Idea Celluar
Activation of services without notification

I have a prepaid idea connection. I started receiving messages everyday that Rs 20 has been deducted from my balance for GPRS. I tried calling customer care several times but my call kept getting disconnected each time I reached the point where I had to dial zero for cust care. This was after I had to endure listening to several useless Ads before reaching the various sub menus to speak to customer care. I

I tried deactivating through SMS and received a sms that it will be deactivated 5 days later which meant that for the next 5 days Rs20 will be deducted everyday!!

I finally got through customer care. They said that I had 'apparently' called them on Sept 26 to activate GPRS. When I told him that I never made such call, the customer care guy started raising his voice and asked me how I can say that I never made the call?? I in turn asked him what proof do I have that a call was made by anyone from my side asking for a GPRS activation?

When I asked them for the call information the guy on the phone said he cannot give me the details and i have to visit idea branch for this... in short I will have to go through a lot of hassle and trouble for details of a call which i'm 'supposed' to have made myself.

My point is that how can any activation or deactivation be made without any written communication via sms? As a general rule, any additional or new subscription is always verified first by sending the verification sms or mail to the number or email id registered with the service provider in order to eliminate spam or even a notification sms will do to the mobile no of the user.

In this case telecom companies like IDEA can themselves exploit the consumer by activating these schemes knowing that 99% would not bother to go in to find out further details on how their activation was done.

I request that the matter please be taken up to make it a rule that any activity done by the company must have a written notification and approval by the consumer at least via sms which is simple and will save consumers from being harassed.