If you’re experiencing this problem with this brand or any other company, submit your complaint and we may feature it on Choice4Voice.com.
Submit your complaint →Nikhil Desai, a Business Analyst, filed a complaint against Airtel Broadband for not receiving a refund after service cancellation. Despite multiple follow-ups, Airtel’s customer support failed to respond. Choice4Voice.com highlights this issue to help customers seek justice and accountability.
Complaint Summary : Nikhil Desai vs Airtel Broadband — Refund Not Received and Poor Customer Service
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer Name | Nikhil Desai |
| Not disclosed | |
| Complaint Type | Refund Delay / Service Negligence |
| Company/Brand | Airtel Broadband |
| Product/Service | Broadband Internet Connection |
| Account Number | 20033583430 |
| WiFi ID | 02226765289_wifi |
| Fixed Line Number | 02245671611 |
| Issue Description | Refund not provided even after service cancellation; repeated failed attempts to reach Airtel customer care. |
| Date of Incident | October 13, 2025 |
| Company’s Response | No resolution or callback received |
| Source | Original LinkedIn post by Nikhil Desai |
Full Complaint Details
Nikhil Desai, a Business Analyst and former professional at AngelOne and Upstox, shared his frustrating experience with Airtel Broadband after facing negligence in receiving his promised refund.
According to Nikhil, his Airtel WiFi connection started on September 13, 2025, and he had prepaid for three months (until December 13, 2025). However, due to poor experience, he initiated the cancellation process on October 6, 2025, and the connection was deactivated on October 13, 2025.
Airtel had assured him a refund for the unused period and mentioned that a technician would collect the device. Unfortunately, no one from Airtel contacted him after that no technician visit, no update, and no refund.
Nikhil further mentioned that calling Airtel’s customer support turned into an endless loop.
- The customer helpline (18001030121) did not allow him to connect via the “Existing Customer” option.
- The “New Connection” option connected him to the sales team, who either refused to help or redirected him to another number (9810012345) which again offered no solution.
Despite multiple calls and even sharing recordings as proof, Nikhil Desai still awaits a refund or even a simple response from Airtel.
He expressed strong disappointment, stating that such negligence from a leading telecom company is unacceptable, and urged Airtel to resolve the issue immediately.
Brand Overview: Airtel Broadband
Airtel Broadband, a service by Bharti Airtel Limited, is one of India’s top internet service providers, known for its extensive network coverage. However, recurring customer complaints around refund delays, device collection, and unreachable customer support have raised questions about the company’s after-sales accountability.
- Official Website: www.airtel.in
- Customer Support Email: 121@airtel.com
Legal Case Can Be Filed
In this case, the following legal actions can be considered:
| Legal Provision | Applicable Authority | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Section 35) | District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission | File a case for refund, mental harassment, and deficiency in service. |
| Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Section 73) | Civil Court | Claim compensation for breach of contract due to non-refund after service cancellation. |
| RBI Ombudsman for Digital Payments (if applicable) | RBI Ombudsman Portal | Applicable if refund delay involves payment gateway linked to Airtel. |
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we assist consumers like Nikhil Desai in escalating unresolved issues publicly and legally. Once a complaint is verified:
- It is published on our platform and LinkedIn to increase visibility and public accountability.
- We reach out to the brand’s grievance team for resolution.
- If the issue remains unresolved, our team guides complainants in filing cases with the Consumer Forum or RBI Ombudsman, depending on the nature of the case.
Consumers can submit their complaints via our official Google Form to start the process.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Consumer Complaint Against Airtel
- Collect All Evidence:
Keep proof of payment, connection cancellation, screenshots of conversations, and call recordings. - Email Airtel’s Nodal Officer:
- Email: nodalofficer.[yourcircle]@in.airtel.com
- Subject: Refund Not Received – Broadband Account [Number]
- Escalate to Appellate Authority:
If no response is received within 10 days, escalate through Airtel’s Appellate Authority portal. - File Complaint on National Consumer Helpline:
Visit consumerhelpline.gov.in and submit your grievance. - Approach District Consumer Forum:
If the issue remains unresolved within 30 days, file a formal complaint for deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Author Section
About the Complainant:
Nikhil Desai is a Business Analyst and Data Visualization Expert, with professional experience at AngelOne and Upstox. He holds expertise in SQL, analytics, and product strategy. Nikhil’s case highlights the growing issue of service negligence in telecom refunds and aims to bring attention to consumer rights in India’s digital economy.
Common Questions and Answers
1. How long does Airtel take to process broadband refunds?
Usually, Airtel processes refunds within 21 working days after device collection, though delays are common.
2. What happens if Airtel doesn’t collect the router after cancellation?
You can raise a written complaint via Airtel’s grievance portal. Failure to collect devices within a reasonable time is considered negligence.
3. Can I file a consumer case if my Airtel refund is delayed?
Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act, you can claim refund, compensation, and damages for mental harassment.
4. Who should I contact if Airtel customer care doesn’t respond?
Reach out to the Airtel Nodal Officer or Appellate Authority specific to your telecom circle.
5. Is Airtel legally required to refund unused service amounts?
Yes. If prepaid broadband is canceled early, the company must refund for the unused period as per TRAI guidelines.
6. Can I file a complaint on Choice4Voice.com if Airtel ignores me?
Absolutely. Choice4Voice.com helps you publish verified consumer complaints for visibility and escalation.
7. What proof do I need for filing a refund complaint?
Screenshots, payment receipts, cancellation emails, and call recordings strengthen your case.
8. Is there a deadline to raise a refund complaint?
You should file a complaint within 2 years from the date of incident for legal validity.
9. What if the Airtel App shows active plan even after cancellation?
Take screenshots and email them to Airtel’s grievance cell. It’s evidence of system misrepresentation.
10. Can Airtel charge a penalty for early disconnection?
Not if you’ve completed the minimum lock-in period. Otherwise, only standard deductions apply.
11. How can Choice4Voice.com ensure brands respond?
By publishing verified cases publicly, we increase social and media pressure on companies to respond quickly.
12. Is there any direct email to escalate broadband refunds?
Yes, you can email 121@airtel.com or reach the nodal officer of your region.
13. How can I track my Airtel complaint status?
Use the Airtel Thanks app or the official portal airtel.in/complaints.
14. What’s the difference between Nodal Officer and Appellate Authority?
Nodal Officers handle first-level escalations, while Appellate Authorities review unresolved complaints.
15. Does Airtel offer compensation for delays?
Not officially, but compensation can be claimed legally through consumer courts.
16. Can I share my complaint with media platforms?
Yes, as long as it’s factual and based on personal experience, it’s fully permissible.
17. How can I avoid such refund issues in the future?
Always get cancellation confirmations and refund timelines in writing before disconnecting.
18. Are broadband refund delays common in India?
Yes, many ISPs including Airtel and Jio have been reported for slow or partial refunds.
19. Does TRAI regulate broadband refund timelines?
TRAI mandates fair practices but doesn’t specify exact refund timelines consumer forums enforce this.
20. Can Choice4Voice.com help file the consumer court case?
Yes. Once verified, our team guides complainants step-by-step through the District Consumer Forum filing process.
Original Source: LinkedIn Post by Nikhil Desai
