Don’t Surf too much when you visit Silly Lanka!
!!! Be Warned !!!
!!! Be Warned !!!
!!! Be Warned !!!
Sri Lanka TeleCoN’s “Prepaid” Services hide Huge Hidden Charges!
Sri Lanka TeleCoN’s “Prepaid” Services hide Huge Hidden Charges!
The above adverts, also printed on the prepaid cards themselves, create the impression of good, manageable, consumer controllable Internet connections. Island wide.
The actual TELEPHONE (modem access to the server) charges, however are NOT included!! Only when bills arrive, the customer might realize that the whole thing actually will cost you 10x more than mentioned.
The actual TELEPHONE (modem access to the server) charges, however are NOT included!! Only when bills arrive, the customer might realize that the whole thing actually will cost you 10x more than mentioned.
This is because calls to access numbers such as 1289 and 1250 are charged at 3Rs./ Minute.
Correctly stated, it should read:
12hrs.: = 2,360Rs./ (not Rs.200Rs./-)
30hrs.: = 5,900Rs./ (not Rs.500Rs./-)
60hrs.: = 11,800Rs./ (not Rs.1,000./-)
12hrs.: = 2,360Rs./ (not Rs.200Rs./-)
30hrs.: = 5,900Rs./ (not Rs.500Rs./-)
60hrs.: = 11,800Rs./ (not Rs.1,000./-)
In other, civilized Countries this would be seen to be a Consumer FRAUD and nasty deception of the poor, uneducated public.
Worse still, Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) service is terribly slow, unreliable and the lines drop frequently:
Worse still, Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) service is terribly slow, unreliable and the lines drop frequently:
Resulting in extra costs.
And more HUGE profits to SLT.
And more HUGE profits to SLT.
None of arugam.info‘s letters to SLT on this subject have ever been answered by super ‘efficient’ Sri Lanka Tele-CON.
Since June, 2007 we dispute about 70,000Rs./!
(This is because we had to give up our broadband connection and Community Internet Centre in April, 2007. Since then we are reduced to ancient, slow and as we only found out now: Ultra expensive modem operations. A step back into last Century’s technology: Back to AbaY in 1999 to be precise)
Arugam Forum
Arugam Photo Galleries on Picasa
Old Website
Press Coverage
Surf Forecast for Arugam Bay
…and more brilliant info here!
Still NO answers to the original Question though….
SLTNET Internet Pre-paid Card(IPC)
The SLTNET Pre-paid Cardallows you to surf the Internet 24 hours a day. With the Pre-paid Cardyou can enjoy flat rates per minute, avoid signing up with an Internet Service Provider and have no installation or monthly fees.
What is IPC?
IPC is a pre-paid Internet access card that allows you to immediately connect to the Internet. You can use IPC to visit various websites, chat with your friends, download freebies and take advantage of other applications available online.
What is the difference between IPC and SLTNet dialup subscription?
Unlike post paid ISP subscriptions, IPC gives you immediate access to the Internet: no need to apply for an account or wait for it to be activated. More so, because it’s pre-paid, IPC allows you to easily regulate your online spending.
What equipment do I need to use an IPC?
To use IPC, all you need is Pentium based PC (100MHZ), 16MB of RAM, Windows 95, Modem (28.8Kbps), Dial-up Networking, and a phone line.
How much is a IPC card?
Rs. 200/-
How long can I access Internet with my IPC?
IPC with Rs. 200/- denominations contain 10 hours (600 Minutes) of Internet Access Time
Where can I buy an IPC?
IPC cards are available at islandwide SLT Teleshops.
How do I use my IPC card? (For Windows 95 and 98 users)
To start surfing with IPC, follow these instructions:
a. Create a IPC dialer in your PC.
b. Once created, double-click on the dialer icon on your Desktop.
c. Scratch-off protective coating on your IPC card to see the IPC Username and
Password.
d. Enter the IPC Username/Password in the required fields on the dialer.
e. Click on “Connect†to start surfing.
What access number can I use to connect?
In addition to the 150 islandwide access number you can use, 11-…, etc to access SLTNet.
How long can I use my IPC card? Does it expire?
Your IPC minutes are valid for two (2) years or ninety (90) days from first use, whichever comes first.
How do I get a usage report of my IPC account?
You can check your remaining minutes by using the my IPC Usage Inquiry facility on our homepage. All you have to do is key in the username and password found at the back of your card, click on “check†and it will tell you how much time you have left.
