Why is Vodacom4me swiping my small change?! - (OOB data usage on pre-paid)

biometrics

biometrics

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This has happened many times before, but now I want to know WHY!?

I transferred R200 from my Standard Bank internet banking to my prepaid, data only sim. This clearly reflects on Vodacom4me. I purchase 500 MB for R189. The balance is then R11 and this is what shows in Vodacom4me.

I use the 500 MB and when I now log into Vodacom4me the R11 is gone, balance R0. All in just one week.

WHY OH WHY?!
 
When you go over the 500MB data it uses up the R11, at over R1 per MB (Out-Of-Bundle Rate), so it doesn't last long.
 
Jola said:
When you go over the 500MB data it uses up the R11, at over R1 per MB (Out-Of-Bundle Rate), so it doesn't last long.
Click to expand...

Surely not with pre-paid? That's the point of pre-paid isn't it?

If this is true, can it be stopped?

The reason I transfer a bit more than is needed is that Vodacom4me for some reason won't accept the correct amount. I.e. I want to buy 500 MB for R189. I transfer R189 and try to purchase and it refuses even though my balance shows R189. I seemingly need a bit more of a balance or else it doesn't accept the transaction.

Confused ...


PS: curiously the data bundle page now says this:

Available Data Bundle 0.00 MB
Data Bundle Expiry Date Sunday, 30 November 0002
 
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biometrics said:
Surely not with pre-paid? That's the point of pre-paid isn't it?

If this is true, can it be stopped?

The reason I transfer a bit more than is needed is that Vodacom4me for some reason won't accept the correct amount. I.e. I want to buy 500 MB for R189. I transfer R189 and try to purchase and it refuses even though my balance shows R189. I seemingly need a bit more of a balance or else it doesn't accept the transaction.
Click to expand...

Yes, and there is nothing that you can do about it. How do you think they make their money ?
 
Fine, I can live with the rip off as long as I know the rules of engagement. How much EXTRA do I need to transfer to be able to buy a data bundle? R1, R10?
 
biometrics said:
Fine, I can live with the rip off as long as I know the rules of engagement. How much EXTRA do I need to transfer to be able to buy a data bundle? R1, R10?
Click to expand...
I'm normally able to buy with zero extra. I transfer the exact amount then purchase the bundle leaving a zero balance.
 
Just be happy you learned now and didn't get a 250mb bundle on contract and did 1GB without realising it. When you go over 250mb you get charged out of bundle... it doesn't stop.
 
ginggs said:
I'm normally able to buy with zero extra. I transfer the exact amount then purchase the bundle leaving a zero balance.
Click to expand...

With me that sometimes works, and other times not. Not sure how this works - I pay about R10 extra and usually lose it.

Problem is that if you pay the exact amount and it doesn't work, then you have to pay another R29 (think that is the minimum with SBSA).
 
biometrics said:
Fine, I can live with the rip off as long as I know the rules of engagement. How much EXTRA do I need to transfer to be able to buy a data bundle? R1, R10?
Click to expand...

I think R1 over what you need to purchase the bundle should be sufficient. Although as others mentioned you should be able to transfer only the exact amount you need.
 
Keep in mind that www.vodacom.co.za is not zero rated (only the software downloads are) so when you go into the website to load the airtime, it will eat a little of your recharged amount untill you load the bundle. So lets say you loaded R189, and you use 2 meg to get to the point of loading the bundle, then R4.00 will be deducted from your balance.

I think the above is correct, or is www.vodacom.co.za zero rated? Now im not sure *koppie krap* urg.
 
ocleroux said:
Keep in mind that www.vodacom.co.za is not zero rated (only the software downloads are) so when you go into the website to load the airtime, it will eat a little of your recharged amount untill you load the bundle. So lets say you loaded R189, and you use 2 meg to get to the point of loading the bundle, then R4.00 will be deducted from your balance.

I think the above is correct, or is www.vodacom.co.za zero rated? Now im not sure *koppie krap* urg.
Click to expand...

As far as I can remember it is not a "little" that gets eaten! When I used prepaid my life revolved around checking up on my balance so that the last precious Rs wouldn't get used. The times I had to use the left over Rs I always disabled images from the website otherwise I would spend up to R20 trying to load new data with my ****y connection :(

fm, how this brings back memories... 3G sucked!!
 
ocleroux said:
I think the above is correct, or is www.vodacom.co.za zero rated? Now im not sure *koppie krap* urg.
Click to expand...

You're right indeed, it's not zero rated unfortunately. Would have been quite nice if it was though. :)

Just wondering, I havent worked on the Vodafone control panel thing in ages, but don't they support the *111# thingy? Or cant you just put the sim in a phone and purchase that way?
 
On the fnb website you can purchase data bundles directly. FNB ftw...
 
J0n0 said:
Just wondering, I havent worked on the Vodafone control panel thing in ages, but don't they support the *111# thingy? Or cant you just put the sim in a phone and purchase that way?
Click to expand...

MDMA supports USSD.
 
Hi All

Vodacom normally sends a message advising that you now have 4000kb and cost will be deducted from your account. The message can be used as a reminder that you need to purchase another bundle before the existing one runs out.

It's easier for those using internet banking to add a bundle directly to the number.

Regards
 
VodacomData said:
Hi All

Vodacom normally sends a message advising that you now have 4000kb and cost will be deducted from your account. The message can be used as a reminder that you need to purchase another bundle before the existing one runs out.

It's easier for those using internet banking to add a bundle directly to the number.

Regards
Click to expand...

So that message is sent to the SIM in a data device for which you may not necessarily be reading the SMS alerts for. Also ALTNUM is only available to contract clients (last I heard).
 
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ginggs said:
I'm normally able to buy with zero extra. I transfer the exact amount then purchase the bundle leaving a zero balance.
Click to expand...
Just to clarify, I ensure that I am not online when purchasing the airtime and I convert the airtime to a bundle using USSD on MDMA.
 
morkhans said:
So that message is sent to the SIM in a data device for which you may not necessarily be reading the SMS alerts for. Also ALTNUM is only available to contract clients (last I heard).
Click to expand...

Still only for Contract
 
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