By Dushyant Wadhwan
I returned to Shillong a month ago, having spent three long years as a ”corporate mazdoor” in Delhi. I was filled with excitement at the thought of once again enjoying life in my hometown. Yet, to my dismay, that excitement quickly dissipated. Upon arriving, I discovered that Shillong had remained largely unchanged, save for the rather unremarkable opening of a Shoppers Stop—a small development, I suppose, but a development nonetheless. Perhaps a modest step in the right direction? However, a far more pressing concern soon revealed itself: the woeful state of mobile internet connectivity. In Delhi, specifically in Vasant Kunj where I resided, the mobile internet was nothing short of a technological marvel. The service was so reliable that I scarcely needed to rely on a fixed-line connection. The Airtel 5G network consistently delivered speeds of approximately 200 Mbps, while Jio’s self-proclaimed, “true 5G experience” achieved dizzying heights of 600 to 800 Mbps. Now, I understand that mobile connectivity varies based on location.
Since my return to Shillong, in the 4th Furlong area, mobile internet—be it Jio or Airtel—has been nothing short of abysmal. Forget 5G; even basic 3G connectivity is a challenge. The connection is so poor that heaven forbid if the weather is cloudy or if there’s a power outage—it becomes virtually non-existent. It almost feels like a deliberate ploy to save costs: reduce internet speeds or, better yet, don’t provide a connection at all, while still demanding exorbitant fees for these so-called services. Both Jio and Airtel have recently implemented a 25% increase in their mobile recharge tariffs. For instance, Jio’s widely used 239 monthly plan, which previously offered 1.5GB of daily data, has now been raised to 299—a noticeable 25% hike. Yet when it comes to actually utilizing those services, we are barely able to make use of the allotted data. We are currently made to pay Rs 999 for a 3GB/day pack, valid for 84 days. When you break it down, that’s 333 for every 1GB, or 4 per day for each GB of data. Now, one might argue that this seems insignificant at first glance, but considering the woeful state of connectivity, we are left wondering what exactly we are paying for? It almost feels like service providers are deliberately reducing the quality of internet service in regions like Shillong while charging the same, if not higher, prices.
The frustration of paying for services that one is unable to fully utilize cannot be overstated. In my case, I am paying a substantial 999 for a 3GB/day plan, which, on paper, seems like a fair deal. However, the reality of Shillong’s poor connectivity renders this expense almost meaningless. What use is 3GB of data per day when the internet barely functions, particularly in areas like 4th Furlong? Whether it’s Jio or Airtel, both providers have consistently failed to deliver even basic 4G speeds, let alone the promised 5G service. This situation is made worse by the recent 25% tariff hike, which feels unjustifiable when the service itself remains subpar. It’s infuriating to pay for a service that you can rarely enjoy, raising questions about the fairness of these telecom companies’ pricing structures in regions where infrastructure clearly lags behind.
My aunt who has been residing in the 4th Furlong area, has observed these connectivity issues persisting for over four months. Her experiences reflect a broader problem that many in the community are facing. The need for accountability from telecom providers in smaller towns and rural areas is becoming increasingly critical. As consumers, we invest not only our money but also our trust in these companies, expecting them to deliver the promised services reliably. However, the persistent issues with connectivity in places like Shillong, particularly in the 4th Furlong area, highlight a troubling lack of transparency and responsiveness from service providers.
In cities like Delhi, competition among telecom companies often leads to improvements in service quality, but this does not appear to extend to Shillong. Customers here are frequently left in the lurch, paying the same high prices as in bigger cities while receiving far inferior service. This disparity raises questions about the fairness of pricing structures and the commitment of these companies to customer satisfaction. Telecom providers must be held accountable for their services, especially in regions where they enjoy limited competition. There should be clear channels for customer feedback, transparent reporting on service issues, and tangible commitments to improve connectivity.
A greater focus on accountability will not only enhance customer trust but also ensure that individuals in rural and smaller towns receive the reliable internet access they deserve in today’s digital landscape. In places like Shillong, where connectivity has been historically weak, the struggles faced by residents are compounded by rising service costs that do not reflect the quality of service delivered. In light of the pressing connectivity issues that have become all too apparent, it is imperative to call upon service providers to take decisive action. The importance of reliable internet access cannot be overstated, particularly in our increasingly digital age, where the ability to connect online is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With the rise of remote work, online education, and essential services that rely on seamless internet connectivity, the implications of inadequate service are far-reaching.
Service providers must not only acknowledge these issues but actively work towards rectifying them. Investments in infrastructure, transparent communication regarding service updates, and improved customer support are essential steps in addressing the current shortfalls. By prioritizing these changes, telecom companies can build trust with their customers and ensure that even those in smaller towns and rural areas are not left behind in this digital era. To conclude, the responsibility lies with telecom providers to enhance their services, ensuring that all consumers—regardless of their location—have access to the reliable internet they need. A commitment to accountability and improvement is crucial for fostering a more equitable digital landscape that benefits everyone.