Airtel. I have endured this service for so long now. Because I think the known devil is better than the unknown one.
Reasons Airtel is terrible
1.) The Airtel reception is poor (both in Bangalore & Mumbai). Everytime I receive a call I run to some place where I can find full reception. And yes! Your connection can get cut right in the middle of a conversation and you can pay for the whole pulse.
2.) And their toll free customer care number 121? Just forget it. You are put on hold for an incredibly long time and then the person who comes on line is of no help either. Is this beacause of ignorance or lack of authority, I can’t tell.
3.) Direct marketing. I guess some hotshot MBA decided he should tap the existing customers for all future services. The endless stream of SMSes everyday and the sales call you receive can drive you mad. In the middle of busy working day all you need is an annoying invasion of privacy. And considering that this is a paid service, you would assume you would have some choice about receiving Airtel promotions. You poor mistaken idealistic fool! Maybe somewhere in the contract you sign, it says you have to endure their direct marketing.
4.) In the good old days, even if your prepaid card time expired, you could receive calls if you had balance left on card. But some new policy now ensures that after your time lapses, no matter what the balance on your card, your phone is useless until you recharge.
5.) Do not be fooled by their post paid schemes. Check the rentals. I pay Rs.500 on rental alone and the call rates are not cheap either. While evaluating their scheme, READ THE FINE PRINT
Last word. Airtel not recommended.
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The above review was written sometime in Sept
Update as on Nov 20th:
My outgoing calls have been barred - some network problem apparently. This happened right after I bought a recharge for 400 bucks.
Managed to get through to the customer service and before they tell me what I should do abt complaints, I was subject to airtel promotions. Somebody tell this company that there is a very high probability that an irate customer is one who calls customer services. And this irate customer is not going to appreciate their promotions.