Phone use up by 25 PC , users complain of connectivity issues

While network providers are offering delayed payment options and offers during the extended shutdown, many in the city rue over connectivity issues. 

According to VK Sanjeev, chief general manager, Chennai Telecom Circle, BSNL, use of phones has gone up by 25 per cent since the beginning of the shutdown on March 25. He attributes this to the work from home requirements that many are following and to cater to that crowd, the company has offered a work from home package. A small number of individuals have also applied for subscriptions with the mobile operator during the shutdown period. 

“We have extended the payment date for users, and extended their subscription till April 20 for those with expiring packages. We have also given prepaid users a Rs 10 concession, as many are migrant workers and might not be able to pay their dues in time,” he said, adding that all users are encouraged to use their website or app to pay their dues, and for those without Internet facilities, physical stores are open from 10 am to 1 pm.

Meanwhile, mobile users in the city rue over connectivity issues. According to Sanjay, an Airtel customer, phone lines are either jammed or have weak connections.

“As I am coordinating with my company from home, certain matters which cannot be sorted through e-mails or online meetings are done over calsl. I sometimes have to call a person three times to reach them, and when I do, it is difficult to hear them properly,” he said, adding that these issues vary in intensity over the course of the day, peaking in the evenings.