Smart Cell, the third-largest nationwide telecom operator in Nepal has brought a tricky offer to its customers for the Coronavirus lockdown period. They came late in providing such a facility after a few days of Ntc and Ncell. But the bonus offer is nothing but a sham.
From what we can see in their promotion that they are providing a huge bonus on recharge that anyone could imagine. While denouncing their bonus offer, we appreciate their huge data pack for the Covid-19 lockdown.
The race among telcos!!
We were observing the race among telecom operators to provide more offers this time. Ntc first provided a 100% bonus on recharge as per the request of NTA. Find all the offers of Ntc for lockdown. Then Ncell provides a 120% bonus on recharge, which is an increase from their earlier announced 50%. Similarly here are the details of the Ncell offer for this lockdown.
So we saw the Smart Cell’s recent promotion as the result of the competition. But it is found to be nothing but the same old offers packed in a new gleaming and misleading publicity.
What did we and customers believe?
We believed that Smart Cell announced to present a 600% bonus on recharge to its customers. People thought of it like if you recharge Rs 100, you will get Rs 600 as a bonus balance that you can use for the call, SMS, and data. We also reported that the bonus balance cannot be used for buying data and voice pack, as with other telcos.
It is not only us but most of the customers assumed the offer to be genuine. With the offer, some of the loyal smart cell users also recharged their account hoping to get the 600% bonus only to be left fooled.
Same old offer
As the people could not get the 600% offer as announced, they resort to commenting on their Facebook page for that particular promotion. They were also found sharing the snapshot of the bonuses that arrived after the recharge.
After checking the recharge bonuses, they ultimately found that the 600% bonus is nothing but the totality of the already available bonuses. So for a recharge of Rs 100, a customer could get Rs 400 MB bonus data, 10 mins domestic voice, 10 SMS and Rs 98.04 main balance. The bonuses also increase with the amount of recharge.
Smart Cell hasn’t responded to those Fb comments till now (Chaitra 17, 12 pm), except for the ones that praise them. By looking at those unanswered questions, we only find the questionable intent of the company. We have now confirmed from their customer center that the bonus offer is only the promotion of the previous offers which they claim to provide Rs 630 worth.
As we covered Smart Cell’s 600% bonus on recharge with good expectations, we are really sorry to have misled our readers with the previous information.
Data pack for lockdown.
Smart has earlier brought a large volume data pack to facilitate people with the internet option. As we can find people complaining about the slow speed of home internet, they can use this data pack if you have good 4G coverage of Smart.
With the offer, there is a 20GB data pack that is valid for 30 days. The cost of the 20GB data pack is Rs 399(without taxes). After the inclusion of government taxes, the price of the data pack becomes Rs 509.48. Here we find that the government takes away a lot from the internet service.
Coverage issue
Although the offer is quite nice, it’s network availability hinders people from subscribing to their offers. People have been complaining a lot about their 4G coverage even in Kathmandu and other cities. When they first launched the 4G service in Kathmandu, it’s speed was the highest among all three.
Now people say that they can only use the 4G service if they get a good signal. Some people wrote it satirically that you can find good smart Cell service only when its BTS tower is next to you. The point is Smart Cell should increase its number of 4G Base stations, to provide a good service to its customers.
Here is how you can take the offer. Read how to subscribe to the Smart Cell data package.
Smart Cell says “The huge volume data pack has been brought to encourage people to stay at home and to get connected with your loved ones”. They also express that there are no conditions to apply in the offer.
Smart Cell has also been providing the awareness message about coronavirus in its ringtone.
We recommend you to find the bonuses and Smart Cell double data packs.
