Airtel Prepaid Mobile
Deactivated SIM despite validity till 2010

I am an NRI and travel to India every year 2-3 times. I purchased a prepaid connection with validity of 2 years in 2006 from a dealer in Sama, Baroda. The SIM number being 899198051204336371 and the number being 9998321326. I recharged in 2008 for a further validity of 2 years and my validity was till Nov. I had sufficient balace when I left India in Feb. When I returned on 8th Sept. and tried to activate my SIM, it did not get activated. On enquiring from customer care at fatehganj, I was told that the SIM had been withdrawn and awarded to someone else because it was not in use for 6 months. I had given this number to airlines/ railways/banks/agents/distributors and friends. I was shocked when I called the Nodal office in Ahmedabad and was told that ' nothing can be done'. I called the Appellate Officer Mr Mrityunjay and he also regretted and asked me to complain to TRAI and Consmer Forum. The new SIM card of AIRTEL is available for Rs 50. The least AIRTEL could have done was to deduct Rs 50 since the validity that was dispalyed on my mobile was till November. How can AIRTEL withdraw a number when a) validity was till 2010 b) when I had balance in my account c) No intimation has been given to me regarding deactivation.

I want to sue AIRTEL for damages as my bank and personal information may be going to a third party. I would like to warn all not to subscribe to AIRTEL as they are irresonsible and do not care for customers.

Please let me know how I can address my grievance to TRAI.

Company: Airtel Prepaid Mobile
Country: India

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