What happens if I use up my time on my IPC Card while I am online?
If you use up your IPC minutes while online, you will be disconnected from the Internet. To avoid this, make sure you always have a IPC card on stock to ensure non-stop Internet access.
Currently, your IPC card cannot be reloaded with additional minutes. You can purchase a new card from SLT’s islandwide Teleshops.
What do I do when the Username and Password of my PIC card do not work?
Immediately contact our Customer Support representatives:
Email: info@slt.lk
Tel: 123 or
source:
http://www.slt.lk/data/forhome/093sltnet_prepaid.htm
Again we ssearched the entire SLT web sites to find out just how much the charges for the National access Number (1250) actually costs the consumers.
Here is the “Information”:
(Can YOU spot the hidden tariff???)
Internet Services and Charges
Type of Service Monthly Rental (Rs.) Up Front
Chager for
6 Months No. of Free
Hours No. of
E-Mail A/Cs One Time Startup Fees (Rs.) Free
Web
Space Offered Remarks
Business and Corporate Accounts
Business Basic 2,500 12,000 250 5 1,500 1MB Note 1 (Not
for ISP)
Business Plus 4,000 19,200 350 20 1,500 2MB Note 1
Network Accounts
ISDN Network Accounts 6,000 150 1 1,000 Note 2 (One IP
will be given)
PSTN Network Accounts 4,000 150 1 1,000
Virtual Mail Server 2,000 3,000 Note 4 & Note 5
Internet Private Dial-up Access
Per exclusive dial-up access port 1,500 3,000
POP3 Mail
Server Account 5,000 1,000 Note 4
Web Hosting
Virtual Web Server Up to first Mbyte 750 1 2,000 One
E-mail
A/C with free
conne -ction
charge
Every additional Mbyte 250 Note 5
Primary DNS Hosting 500 Nill Note 5
Internet Dedicated
Access Bandwidth Non – Comm -ercial Comm -ercial
64 kbit/s 20,000 75,000
128 kbit/s 40,000 140,000
192 kbit/s 60,000 215,000
256 kbit/s 80,000 280,000
384 kbit/s 120,000 430,000
512 kbit/s 160,000 580,000
Field Visit Charges <20Km <20-
50Km > 50Km
Email client fault rectification to customer site 300 500 1,000 Note 5
Fault trouble shooting on customer site LANs (Minimum) 1,000 1,250 1,750 Note 6
Temporary Accounts are offered with 150 free hours of use for a month. One time start up fee = Rs. 3000.00
Note 1 –
Is subjected to standard tariff (Rs. 2/- per minute) after the stipulated free hours and an optional installation charge of Rs. 1,000/- is applicable.
Note 2 – Optional installation charge is Rs. 2,000.00.
Note 3 – Customer needs to also obtain item 1.1 or 1.2 in order to implement item 3.
Note 4 – Monthly rental is inclusive of DNS rental.
Note 5 – Will only be applicable if the fault is due to customer’s equipment/software.
Note 6 –
Appropriate charges for the work performed to be agreed by the customer and charged accordingly along with the next bill.
Note 7 –
Appropriate charge for the work performed to be agreed by the customer and charged accordingly along with the next bill.
Note 8 – In the case of ISDN, the charges in the table below will apply:
Installation Charges (Optional) – Rs.
ISDN Only Internet Only* ISDN & Internet
2000.00 1000.00 2000.00
*Case where customer has ISDN but wishes to install Internet.
SLTNET Tech Help Desk -11-2331153, 11-2441270 (24 hours)
Internet Access Via SLTNET
In providing access to Internet, the prospective customer is given the choice to select either dedicated access or dial-up access via telephone lines. Individuals and occasional users can access Internet by obtaining a subscription from SLT. Internet costs you much less than you think, as SLT has devised attractive packages to suit every category of user.
SLT also offers E-mail. All you need is a personal computer, a modem and the related software will be supplied by SLT. Within seconds your E-mail message is transmitted to your desired destination through the SLT’s E-mail gateway. You can obtain your E-mail address almost immediately. All you need to do is to fill in the standard application form and make the required upfront payments.
All tariff structures mentioned herein are exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), if not specifically mentioned.
