At the end of 2006:
After 3 years I stick with my appreciation for TATA Indicom. Though some features like calls to CDMA phones at local rates are not available, still the best network coverage, proper billing & polite customer care.
Pros:
No roaming rentals.
You can make local calls at local rates while roaming.
You can opt for free incoming while roaming by paying a small monthly amount.
Clean & precise billing. They SMS you about the bill amount & also when they receive the payment.
Excellent network. Perhaps the only network to work without interruption in local trains of Mumbai, lifts & basements.
Cons:
You have to be patient with the customer care while activating/deactivating a feature or changing your tarrif plan.
In 2003/2004:
Trusting the name of TATA and fed up with Cellular providers like Orange & Airtel, I got a new TATA Indicom mobile in Aug’03. Well, the network is best and it works where all other networks fail. One gets a good sound quality even when the signal is low, unlike other networks. There is some problem getting landline numbers of some specific exchanges. One gets 400 local mins. free each month for a payment of Rs. 450/- (no off-net charges seperately, like Reliance) which is the cheapest. Rs.200/- is installment for handset (for 24/27 months). i.e. a total of Rs.650/- p.m. After 24/27 months, you stop paying EMI towards instrument. I got bills for two months and it was as expected (no cheating, no hidden charges). Calls to all WLL phones throughout India are treated as local calls (within first 400 mins). They don’t offer roaming or call forwarding like Reliance though. So, no false claims and good service. In fact, I don’t think any other mobile operator can match the prices & service of TATA Indicom. All-in-all, the best mobile deal without any false claims!!!