Mobile Operators minted money from Uttarakhand people via Black Out Days

It has been reported that, the Uttarakhand-ites on an average sent 15 SMSes on December 31 2011, wishing family and friends New Year 2012.

The mobile companies earned by both SMSes and outgoing calls.

But not many mobile users in Uttarakhand were aware that, they were charged much higher for SMSes and outgoing call on the day.

The SMSes and calls on last day of 2011 and first day of 2012 were charged much higher than usual. On Saturday December 31, 2011; the mobile companies silently declared December 31 2011 and January 01 2012, as “Black Out Days” – means, in these two days tariff vouchers didn’t work on any Mobile operator. Hence, SMSes and calls were charged much higher than usual. Even BSNL subscribers have to spend 60-80 paise for each SMS. Private operators charged Re 1 per SMS.

Now, having a tarif voucher and still made to pay higher tariffs; is a serious breach of consumer rights. And it doesn't matter, whether such Black Out Days, are stated in fine print at the mobile companies' TOS. As a consumer, we have every right to raise our voice.

Don't We?
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