BSNL has prominently won the hearts of many users regarding the SMS based activation of STVs via its toll-free number 53733. BSNL did not charge the service tax on STVs as a user is activating them from main account balance, since the balance is credited only after levying service tax.
This was a good move followed by BSNL till now and was widely hailed by many of its users. Looks like the scenario is now changing, as reported by a user from Karnataka circle, BSNL started charging service tax on its SMS based STV activation facility.
The user has also sent an email to respective team complaining about the unusual deduction from his main account balance and in return there is a confirmation mail which states “with effective 14 Nov 2014, the deduction of usage value from Prepaid main balance is equivalent to the actual cost of STV/Plan voucher.”
Dear readers, how do you feel about this move? Are you also charged for the same in your circle as well? Do let us know via comments.
Inputs : Adarsha
Note: Information based on experience and as shared by a user from Karnataka circle. Please check with respective circle cc before activating any STV’s via SMS.
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28 Comments on "BSNL starts charging Service Tax on STVs activated via SMS, following private Operators?"
@TT, In north India there is no tax on STVs activated via SMS or selfcare number 52244.
In Kerala too there is no tax on STVs activated via SMS.
These are all the old APNs and are NOT working now. Please check you info again!
Not working:
bsnlsouth (or) gprssouth.cellone.in
Should work.
Did the other ones work?
Actually android phones takes APN automatically from network.
I assume you are telling to create new profile manually and select it. right?
Exactly!
Not just Android phones almost every mobile receives APN settings by default. You might change them from default(bsnlnet).
Absolutely not!
Because most of the users along with myself recharge with Full Talk Time Offers only. And BSNL is one of the few Telcos which offers permanent FTT offers on selected denomination.
When they offer FTT on topups, why shouldn’t they charge service tax on activations from main balance?
Totally justified!
They are selling that as full talktime offers which means they are giving extra benifit to us rather than what we are supposed to get. So why should they again take back the benefit which is given to us??