Oct 09, 2004 08:38 PM
2686 Views
(Updated Jun 06, 2005 08:51 PM)
---- Update June 6 2005 ----
In my earlier review I had recommend people to take an Airtel Connection, but to update all the users on this front, please note... there are better operators around give them a try. But I would still recommend a Airtel connection if you are looking at a great voice clarity with managable network coverage ie if you donot travel outside cities or railway routes.
Customer Support - I was neutral last time around, but now I would say they have the POOREST CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTRE around and can be comparable with the likes of WebWorld. They behave as if they are doing us a favour by answering our calls / visit to their centre. Though they dont behave rudely, it is apparent in their tone of talking.
SMS ka bhandar: A whole host of promotional SMS's throughout the day, including calls from airtel? And if you want to stop their promotional SMS they do have this facility but at a serious price! They wont even inform you about validity expiry and such other things important to you.
Ackward Schemes - hard to understand - harder to digest: They change rates & donot inform. When we complain they say they had informed and so on. I had taken Local/STD pack and was charged Rs2 for STD (M-M) Rs.2.25(M-L) and 1 for local. Suddenly I find that they are charging me 2.25 for M-M. On complain they say that the rates have changed. Whats the use of paying 50 RS per month. BSNL CellOne without any schemes gives me Rs 2 M-M!
Doesnot work at some of the primest locations! Though the overall coverage is good, it doesnot work at some farmhouses, railway routes or buildings. BSNL is great with all these things and works in most of the remote areas, thanks to its widespread network.
Still maintains:
- The unmatched voice clarity. Thats the only plus which still remains with Airtel. The voice clarity is great, with close to nil voice drops during your talks. I believe its because it operates at higher frequency of 1800mhz.
-----Previous Review-----
Firstly before the review begins let me tell you that the above title has not much to do with the review, its just some ErrOR in CommUnicatioN. This is how I would rate the overall Airtel Gujarat service - AIRTEL MAGIC (PREPAID SERVICE).
I have been using the Airtel connection for close to two years now and though its great in some areas, it needs to improve in some. So its a balanced mix of good and bad.
Where it is great:
Great Network: In cities it works great. Even of major highways there has not been much of a problem. Even inside lifts, buildings you get good voice quality. Though the moment you go to the basement and LO! The networks gone!!!
Voice clarity : Excellent. Call drops are a rare case.
Overall quality of service: Good. Billing / Rate Notification: Excellent.
Choice of Schemes available: Great. Lots to choose from.
Neutral:
Customer Support: They speak we listen. Though they are better off compared to some other providers, if there are mistakes you can improve. But I must say one thing, they have all answers ready and it really helps calling them.
Where it lacks:
The Roaming Service: Does Airtel have a network in the North???? Whenever I go out somewhere most of the time I am either on Hutch or Idea network. Though the roaming facility is great, it activates the minute one leaves the circle, you are transferred to some other network. And know what? You can only receive calls, cant make calls!!!! Only when there is Airtel network can you make outgoing calls. Recently I was out for around 10 days and had to bear with incoming calls cause I cant make outgoing calls.
Though southwards you find that at most places you have the Airtel network, so no issues there. And let me tell you the roaming service per se is very good. I know that on other networks the things are more horrible than this which includes preactivation of service, etc, whereas in Airtels case it is on the move!
Website Feedback: VERY VERY POOR!!! I had posted a couple of mails through their website feedback form and believe me they must be sending it directly into the RECYCLE BIN! Cos never got a reply from that place. Why then do they have a feedback form?
Coverage: Can be improved. It is there at many prime places, but is not available at some. Though I have heard that they are adding new towers, still coverage remains an issue especially in Gujarat.
General for all operators:
High Roaming Charges: Why on earth do we have to pay 7 rupees a minute to receive somebody who has called us up???? I think for long run these mobile service providers need to do some serious rethinking on this part. Even outgoing calls are prohibitive.
Better validity and talk time: Increase validity and talk times for their packs. Also make calls cheaper. So as more volumes, more revenues.
In general I would say that the experience with Airtel has been on the better side. Inspite of the shortcomings, I would say that in many places Airtel rocks! So switch to airtel and Xperience the You in Yourself! Enjoy.
