Tech's turn-off

Technology is great, but it can also drive you round the bend. A shining example – I recently applied for a mobile wallet facility offered by a mobile operator. The service, which was supposed to have been activated within four hours, took 52 hours, as the ‘servers were down'. But this was just the first step. I would have to wait seven ‘working days' for ‘verification' after which I could use it. I then realised that the mobile payment was SIM-toolkit (the operator's menu) based. But my hi-tech mobile (Nexus S) did not have it. So, I had to transfer the SIM to another mobile to use the payment platform.

Later, I discovered that the operator had launched an USSD mode for the service, which could be used from any mobile. At least, I didn't have to switch handsets to use the service anymore. Then began the wait for the second ‘verification'. However, after the service was activated I got another shock. I realised I could use the USSD service only for payments up to Rs 5,000 per day. If I used a SIM toolkit-based menu, I could pay up to Rs 50,000 a day. Since a Rs 20,000 payment was in the pipeline, I would have to switch the phone again.

Now, as I tried to load the wallet through online transfer from my bank, I discovered that all banks, except mine, were listed. I had two options. Withdraw the money, go to the telecom outlet, load the money, and then go to the dealer and make the payment with the mobile (I was insisting on paying through the facility as I would get 10 per cent cash back).

The second option was to transfer the money online to another bank which was listed, load the money through Net banking and then make the payment at the dealership.

The telecom outlet was barely helpful. They couldn't load it because of technical problems. I came home, made an online transfer to the other bank, and loaded the mobile wallet from that bank.

Moral of the story: If you think you have a hi-tech solution, chances are that by the time you get it to work, you might have gone nuts.

COMMENT NOW