Internet and e-mail user packages
Type of Service Monthly Rental (Rs.) Up Front
Charge for
6 Months
No. of Free
Hours
No of Internet A/Cs No. of
E-Mail
A/Cs One Time Startup Fees (Rs.) Remarks
1. Regular Accounts
1.1 Student Inbox
(E-mail only account for students) 100 1 Note 4
1.2 E-mail only account 200 1 500
1.3 Light-Surfer package 250 15 1 1 250
1.4 Regular (PSTN/ISDN) 500 2,400 30 1 2 1,000 Note 1 & Note 3
1.5 Premium (PSTN/ISDN) 1,000 4,800 150 1 3 1,000 Note 1 & Note 3
2. Field Visit Charges <20Km <20-50Km> 50Km
2.1 Email client fault rectification
to customer site 300 500 1,000 Note 2
3. Temporary ccounts are offered with 150 free hours of use for a month. One time
start up fee = Rs. 3000.00
Note 1 –
Is subjected to standard tariff (Rs. 2 per minute) after the stipulated free hours and an optional installation charge of Rs. 1,000/- is applicable.
Note 2 – Will only be applicable if the fault is due to customer’s equipment/software.
Note 3 – In the case of ISDN, the charges in the table below will apply:
Note 4 – Applications should be certified by the Principal/Head of School or Head of Institution:
Installation Charges (Optional)
ISDN Only Internet Only* ISDN & Internet
Rs. 2000.00 Rs. 1000.00 Rs. 2000.00
*Case where customer has ISDN but wishes to install Internet.
SLTNET Tech Help Desk – 11-2331153, 11-2441270 (24 hours)
Needless to mention that NOBODY – when answered at all! – at this so-called “Help desk” actually knows anything about this.
Even if they would: What to say when the bills come and they are inflated as usual?
A certain “Mr. Niemals on your very Hot line told me ….or what?
source:
http://www.slt.lk/data/forhome/091sltnet_internet.htm
can’t recall the term for a president, but I think Lanka is about 33% into it at the moment, boggles an outsider to think what may transpire in another 3 or 4 years
Mal wear aside, is that a new brandex initiative to provide older surfers with affordable board shorts.
I see nothing that allows a traveller (sriLankan term guest) to determine whether this (teleco? card?) is something that they may potentially pick up at the airport and then use at outlets (pre-determined and advertised?) around the island to acquire internet access, in much the same way as a pre-paid telephony card can be utilised.
Somebody has to pay for the war, it is fairly obvious that the majority of civilised countries have already run to the end of their tethers, hence you have only locals and those that have an indefatigable view of the beauty of the country and the inhabitants.
Webmi – stress (ed)
75% of the budget to Lanka’s most recently crowned dynasty – wadyaexpect….
Thanks for this link, SwissHits!
As Cerno might be blocked (again?) in Sri Lanka, here is a copy of the site – Arugam.info is not hosted in S.L. and certainly NOT by Sltnet or SLT at all:
Google warns Sri Lanka Telcom (slt.lk) “may harm your computerâ€
December 26, 2007 — cerno
Google search results for Sri Lanka Telecom contains a warning “This site may harm your computerâ€. Here’s a screen shot of the search results:
Screenshot of Google Search Results for Sri Lanka Telcom showing the google Malware warning
A more extensive search reveals (as in the screen shot of Google search results below) that this warning seems to apply throughout the slt.lk domain.
Screen shot of Google Search Results for Sri Lanka Telcom pages showing that the malware warning seems to be applied site wide
Clearly not a good Christmas present for those looking after the slt.lk domain. Particularly since stopbadware.org, the Google related website responsible for the warnings is “Closed for Winter Break†till Jan 2nd.
However Google malware warning have been around since late 2006. The malware notice on the Sri Lanka Telecom link on Google has been noticed some time ago in a this lame-duck.com forum post (I will not comment on the ironies). So this shouldn’t be shocker.
Google offers an explanation – essentially claiming that sites described as harmful
“may install malicious software on your computer“. There is also a detailed definition of what constitutes “malicious softwareâ€. There’s a briefer overview on the stopbadware.org site FAQ. The site suggests that web masters whose sites are flagged as malware to “request reviews†through webmaster tools which has information about dealing with these matters.
I don’t know if the slt.lk site admins knows about this, or how much it really matters (particular to Sri Lanka Telcom). Major websites such as CNET have been similarly “marked“.
Search Engine News has an in-depth article on this aptly titled “Google Malware Warning: Big Help or Big Brother?“
In the world of javascripted/database driven websites and pushy marketing it is easy to be viewed as a malware installing baddie.
