<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>SingTel's opt-out system for services unfair
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->RECENTLY, I renewed my broadband contract with SingTel for another two years.�The promotion plan came with a free Internet router and a three-month free Security Suite (anti-virus software) and MyAlbum service (for posting photos online). As I did not require these services, I simply ignored them, thinking the free service would expire after three months.
Unfortunately, three months later, I was billed for the Security Suite, which I did not even download.�I called billing inquiries and was told billing was automatic unless I opted out. The operator told me the charges would be reversed in my next bill.
This was done in my next bill, but this time I was billed for the MyAlbum service which too I had not used.�When I called billing inquiries again, I was told the charges would be reversed in my next bill.
In this uncertain economic climate, how can SingTel simply impose charges on subscribers without their consent, even if it is only a few dollars?�
Also, SingTel should not offer 'free limited' services to customers, only to charge them after the 'free promotion' period without their consent.�Currently, the onus lies with the customer to call the service provider to opt out of the service, even though he did not make use of the service during the 'free promotion' period.� Roland Ang
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->RECENTLY, I renewed my broadband contract with SingTel for another two years.�The promotion plan came with a free Internet router and a three-month free Security Suite (anti-virus software) and MyAlbum service (for posting photos online). As I did not require these services, I simply ignored them, thinking the free service would expire after three months.
Unfortunately, three months later, I was billed for the Security Suite, which I did not even download.�I called billing inquiries and was told billing was automatic unless I opted out. The operator told me the charges would be reversed in my next bill.
This was done in my next bill, but this time I was billed for the MyAlbum service which too I had not used.�When I called billing inquiries again, I was told the charges would be reversed in my next bill.
In this uncertain economic climate, how can SingTel simply impose charges on subscribers without their consent, even if it is only a few dollars?�
Also, SingTel should not offer 'free limited' services to customers, only to charge them after the 'free promotion' period without their consent.�Currently, the onus lies with the customer to call the service provider to opt out of the service, even though he did not make use of the service during the 'free promotion' period.� Roland Ang
