I had been to USA during May 2nd till May 16th of 2010 and took a Matrix Cellular phone (mobile no. : 3025690173). I had to attend official calls and hence used the DSNL Conference bridge which has toll free numbers worldwide.
All toll free numbers start with either 800 or 8 and I used it in US and Germany (In transit). I was shocked to see that the first month Rs. 3500/- was debited from my credit card account and the next month (June) an amount of Rs. 11, 133/- was debited. When Matrix cellular was contacted they replied that toll free numbers are indeed charged local call charges and are also added in the free air minutes.
My credit card was photocopied and the amount of Rs. 11, 133 was arbitrarily deducted and all I got was a text alert in my cell phone, they didn't bother to send me a detailed bill till I asked for one and redirected me to check their website.
I FEEL CHEATED AS THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM MATRIX CELLULAR THAT TOLL FREE NUMBERS WOULD BE CHARGED AND ARBITRARILY DEDUCT AMOUNT FROM CREDIT CARD.
I request that this type of practices have to be curbed and restrained as the hapless general public is caught unawares. Please take suitable action to refund the money that was charged on toll free numbers. The detailed bill is attached herewith.
With Respects,
Rangarajan Satyanarayanan
The communication with Matrix is down below:
Dear Sir,
As per the telecom we had now, herewith we confirm the toll free numbers are chargeable as a local call (local airtime).
And also toll free nos are chargeable when we call up from any mobile and if in a local connection (landline) toll free numbers may be free.
regards,
solomon
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From: Satyanarayanan, Rangarajan (External Address) [mailto: [email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, June 16 11:10 AM
To: Solomon Prabhu. J
Cc: Jagadeesan, Sharmili
Subject: MATRIX BILL - DISPUTE over charging of Toll free numbers
Solomon,
As discussed over telecom please find the attached detailed statement of the calls made from Germany and US.
My point of contention is
1. Toll free numbers are included in the local free minutes
2. Toll free numbers are charged local call rates from 7th (after local free minutes are expired). Toll free numbers should not be charged as the “called party pays” in US & Germany and there are no interconnect charges as Matrix has footprint over these countries.
3. The local law in both countries and the TRAI also stipulates that the toll free numbers should not be charged (otherwise it cannot be called toll-free).
Regards,
Ranga
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