advance one year rental to pay Rs. 990 upfront and you do not have to pay any rental for the whole year and no CLIP charges. Their sales team were so desperate to get the subscribers to opt for this that I got so many calls from them that they want to give me the details. Probably they wanted to keep the customers. but there was a catch – that anytime during that year if you want to change the plan all your advance is lost !!! and would not be adjusted I called their care number and talked to Moumita – one of their support personnel; believe me that she was talking just like Reliance customer care executive. She said did I ask about this when the sales person called me to provide the details about the scheme !!!
Hutch never put any details about this on it’s website
Their sales people hidden this information. I do not know how many more clauses might be still hidden and not told.
And the customer care blames me for not asking this question from their representative when they called me !!! Wow !!!
I really am missing the Airtel and hope that they establish their network soon in the Kolkata too so that I move back to them.
For those planning to take connections from Hutch prepare your questionnaire first to dig out any hidden conditions that may pinch you later.