The Airtel guide to 'How to torment your customers'

The Airtel guide to 'How to torment your customers'

This is the fourth post by me on Airtel's utter incompetence and unabashed insensitivity towards its customers ( Read related article here).
I took off for my Christmas holiday on 24th December. On 27th I get a message from Airtel stating that I had crossed my 'credit limit' and that I had to make an interim payment to avoid termination of services. Well, I was pissed off... But yes, considering their trouble in collecting payments I didn't want to fuss too much over it. So called up their customer-care executive and asked him 'Can I make a payment in Hyderabad?' for which he said 'No. You have to come to Pune sir.' I was stunned. A corporation that makes claims that it is India's number-one mobile phone service provider has not bothered to implement a global billing system.
I requested them to hold on and NOT terminate my connection. I told them that I was on a holiday and that I can make the payment only on January 5th 2004; it was of no avail. They suspended my in-coming and out-going calls during the period I had needed them the most. I couldn't wish all my friends nor could I receive any calls or messages. I have realized that it doesn't pay to be a nice guy to these jokers. It serves them well that so many people use and never pay for the services. The day they start respecting sincere customers is when Airtel and corporations like them will prosper. Right now I am no the look out for a better service provider; Reliance is ruled out as there are many 'inter-connectivity' problems. Any suggestions?
Write to me: suman 'at' sumankumar 'dot' com

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