At a time when the Government is talking of facilitating broadband internet connection in rural areas, the BSNl broadband customers in Joshimath town are frustrated with the failure of the corporation to ensure regular broadband service.
The locals complain that broadband in Joshimath remains out of order for most days of the month. Frustrated BSNl broadband customers visited the BSNl office on Tuesday but found none of the staff present. The customers have addressed a memorandum to the sub divisional officer stating their grievances.
The local customers said that due to the recurring disruption in broadband, many of the customers are being forced to discontinue the connection. They complain that the service remains out of order for most of the month but the corporation charges the customers the full bill for the month.
The dissatisfied customers reached the SDO office to register their complaint on Tuesday but found that none of the staff was present in office. They said that when they telephone BSNl to lodge a complaint about any problem with their land-line telephone, their calls are not answered.
When they reached the office to register their complaint, the employees were absent. They said that even if their complaint is registered, the problem is resolved many days after lodging their complaint.
The customers warned that if the BSNl continues to remain apathetic towards its customers, they might be forced to disconnect their phones and opt for another service provider.
At a time when both the Central and State Governments are talking about facilitating development in border areas, the locals are questioning whether the authorities will also focus on improving the existing telecommunication and internet facilities in the border area of Joshimath.