Sir/Mdm,
I have recharged my prepaid Airtel Mobile no. 09893326660 on 21st Sept,2009 with tariff reduction value voucher Rs. 35 to reduce STD mobile charges to rate of 0.50/0.60 Rs per min on Airtel/other mobiles. I was told that it is active with immediate effect for 30 days. I soon received a msg from Airtel ERecharge that "Recharge successful on 21-09-2009 at 08.47 PM". I was assured about STD call rate reduction. Still I checked on *111# about this and I got information that "Your temporary Service Class is 4160 with Expiry Date Oct20, 2009". Confirmed.
Today when I called on no.09829100160 at about 5.55 pm on 22nd sept, 2009 and talked for about 6 minutes or max.7 min. and at ending call I received a msg that this call has been charged Rs. 7.00 at rate of 50 paisa per min. Enjoy rate of 50p/min.
I was shocked with this mischief officially made by Airtel. Soon I called on12144 and after complaining to customer care and then to a senior person in Airtel I was told that this card will activate after 24 hrs. from recharge. Who has the responsibility to tell about this at time of recharge and why was I assured by facility *111#. And if still Airtel somehow proves that this cheating is valid then how can it justify expiry of this facility in 29 days on 20th Oct, 2009 instead of committed 30 days.
In my belief it is clear cut default from service provider after taking charges nad exploitation of customer i.e. violation of consumer rights. I don't know how many customers have lost their money likewise.