Tashi Cell-Student Chenpo Data Plan

I chose Tashi Cell over Bhutan Telecom (B-Cell) for its better connectivity in my work place. I have been enjoying their services for quite long time now and the customer service trust was growing until I tried their Student Chenpo Data Plan of Nu.697 for 32,493 MB. My wife who is also a Tashi Cell user wanted me to recharge her the best Data Plan through eTeeru app in my Cell. She also wanted to keep her promise to recharge her Cell through eTeeru for my CashBack Wallet of 4% in every recharge. So, I decided to impress her with Student Chenpo Plan only to discover that her talk time became nil while she browsed the net as usual after the recharge. She was furious instead of impressed with my offer.

I dialed the Customer Care number and they confirmed that the recharge has been successful. I explained them that the data is not working as the talk time is being deducted while using the internet. They suggested to switch off the cell once and set the network in 4G option. The suggestion was followed due diligently and yet it was not working. I had to call them second time for further clarification. This time, I got the insight of the Plan in detail which I was supposed to know before I even try one. It was my fault indeed to jump in the advertisement of product without going through its terms and conditions displayed against each data plans in their website as they claim.

I was explained that this Student Chenpo Plan works only for Google Classroom and few other apps approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE). I was blunt to assume that this very data plan would at least give access to Google and YouTube for students’ study materials. The cell number was fortunately registered for such data plan while school was collecting parents’ number for online classes.  I requested them if it can be converted to another data plans and they told me there is no such option. I further asked them if it can be transferred to another student registered number so that it can be utilized wisely as my daughters’ online classes are yet to start. Sadly, no such option for this request too. I again enquired that if it can be renewed for my daughters’ online classes which shall soon start in next month if COVID-19 situation doesn’t improve. My third attempt of hope in retrieving the Chenpo Plan also failed with big NO, “We are sorry sir. We don’t have these options in this Plan”. Fortunately, they were polite to respond me and note my feedbacks in quite long conversation.

These data plans and any other services must be as per the industry norms taking care of the customers need. In this regard, many would agree that such product which customers cannot use it properly is not customers oriented but rather customer neglected. When other plans or talk time can be converted into other plans as well and why not this Student Chenpo? Why students are given the least access in the internet when they need most for the study resources? Most online classes are under the guidance of parents at home for primary students. There is less chance student can browse bad content but how far this can be controlled through this Chenpo Plan? Handful of school across the nation might be using the Google Classroom and most primary school uses Telegram and WhatsApp for online classes and study materials. The Late Night unlimited plan is another breeding ground for PUBG players among the students and nocturnal activities. People need healthy sleep at this late hour night but one can choose it.

The other bitter reality is when they take back the balance data or talk time when we forget to renew it even after their notification by at least Nu.99 data plan. How much financial implication or the revenue would they generate by taking back the data or talk time we already bought? The company should at least be generous to give the customers what they have already paid for it. If Tashi Cell can take care of customers’ feedback whether its small or big, they won’t be far from being the second cohort to receive the GNH of Business Certificate next to Bhutan Telecom Ltd.