It will be interesting how Sri Lanka Telecom responds (if it bothers to). Or maybe they’ll just cut my phone service for bring this up. Equally interesting is finding out what other Sri Lanka sites are blacklisted in this way.
Posted in Life, Sri Lanka, Technology, Third World, computers. Tags: Google, malware, Search engines, Sri Lankan Telcom, Telecommunications, Web site.
12 Responses to “Google warns Sri Lanka Telcom (slt.lk) “may harm your computerâ€â€
1. Me Says:
December 26, 2007 at 10:02 am
At Last. I thought I was the only one who saw this.
Me not computer expert but have stopped entering passwords on other sites when slt.lk is opened. With all the packet sniffers and stuff floating, don’t know what blokes at SLT are doing.
2. Donald Gaminitillake Says:
December 26, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Do not worry I have informed the top management
Let them solve the problem
Donald Gaminitillake
3. jay Says:
December 26, 2007 at 1:17 pm
THis is not critical! But the webmail system they have is so insecure..THey don’t even use SSL to secure the transmission in their webmail interface and the normal mail exchange. I guess security wise this “Mail security†should be their priority as if your a business owner you “SHOULD†be worried.
Peace!
4. XEON Says:
December 26, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Safari user?
🙂
5. mark Says:
December 26, 2007 at 3:06 pm
bad christmas & new year for sl telcom
6. cerno Says:
December 26, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Donald: Not worried, just hopeing this doesn’t cause too much panic 😉
Jay Now THAT is worrying
XEON: Safari for PC user 🙂 (anything but IE)
mark Well the issue’s been around for quite a while but perhaps they’ll enter 2008 without it.
7. sam Says:
December 26, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Not only Google. Vista also have a yellow warning bar too when visited the site directly.
So SLT got the record for been the first malicious site in Sri Lanka to be recodnised by google. Cool!
8. Google Crawling Says:
December 27, 2007 at 12:19 am
OPS 🙁
9. cerno Says:
December 27, 2007 at 1:44 am
Sam If you got a screen shot of a Vista warning for Sri Lanka Telecom online, could you post the screenshot URL in a comment ?
10. JohnMu Says:
December 27, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Donald, if you are in contact with the owners of the site you may want to point them to this part in their home page:
… V FM acquires total communication capability from SLT [/a][script xsrc=http://b15.3322 [dot] org/e.js][/script][/a] …
I modified the tags and the URL slightly to prevent any automatic linking. For the momen, I would not recommend visiting the page unless your browser is sufficiently locked down. Cleaning this up (and checking the rest of the site for similar issues) should be a high priority – as should finding out how it got there in the first case.
Once everything is clean, the site owner should submit a review request through their Google Webmaster Tools account to notify us to check the site again. More information on this process can be found at http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=45432
11. cerno Says:
December 27, 2007 at 4:10 pm
JohnMu
Thank you for that update 🙂
Sorry for the delay for your comment to appear. It got stuck in my spam box – must have been due to the URL in the comment.
12. Sri Lanka Telecom’s Google problem update « Cerno Says:
December 29, 2007 at 8:00 am
[…] Lanka Telecom’s Google problem update December 28, 2007 — cerno JohnMu posted a possible solution to the warning Google has placed on the Sri Lanka Telecom web-site related search engine results. […]
http://www.slt.lk may harm your computer….
Posting on Cerno:
http://cerno.wordpress.com/2007/12/26/google-warns-sri-lanka-telcom-sltlk-may-harm-your-computer/
It’s better to change the Provider 🙂
FaQ taken from the SLT web site:
Q03. What is 1289 access number?
1289 is a PSTN charge free dialup number which has been enabled for you. You can use 1289 together with username=netguest password=guest to making your account. If you are interested you can browse internet through 1289 using your own username and password. Then your telephone bill will not be increased. But you will be charge 3Rs/Minits. This new access method is called FreeServ.
Q09. What are the dial-up access numbers?
1250 – Island wide
1289– The (telephone internet) charge will be deducted from the SLT Prepaid Internet Card account and the telephone usage will not be on your telephone bill. (Charge = Rs. 3/min.)
Q10. Will I have to pay telephone charges for the period that I spent to create my login name and password?
If you use 1289 with netguest account, there will not be any telephone charge or internet charge. but if you use any other number with netguest, telephone charge will be there. But no internet charge.