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Submit your complaint →Illustrator and cultural storyteller Bhumika Agarwal has raised a complaint against Airtel after paying ₹5500 in advance for WiFi and TV but facing endless installation delays and poor accountability.
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Complaint Summary : Airtel Complaint – Bhumika Agarwal Reports Advance Payment Without Timely Installation
| Complainant | Bhumika Agarwal |
|---|---|
| Profile | Founder @Marigold Stories |
| Complaint Type | Service Delay / Non-Installation |
| Company Name | Airtel |
| Product/Service | WiFi + TV |
| Amount Paid | ₹5500 (Advance Payment) |
| Issue Reported | Installation delays, unanswered calls, and excuses despite advance payment |
| Sales Response | Extremely prompt (visited twice for payment collection) |
| Service Response | Still pending, no installation completed |
| Impact | Loss of trust, wasted time, lack of accountability |
| Action Requested | Immediate installation or refund of advance payment |
Full Complaint Details
Bhumika Agarwal, an illustrator, visual artist, and founder of Marigold Stories, reported her grievance against Airtel after paying ₹5500 in advance for a WiFi + TV connection.
According to her, the Airtel sales team was highly proactive, arriving at her doorstep within minutes – even twice to collect the payment. However, once the advance was taken, the installation process stalled indefinitely. Calls went unanswered, excuses were given, and there was zero accountability from the service team.
In her words: “If this is the circus during installation, I dread to imagine the service support.”
She further added that while bringing the Airtel brand to small towns is easy, delivering on the brand promise clearly isn’t. Bhumika’s experience reflects how quickly trust can be broken when service fails to match sales promises.
Why This Case Matters
- Advance Payment Risk – Customers must receive transparent service timelines before paying upfront.
- Customer Trust – Failure to deliver after payment erodes long-term credibility.
- Urban vs Small Town Gap – Large telecoms often promise nationwide coverage but struggle with accountability in smaller markets.
- Brand Responsibility – Sales without service damages reputation and violates consumer rights.
Legal and Consumer Remedies
- File a written complaint with Airtel Customer Care and demand either installation within a defined timeline or refund.
- Escalate to Appellate Authority of Airtel if unresolved.
- Approach the Consumer Protection Authority for deficiency in service.
- Submit a grievance on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).
- If payment was made digitally, raise a chargeback request with the bank.
About Airtel
- Founded: 1995
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Category: Telecom & Digital Services Provider
- Key Services: Mobile, broadband, DTH, enterprise solutions
- Customer Concern Highlighted: Advance payments taken instantly, but installation left incomplete with poor service accountability.
How Choice4Voice.com Helps Consumers
At Choice4Voice.com, we ensure consumer grievances like this get wider attention.
✔ Genuine complaints published within 24 hours
✔ Issues amplified on LinkedIn for public visibility
✔ Guidance on legal and regulatory escalations
👉 Submit your complaint here: https://choice4voice.com/submit-your-complaint/
Original LinkedIn Post
Read Bhumika Agarwal’s LinkedIn Post Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who filed this complaint?
Bhumika Agarwal, Illustrator, Visual Artist, and Founder @Marigold Stories.
Q2. What is the issue with Airtel?
She paid ₹5500 in advance for WiFi + TV but installation has been endlessly delayed.
Q3. Was the sales process smooth?
Yes, the sales team arrived promptly, even twice, to collect the payment.
Q4. What happened after payment?
Installation was not completed, and calls went unanswered.
Q5. How long has the issue persisted?
More than two days since payment, with no progress.
Q6. What is the customer demanding?
Either immediate installation or refund of the ₹5500 advance.
Q7. Is this a common issue with telecom companies?
Yes, sales are often efficient, but post-sales service can suffer in smaller towns.
Q8. Does this qualify as deficiency in service?
Yes, as the service promised was not delivered after full payment.
Q9. What consumer rights are applicable here?
Right to service, right to redressal, and right to information under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Q10. Can the advance payment be refunded?
Yes, if Airtel fails to provide the service, the customer can legally demand a refund.
Q11. What steps should the customer take next?
File a formal complaint with Airtel’s nodal officer and escalate if unresolved.
Q12. Can the issue be escalated to TRAI?
Yes, TRAI regulates telecom services and can be approached for unresolved cases.
Q13. Is there a risk of fraud here?
Not fraud, but it is a case of service deficiency and delayed accountability.
Q14. How does this affect Airtel’s brand image?
It creates negative customer perception, especially in smaller towns.
Q15. How long does Airtel usually take for installation?
Normally within 24–48 hours after payment in urban areas.
Q16. What evidence should the customer keep?
Payment receipt, screenshots of communication, and LinkedIn post details.
Q17. Can she approach the Consumer Forum?
Yes, she can file a complaint in her district consumer forum.
Q18. What lessons can be learned from this?
Always ensure written timelines for installation before making advance payments.
Q19. Can social media complaints help?
Yes, posting on LinkedIn and Twitter increases visibility and speeds up action.
Q20. How does Choice4Voice.com help?
By featuring such cases to pressure companies and guide customers through escalation.
