Rethinking Bmobile Pre-Paid Customer Service

In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, customer service remains the linchpin for user satisfaction. In Trinidad and Tobago, the two major carriers, Trinidad and Tobago Telephone Company (TSTT/bMobile) and Digicel, stand as pivotal entities in the mobile service sector.

However, a noteworthy discrepancy in prepaid customer service policies should be addressed.  This has to do with bMobile's instantaneous disconnection when funds are depleted, in stark contrast to Digicel's considerate two-minute warning.

 The bMobile Conundrum, A Disconnect Beyond Airtime

For bMobile prepaid users, the abrupt termination of calls without any prior warning is a disruptive experience. In a world increasingly reliant on seamless communication, this policy appears archaic and out of touch with the evolving needs of consumers. The lack of consideration for users, especially during important or sensitive conversations, underscores a substantial flaw in the customer service paradigm.

An Untapped Opportunity

By delving into the experiences of bMobile's prepaid users, an opportunity for improvement becomes evident. Customer feedback consistently reflects a desire for enhanced communication channels and a more user-centric approach. The current policy not only disrupts conversations but also risks alienating a significant portion of the user base.

The Digicel Approach - Two-Minute Warning

In contrast, Digicel's foresighted approach to prepaid services involves a two-minute warning before call termination due to insufficient funds. This simple yet effective practice empowers users to manage their conversations effectively, fostering a sense of control and transparency. The warning is a clear indicator of Digicel's commitment to customer satisfaction, acknowledging the value of uninterrupted communication.

User Empowerment and Engagement

The Digicel model not only prevents abrupt call drops but also actively engages users in managing their usage. This empowerment contributes to a positive customer experience, establishing Digicel as a customer-centric service provider.

 Why bMobile Should Reconsider

In an era where customer experience defines brand loyalty, bMobile's current prepaid policy becomes a potential stumbling block. The lack of a warning system not only disrupts conversations but also erodes the trust users place in the telecom giant. To compete effectively in the market, bMobile must align its practices with contemporary customer service expectations.

Leveraging Technology for Improvement

Statistics from global telecommunications trends reveal that user-friendly prepaid services significantly impact customer retention and acquisition. Implementing a warning system requires minimal technological investment but can yield substantial returns in terms of customer satisfaction.

Global Best Practices: Lessons for bMobile

Examining global telecom leaders reveals that transparent and user-friendly prepaid policies are the norm. TSTT has an opportunity to benchmark against these industry best practices, ensuring that its policies align with evolving customer expectations.

A Way Forward,  An Appeal to bMobile's Governing Board

To effect positive change, there must be a strategic appeal to bMobile's governing board. This appeal should be rooted in the collective voice of the prepaid user base, supported by case studies and statistics showcasing the benefits of a more customer-centric approach.

A Win-Win Solution

By incorporating a warning system similar to Digicel's, bMobile can bridge the existing gap in customer service. This win-win solution not only enhances user satisfaction but also positions bMobile as an empathetic and forward-thinking telecom provider.

In the competitive arena of telecommunications, customer service is the ultimate differentiator. bMobile stands at a crossroads, faced with an opportunity to align its prepaid policies with global best practices. By reimagining its approach to prepaid services, bMobile can usher in a new era of customer satisfaction, ensuring its continued relevance and success in the dynamic telecom landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.

Talk Eh Cheap - A Look At Your TSTT Phone Charges

Did you know that "our" local telephone company (TSTT) charges landlines for calls from a cell phone?

That may not be the only thing that you don’t know about "our” local telephone company. "Our” because according to the corporate documents, 51 percent of TSTT is owned by “our” government. The other 49 percent is owned by Cable and Wireless International.

Let’s examine the fees "we" charge ourselves but before we do I would like to share a forum post with you. An excerpt where the poster shared an experience while standing in line at a TSTT store, she relates:

“I remember entering a queue at a BMobile branch, to pay my telephone and cellular phone bills. I saw an old lady who spoke loudly but politely, when she was attended to by the BMobile cashier. She was querying about a cellular phone charge was on her land line telephone bill. She explained to the cashier that she never calls anyone on their cellular phone, only land line telephones.

The cashier quietly inquired if anyone contacted her from their cellular phone. She proudly confessed that, her son stays in touch with her, by calling her from his cellular phone. The cashier then confirmed that this was the charge reflected on her land line bill. Poor lady! She seemed so confused and my heart went out to her when I heard her say:

"TSTT charges for receiving cellular phone calls on a land line telephone? I thought TSTT only charged the client for calling a cellular phone and not receiving the call!"

You can read the rest of that post here.

The fact is that the telephone service TSTT has used it position of trust and the fact that we "own" the company to leverage it's profit generating potential at the expense of the citizens of this country.


When TSTT was the only cell phone carrier, their charges by today’s standards were astronomical.

Things may appear to have changed since then but even with a competitor in the cellular market TSTT is still charging ridiculous fees. We now have one in the land line the Flow Cable company and Digicel is the only competitor in the cellular market.

In the next couple of posts we will look at all three companies to assess which is the best of the limited options.

Let's start with the giant in terms of local phone companies. Below is a screen shot of the rate page of the TSTT site it is illegible but go here to see the actual page TSTT page.

Click here to read more...