Having experienced other GSM Networks and their related issues, I was keen to subscribe to Reliance GSM. This was mainly due to their popularity in the CDMA sector. It materialised in June with their GSM launch in Delhi. Over the past(nearly) 2 months, I must say that my experience with Reliance GSM has been less than satisfactory.
Activation: It all started with the activation of my number. I had registered my connection on 31st of May. My address was verified by the concerned Executives on 1 June and was promised to get the line activated the next day. Unfortunately, it was activated only on the 8th of June - that too with continuous follow-up. The issue cited was that the existing software in the Reliance Outlets, which were carrying CDMA software, were not customised to process new GSM connections. Issues around training the staff were also cited. I could appreciate the teething problems and agreed to live with the delay.
Billing: Knowing how these Operators work, I had anticipated that there will be some issues with my first bill and had told the Reliance Outlet person that since my line was activated on 8th of June, my billing should start from that date onwards. The Reliance person also agreed to offset me if I was indeed charged extra.
I haven’t received my first bill as of date, but on checking my bill online, I was astonished to find that my ancitipation was correct. They had indeed charged me from 3rd June onwards. On checking with the Customer Care, they pointed out that the connected was activated on 3rd June as per their records and therefore they can’t do anything. Having visited this retail outlet 100 times merely to get my phone activated, I was too tired to take up this issue again with them.(The Retail Outlet Owner told me that he is ashamed of facing me time and again on this issue and just can’t help but agree that their Service is indeed poor.)
Network: It is erratic in Delhi. In South Delhi the connection is poor, whereas other networks work well. Often I am getting the display "Emergency Calls only" on my phone. I have lodged a complaint on this issue, but no solution so far.
I don’t know how many subscribers have complained about this problem - whenever you receive a call from a Landline on a Reliance Number, you get an echo. It is miserable, especially when you are roaming - you end up speaking to yourself. Again, I have lodged a complaint on this issue, but I am not optimistic about Reliance’s response to this technical glitch. So will have to live this problem so long as I continue to embrace their network.
Customer Service: It is pathetic. They have a dedicated number*222 for postpaid customers, but when you dial this form your mobile, you invariably end up speaking to a prepaid Executive. They will again ask you to try the same number. How ridiculous is this. Do they really bother about customer service?
Overall Rating: With my 2 months experience with Reliance GSM, I can safely vouch that they are the worst gsm network providers in the country.(Ironically, they claim to be the best cellular network providers in the country - perhaps on CDMA.)
Recommendation: Venture into Reliance GSM if only you want to experience the ordeal of poor network and customer service.(I still want to give some benefit of doubt as GSM is a new venture for them, but can’t justify their record on Customer Service.)
THUMBS DOWN FOR RELIANCE GSM.