Airtel India
Deceptive charging of tax

Dear Sir

I had just recently taken a broadband / landline connection with Airtel and paid the 1000 rupees for installation and 1000 rupees for the router. At no time during this stage was I informed by word or documentation that the service tax is excluded from this amount.

It is only a month later on the first bill (which I have not even received but only notified by SMS) that Airtel charge the 10.3% tax. I only realised this because I had phoned them to get clarification on the amount due.

Now I am new to India so not accustomed to the norms of taxing and charging. But surely I am right in thinking that if there is any tax due that it is charged at the time of the transaction and not a month later? And even then it should be made clear? Can we not at least expect this from a company of Airtel's supposed status?

Please help!

DP