In an important order opening way for other BSNL subscribers, Arbitrator of the Department of Telecommunication (DOT) has awarded to a consumer a compensation of Rs. 5000 for poor Internet services. Amitabh Thakur, an IPS officer from UP made many written complaints to BSNL about improper functioning of his phone and the wi-fi Internet on landline number 0522-2725001. When nothing happened, he wrote to the DOT requesting it to appoint an Arbitrator under Section 7-B of the Indian Telegraph Act.
S S Singh, Deputy Director General (PG), DOT, through his order dated May 18, 2012 appointed V P Singh, Deputy DG (Term), Lucknow as the Arbitrator in this dispute. V P Singh heard both the parties where Thakur pressed for compensation while BSNL argued that there was no provision or precedence of provision in Telegraph Act.
Singh disagreed with the arguments of BSNL and found negligence on the part of BSNL in providing a reasonable quality of service. Hence he ordered a compensation of Rs. 4000 for poor service and Rs. 1000 for expenses on postage etc.