I am writing with regard to the article "Who will protect us from being ripped off by telecom companies?" (Sep. 12). The mobile and Internet charges in the Kingdom are among the highest in the world. Unlike the rest of the world, another unique feature in Saudi Arabia is that almost 100 percent of promotional telecom offers are only for new customers and existing customers are completely ignored sending a clear message that telecom companies are only interested in new customers. The existing customers have no choice but to continue with the company or join another which has the same policies. All of this is due to the absence of an effective and powerful consumer protection body. Azhar, Online response
I subscribed to a Ramadan discount promotion from a local telecom company. I received the bill which was the full amount without the discount. I called the call center and complained more than three times. I also went to the branch three times. Their answer was that someone will contact me, but to date no one has done so. When I refuse to pay, they send a reminder and freeze my subscription. You can still see this promotion on the company's website.
Muhammad Suhaimie, Online response
I am a victim of a similar "offer" by a telecom company. I was getting calls from the company's call center every other day saying we have this offer and that offer. I upgraded my Internet speed as the sales agent explained that I would be paying only 10 percent extra for 10 months. After 10 months I would have the choice of continuing with the normal price or returning to my old package. However, I started getting bills for the full price of the package. I complained several time on helpline, but it was no use as the agent could not seem to understand the issue involved.
