Phoned Vodacom, said Datacontract will stop end May, yet they continue to bill

[bboy]

The cellular operators maintain that the CPA does not apply to their business and ICASA is applying for a waiver. In the meantime they carry on as if it did not exist

I'd like to hear from the cellular operators why the should be exempt from the CPA? They sell to the public, they advertise to the public and they service the public.

[sajunky]

In this day and age why we still do these things via fax is beyond me. How about we log into the vodacom website and in there have the ability to cancel like that, at least we know it is done properly then and we can then SEE it on the website, We send a fax, hope for the best and then have to deal with the *** if it isn't.

Email is a legal proof these days. Why they don't accept Email?

[sajunky]

I'd like to hear from the cellular operators why the should be exempt from the CPA? They sell to the public, they advertise to the public and they service the public.

Don't worry, they won't get it. It is just delaying tactics.

[Ockie]

Email is a legal proof these days. Why they don't accept Email?

With all the fraud going around I dont see how a email can be legal or safe for that matter. A email is not sufficient to open a contract...nor should it be to cancell a contract. This would mean I can open up a gmail address that looks like a ex's that got on my wrong side name and surname and have his number deleted. Obviously he will get a SMS notifying him of the pending deletion and he can query it...but this is just not a good idea. Signed letter with Copy of ID is required for verification purposes. To protect you...but also to protect Vodacom.

[AstroTurf]

easy enough to see what email address was given when signing a contract.

[Ockie]

easy enough to see what email address was given when signing a contract.

And if the client did not give a email address when signing the contract? Many people prefer not to provide their email in fear of spam..founded or unfounded. Besides, unauthorized access to someones email is possible. Unlikely...but possible.

If you really are deadset against fax for whatever reason...you could also scan your ID and email the letter with that to vodacom should you really want to. Whatever is easiest for you.

[sajunky]

With all the fraud going around I dont see how a email can be legal or safe for that matter. A email is not sufficient to open a contract...nor should it be to cancell a contract. This would mean I can open up a gmail address that looks like a ex's that got on my wrong side name and surname and have his number deleted. Obviously he will get a SMS notifying him of the pending deletion and he can query it...but this is just not a good idea. Signed letter with Copy of ID is required for verification purposes. To protect you...but also to protect Vodacom.

These are technicalities and how Vodacom wants to conduct businness, it is their matter.

But question remains: Isn't just much simpler if Vodacom (and other SP's too) comply with the law regarding expiry of the contracts?

[bboy]

Email is different, it does not have an authentication point that vodacom would stand by.
Logging in to the vodacom portal does, hell if i can go add R10 000 worth of data bundles from the portal then surely its secure enough for me to notify them of my cancellation.

[Ockie]

These are technicalities and how Vodacom wants to conduct businness, it is their matter.

But question remains: Isn't just much simpler if Vodacom (and other SP's too) comply with the law regarding expiry of the contracts?

You brought up the matter of email, I was merely answering and giving my point of view.

As for the last part of your post. Upgrade dates and contract expiry dates are pretty easy to access. As far as I am aware, Vodacom SP will also SMS you once you become due for your upgrade. This alone will give you a idea.

I am however not a expert on the law or the CPA and so will not comment further on that. Perhaps direct this query to customercare@vodacom.co.za and they can forward it to the correct department for clarification.

[sajunky]

As for the last part of your post. Upgrade dates and contract expiry dates are pretty easy to access. As far as I am aware, Vodacom SP will also SMS you once you become due for your upgrade. This alone will give you a idea.

Just an idea. It doesn't make Vodacom any closer with requirements the law.

[bboy]

ok, well lets ignore the email bit and focus on the vodacom portal bit then

[Bundu]

nah, email is fine!

I cancelled my 2+2GB at the end of April, by sending them an email with all my information and an attached copy of my ID - they replied and confirmed that the sim would be converted to a pre-paid at month end - I checked and that happened

Not sure, but if I remember correctly, I read the How-To on this forum

[sajunky]

ok, well lets ignore the email bit and focus on the vodacom portal bit then

Exactly. If matters were as required by law, by example Vodacom sending SMS "Dear customer, our contract will expire on..., unless you confirm you want to continue receive the service on month to months bases. Just reply to this SMS "YES" or contact Customer Centre from your phone".

I am sure that in such case Vodacom would accept Email as welll.

[AstroTurf]

You brought up the matter of email, I was merely answering and giving my point of view.

As for the last part of your post. Upgrade dates and contract expiry dates are pretty easy to access. As far as I am aware, Vodacom SP will also SMS you once you become due for your upgrade. This alone will give you a idea.

I am however not a expert on the law or the CPA and so will not comment further on that. Perhaps direct this query to customercare@vodacom.co.za and they can forward it to the correct department for clarification.

3 items (2 phones, 1 modem) due for upgrades or past upgrade due date in the last few months with no sms's or info from vodacom.

Possible I would not even have seen an sms on the 2gb bundle though as all sms's it ever got was spam (so I only ever looked for replies to me sending mm to 31050 before getting a router).

[bboy]

yea,those sms's dont seem to be coming through anymore, my gf's contract is due for upgrade and she hasn't had any sms's