Telecom companies are helping restore connectivity in Kerala, where floods have worsened over time, claiming 167 lives and displacing more than a lakh people.
Companies have announced benefits which will aid connectivity for the users as well.
Idea
Idea cellular has announced an emergency talktime credit of Rs 10 for all prepaid customers. To avail the offer, customers just have to dial *150*150# from their Idea prepaid phones.
Apart from the Rs 10 talktime, Idea is also offering flood affected customers free data worth 1 GB data with a seven day validity. It will also extend the due date for bill payments for its postpaid subscribers to ensure uninterrupted service. The company will also equip its stores in the flood-hit areas so people can charge their phones.
BSNL
State-run BSNL also announced benefits to do their bit in the crisis. The company is giving away free unlimited on-net voice calls between BSNL users and 20 minutes worth free calls per day between BSNL and other operators.
It will also provide free unlimited data and SMS from 18 August for the next seven days.
Vodafone
Vodafone will be giving away talktime credit of up to Rs 30 to all prepaid customers.
To avail the credit, users must send an SMS ‘CREDIT’ to 144 or dial *130*1# from their Vodafone prepaid mobiles. Apart from that, Vodafone is also giving 1 GB mobile data, which will be auto credited free of cost.
Airtel
Airtel, the country’s largest mobile network has also decided to provide prepaid subscribers free 1 GB of data for seven days, installation of VSATs to give free calling and Wi-Fi facility and auto approval of talktime.
It has also extended the due date for postpaid and home broadband customers to pay their bills.
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