BSNL asked to pay up for billing broadband charges before activating it

In 2007, S B Sharma applied for a telephone and broadband connection from the BSNL and deposited Rs 500 for the purpose. The phone started functioning from October 20, 2007, but the broadband connection was activated only on December 17, 2007.

It was alleged that the rental for broadband was included in the bill sent in November. Sharma said he got the bill for the month of December in January 2008, and to his shock he was asked to pay more than Rs 1 lakh. The bill showed Internet usage of 101403 MB. It was averred that the complainant never exceeded the usage of 01 GB, which was free for a month.

The matter was taken up with the BSNL and a representation in this respect was also submitted. After Sharma refused to pay the inflated bill, his phone was disconnected in March.

Following his complaints, he was given an average bill for the entire period, which he paid on March 26, 2008, after which the services were restored. The phone was, however, disconnected again in April, without any notice. The complainant alleged that the telecom company had not settled the disputed bill of more than Rs 3 lakh.

In its reply, the BSNL said the bill issued in November 2007 was corrected after deducting Rs 83 as broadband rent between November 21 and 30. They said the excessive bill for the month of December 2007 and January 2008 was due to the misuse of broadband by another subscriber.

The forum, headed by president Jagroop Singh Mahal, said the complainant faced harassment due to the negligence and deficiency in rendering proper services on the part of the BSNL. “The inflated bills were enough to scare him (Sharma) and give sleepless nights. When the broadband connection was provided on December 17, adding the usage prior to that date could not have been possible unless there had been a gross negligence on the part of the company,” said Mahal.