VasNet is Mangalore’s first local Internet Service provider. The other providers in the market are Satyam, BSNL, Touchtel and Reliance. All these ISPs offer a variety of access options. Where good old dial-up is concerned, VasNet is definitely #1 for me.
Let me tell you why. Mangalore has long been considered a good place for retired people to settle down in. That, and the fact that most locals have an “empty nest” – their children are away (overseas) on work or studies. Now the reason why I brought in this angle to my review, is because these retirees form the bulk of the home internet-user population in Mangalore. And what they need in their ISP is Service, Service and Service! VasNet therefore, gives it to them!
We have all had bad experiences with ISPs – they are slow, they never respond to our support calls.. the list goes on. With VasNet, it’s different! The main reason for this is because, unlike the other providers, VasNet has a local set-up. Its servers are located in Mangalore itself. This makes it easier to access. Secondly, because of the local presence, VasNet is able to provide excellent customer support, 24x7!! I have never had a problem trying to get in touch with their support team. And my problem has always been solved immediately. The staff are dedicated, courteous, and always ready to go out of their way to help customers out. There are times when they have even let customers use alternate log-in ids free of cost, if they needed them urgently. Plus, they take extremely good care of their senior citizen clients. I know because my parents never have to worry about their internet accounts. An employe even calls up to let them know when their account is close to expiring, and helps them to renew it.
What about payment? The rates are very competitive. But, that’s not what I’m about to rave about - I know that some ISPs require you to stand in long queues, others ask you to come and make the payment at their reseller’s office, or perhaps just maybe pop into a corner shop, and buy their card. With VasNet however, there is a good chance that if you buy an account, someone will come to your door for payment. You can start using the account immediately, and pay for it later! Defaulters can always be tracked through their log-in histories, so the company doesn’t bother too much about letting customers use ahead of payment. Like I mentioned, the rates are nominal, and no extra charge for support and service, if you are located within city limits.
Besides the retirees, the other users are usually businesses, cyber centers, and of course students. The main benefit for these is of course, again the excellent service, and the dedication of staff, to go that extra mile in ensuring customer satisfaction.
Now if that’s not customer service, then what is?!!