10 things your telecom service provider will never tell you

These 10 things will help you become a smart telecom services user

Misguiding tariff plans and unwanted value added services have been one of the biggest and most frequent concerns of the consumers in the recent times. In light of the recent verdict by the consumer forum where it came heavily down upon a service provider for activating value added services without the consumer's permission, we realised that it is imperative for the consumers to be well aware of their rights with respect to the telecom services, especially the aspects that are either overlooked or never properly highlighted. 

Akosha's consumer Tadka brings you 10 things your telecom service provider will never tell you:

1. Tariff plans with misleading titles are not permitted

The service provider should inform the customer within a week of activation of service the complete tariff plan and should also convey any changes to any item of tariff. The service provider cannot increase tariff on any item within six months of enrollment in a tariff plan.

2. The customer is free to move from one tariff plan to another without paying any fee for migration

Service Provider's web sites must contain comparison of tariff plans in terms of estimated monthly bill.

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5. Prepaid customer's unused balance can be carried forward if recharged during the grace period specified for the purpose.

6.The service provider shall intimate a postpaid customer (a) in advance about his credit limit and (b) whenever he reaches 80 per cent of the credit limit.

Services shall not be disconnected as long as the amount due is below the amount of her/his security deposit or specified credit limit whichever is higher.

7. Postpaid customers should be given, on request, detailed bill for STD/ISD calls free of charge.

8. Fixed line customers should be given rental rebate for faults pending beyond 3 days

Security deposits are to be refunded after adjustment of dues within 60 days, failing which interest has to be paid @10 per cent per annum for the delay.

9. Prepaid customers can be charged for roaming, only if one chooses to make or receive a call while roaming and customers should be informed about this through SMS whenever one roams into another service area.

10. No chargeable value added service shall be provided to a customer without her/his explicit consent

All communication/advertisements relating to premium rate services e.g. ring tones, wallpaper, astrology, quiz etc. should have the pulse rate/tariff for the service.