As we write right now, many people in Kerala remain stuck in dangerous conditions owing to the worsening circumstances in the state because of heavy rainfall. The extreme crisis in Kerala has already registered death tolls, and the water is wreaking havoc in the state. However, the telecom operators have come together in their own ways to help the people in connecting with their loved ones during these perilous times. Without taking any more time, we would like you to read further and know what these four telcos are doing for the public.
Idea Cellular
Idea Cellular in its public letter has announced benefits for over one crore customers in the state by offering an Emergency talk time credit of Rs.10 for all Prepaid customers of the carrier. To credit the free talk time to their account, Idea customers can dial *150*150# and the Rs 10 emergency talk time will be credited to their accounts instantly.
Also, prepaid customers of Idea will get 1 GB data with 7 days validity and for this emergency data, users won’t have to make any effort as the telco will credit the data automatically to every prepaid user in the state. In addition to this, the postpaid users will be granted with extended bill payments date so that they continue to use the service and aren’t left out from the network just because of non-payment of bills. Idea Cellular will also put up charging centres and free calling facilities in its select stores to help people reach out to their loved ones in this critical time.
Vodafone India
In a similar initiative to avail network services to its customers in Kerala following the worst downpour that the state has ever seen, Vodafone has also promised that it will grant the prepaid users with ‘Talk Time’ credit of up to Rs. 30 to all Vodafone customer. To get the talk time credited to their accounts, users will simply have to SMS ‘CREDIT’ to 144 or dial *130*1#. Similar to Idea Cellular, Vodafone will also be providing 1GB data to its prepaid users along with an extended bill payment timeline for postpaid users. Vodafone has brought together its workforce to assist the citizens of Kerala during Flood affected times.
Reliance Jio
Reliance Jio has taken a different path and is assisting its subscribers in Kerala by providing a complimentary 7-day Unlimited Voice & Data pack for the users. In its public letter, the Mukesh Ambani led telco has told that it has taken the initiative to help its users in staying in touch with their loved ones.
Bharti Airtel
Bharti Airtel has also extended a helping hand to its customers in the state in a similar way to Vodafone, and Idea Cellular and the telco is providing Rs 30 free talk time credit to the users. Additionally, users will receive 1GB data in their account so that they remain connected via the internet even if they are facing power cuts, or are stuck in flood. The Sunil Bharti Mittal led telco has also extended the bill payment dates not only for its postpaid subscribers but broadband users as well. Lastly, the operator will put up charging points and free calling facility in select stores in Kerala. Another big step which Airtel has taken is the installation of VSATs in relief centres, where people will be able to use data and calling service by the masses to reach out to their loved ones.
