I had two consecutive bad experiences with Airtel broadband recently.
It’s always a big mess cancelling connection with Airtel mobile as well.
Let me share the bad experience with Airtel broadband here.
1> Cancellation
I called Airtel to cancel my broadband connection on 12th August before leaving pune. The customer care executive assured that connection will be deactivated in 24 hours and final bill will be generated in ten days. Their executives called 5-6 times asking why I was cancelling inspite of telling them that I am moving out of the city.
They generated a final bill dated 30th August. I had to pay for the period 13th Aug to 24th Aug even when I didn’t use it. This was not a big concern.
Their executives kept calling me for making bill payment eventhough the last date of payment was 19th september. I paid the entire amount on 15th September.
Now they send me another bill for period 25th Aug to 25th Sep. What the hell? they generated bill for account that was closed. When I sent mail to their customer care, I got stupid responses like "sorry we cant adjust the bill. you have to pay it"!
I demanded for a more responsible answer failing which I would escalate it to their apellate authority and go to consumer court if required. They havent responded even after allmost a week now.
2> New Connection
I applied for a new connection in bangalore on 22 Sep inspite of previous bad experience as the connection speed, reliability and download limits are far better than others. Their executive had noted down the port number in my apartment and said connection can be given. he took the filled application form and cheque for Rs 1599/-. The cheque was encashed on 25th Sep.
I was a bit busy with my work so didnt follow up. When I called today to check status, to my surprise they said its not technically feasible to provide connection. Does it require 20 days for that. Why didn’t they inform me that they cant provide connection earlier. Why deposit cheque if they cant provide a connection.
Now I have to follow up with these fools to get my money back.
My advice: When you cancel connection go to their customer service centre, give application for cancellation and collect receipt of cancellation. This way you have proof in case of billing discrepancies.
When buying a new connection, don’t fall for their great offers like pay in advance and get blah blah benefits. Opt for payment after bill generation. Keep following up with them.