Hathaway Internet: A Daylight Robbery in Digital Services
As someone who has experienced nearly every internet service provider (ISP) in India, I can say that the general experience has been quite good. Starting from the humble days of dial-up and 14k modems to high-speed broadband on optical fiber, internet services have taken a quantum leap. Over the years, various service providers have stood out in terms of their reliability and service. This article delves into the experience of being a long-term customer of Hathaway, one of the most disappointing ISPs I have encountered. Through personal anecdotes and data, I will highlight why Hathaway is best avoided.
The Good Old Days of Internet Services in India
India's journey towards internet connecting has been a fascinating one. People started using the internet as services became publicly available. Over the years, we've seen numerous ISPs come and go, each leaving their mark on the landscape. VSNL, MTNL, Airtel, Tata Indicom, and others have been notable names that have come to define the digital era in India. Of all these, Airtel stands out as my longest and most satisfying ISP experience in Mumbai, spanning almost sixteen years. Similarly, YOU broadband in Gujarat has been highly reliable and service-oriented, offering quality services for the past three years.
VSNL, Tikona, MTNL: A Brief Departure
However, VSNL and Tata discontinued their retail internet services, while Tikona did not upgrade its technology, leading to a rift in my relationship with these ISPs. MTNL, while still attentive to complaints, has not provided great service for the last seven or eight years. Despite this, their staff remains dedicated, fixing issues when clients complain.
Hathaway: The Worst ISP Experience
Among all I've experienced, Hathway stands tall as the worst ISPs I have come across. They exhibit a complete disregard for customer service and prioritize profit over service. My association with Hathway began with the false promise of a 50MB plan, but reality was quite different. The internet speed could rarely surpass 1 Mbps, and when I raised concerns, they would simply close the call without addressing the issue.
The Lack of Service and Support
No technicians from Hathway ever bothered to check installations despite repeated requests. For 45 consecutive days, I had to file complaints daily without any resolution. The situation worsened when I noticed that Hathway was allegedly optimizing bandwidth to save costs, resulting in slow speeds. I even discovered that Hathway employees in the control room could view/monitor my Wi-Fi password, which is highly unethical. These revelations are a testament to the disregard for customer privacy and trust.
The Frustration of Reliance Jio Acquisition
Further, I was informed that Reliance Jio has acquired Hathway. This acquisition seems to have worsened the situation, as there has been no significant improvement in service. Reliance Jio, known for its fast speeds and customer-centric approach, has inherited the shortcomings of Hathway, highlighting a concerning trend in the Indian ISP market.
Conclusion: Distance Yourself from Hathway
My experience with Hathway has been nothing short of a disaster. If they want their router back, I am willing to refund my money. It is highly advised to distance yourself from Hathway. Their commitment to service and customer care appears to be non-existent, making them a company to be avoided.