Bought the Reliance 21 Mbps data card a couple weeks ago and was quite happy with the speed. Over the last couple days I noticed drop in speed. I monitored the dialer application and it appeared to be switching between HSPA+ and UTMS connection modes. I figured this was the issue, so called the trusty customer service number. Of course they had no answer, the only tagline I heard was "this is no problem". But no answer as to why it switches.

Anyway, that was just background, the real story begins when they asked me if I am facing disconnection issues. I recalled that the day before, I did face some disconnections. For this, I was told that it is a "System Feature" in 3G to disconnect every 4 hours to "protect the customer from unwanted data usage".

After suffering through about 30 mins on this with the customer service person and then his supervisor, I had to hang up in disgust. My complaint is, what gives Reliance the right to enforce such a "feature" on their paying customers? I also see this as a terrible malpractice because this information is not given upfront. And of course, the data card itself is non-refundable so if you don't like the 4 hourly disconnection and want to switch to another provider, you are still stuck with a Rs. 2999 piece of junk.

I am wondering if there is any official channel to sue on these grounds? I mean, should the service provider be responsible to make the customer feel happy to purchase their product?

Mihir