The Goan Network
PANAJI
Idea Cellular’s customers had to face a number of connectivity related problems on Friday, and much to their chagrin they didn’t even know what was causing these issues. A number of Idea’s customers found it almost impossible to make or receive calls from 10:30 am in the morning.
Most of these customers weren’t able to access to internet either on their phones. In some cases, their phones even showed ‘No-SIM’ indicating perhaps that their SIM cards weren’t working. As the day progressed, a number of Idea’s customers had no other option but to rely on their land-line phones, which caused them great inconvenience.
Harish Chandra, a taxi driver, said, “I have not been able to make calls or receive calls or use internet on my Idea SIM since morning. I’m now using my BSNL number to do my business.”
A number of Idea customers in service business had to face hardship because poor connectivity prevented them from being in regular touch with their clients, which is a must in this business.
Durgesh Gaonkar, a hotel executive, said, “I face problem the moment I try making calls. My calls aren’t able to get through.”
Vikas Naik, a businessman, said, “I am unable to make calls using my Idea number. People aren’t able to reach me. The staff at the Idea store isn’t clearly explaining the reason behind this.”
Even when The Goan Everyday went to check, the staff at the Idea Store didn’t really know the reason behind poor connectivity. It begs a question as to what kind of service such stores are providing to the customers, who are pretty much left to their own recourse.
Apparently, the connectivity problems started few days back, but really reached a peak on June 3. Ajit Mukund Bhandari, a Life Insurance Corporation agent, said, “I haven’t been able to send long SMSs for past 3-4 days.”
Late in the day, it emerged that Idea's fibre wire got cut somewhere in Panaji, which resulted in such issues. Some customers of Vodafone also reported connectivity issues and their inability to make or receive calls. Even few BSNL customers reported similar problems.
