I’m having some trouble with the mobile networks at Korba. IDEA cellular works only in the Guest House (where I’m asleep for most of the time) and AirTel, which always shows a full signal on my phone doesn’t let me receive any calls. So in case you’ve been trying to contact me for the past week but haven’t been able to get through, please follow this simple two step procedure:

1. Don’t panic

2. If you’re not a telemarketer or the insurance agent who was supposed to call me, send me a text message (AirTel has been gracious enough to let Texts through) and I’ll call you  back… on outgoing roaming.

I did my bit in trying to find a solution to this mess. I called up my designated customer care executive (LoopMobile  -  the network formerly known as BPL Mobile) and here’s what happened:

Me: R***a?

Voice: Hello Mr. Banerji, R***a’s on leave. This is N****a, how can I help you?

Me: I’m at Korba, Chattisgarh. I’ve been using AirTel as my roaming partner because the other networks have very low coverage, but I’m unable to receive calls.

N****a: Ok…

Me: Messages are coming through, outgoing calls aren’t a problem, but I'm not able to receive any calls. No one's able to reach me.

N****a: Ok Sir, can you tell me where you are?

Me: Yes, Korba, Chattisgarh.

N****a: And which state is that in?

Me: Chattisgarh.

N****a: And you’re using AirTel? Have you tried other networks?

Me: Yes. AirTel is the only network that has coverage in this part of town. I don’t get a signal on IDEA.

N****a: Ok Sir, I’ll look into this and call you back.

Me: Uhm… like I was saying….

N****a: Oh sorry… I mean I’ll send you an SMS.

She did send an SMS within the hour -“Sir, pls do a manual selection of network and select a different operator and check…”

So thats two small steps for you, one giant LoopMobile bill for me.