Billing bind

For the past seven years I have paid my telephone bill at a bank close to my house. Up until a few months ago, the computer printout for international SLI calls was issued on-the-spot by the receiving bank if the customer requested. When that service was stopped abruptly, I was advised by the contact Telkom's newly established service point a couple of kilometers away.

When I inquired at the Telkom service center, I was told to contact the Satelindo office because it was about international calls. When I contacted Satelindo by telephone, I was informed that I could collect the list at their office or they could mail it to my address or fax me the details. They promptly faxed the list.

The next month Satelindo told me I had not made any international calls, even though I had just paid for the calls that morning. Satelindo asked me to fax them the Telkom receipt. Satelindo then managed to send me the list of international calls I had made.

Having to call Satelindo each month is bothersome. Issuing the printout at the receiving bank was not too bad and worked well. I do not know why some banks have discontinued that system. I wish a better system could be established.

Ken Allan's remark (June 4, 1996) that in many countries the bill and list of international calls is mailed in advance is quite true. However, one is required to pay first and then take up any irregularities in most of those countries.

I can at least find out how much I have to pay for the telephone bill by calling 109. But what about the electricity bill?

I'd like to know how we are supposed to find out the amount to be paid for each month. One can never get through to the receiving banks or a PLN office during normal office hours. It would be beneficial if PLN mailed the bill so customers know exactly how much they owe.

I've witnessed many cases in which a driver or maid has had to return to the receiving bank with the correct amount to cover the bill. Obviously, this is due to not being informed in advance of how much the bill will cost.

In the name of quality service and customer satisfaction, I hope Telkom and PLN improve their billing procedures.

A. KRISHNAN

Surabaya, East Java