Afrihost is pure fail

R

RoosTa

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Wow, what can I say. If there is one ISP that does not want any business, its Afrihost.

I used to have a monthly account with Afrihost, but found other specials over time. Due to a bug in WA stats, I got capped and looked for an alternative to 'top-up'. Afrihost definitely was the cheapest that I already had an account with, so I figured I try their pre-paid account.

After choosing the package and selecting payment method, I received an email asking for copies of id documents etc. Anyways, I was at home and didn't have access to a scanner and would only be able to get this information to them a few days later.

So I looked for another alternative and thought Afrihost wouldn't charge unless my account is active. I then replied to the annoying "activation" emails and asked them to cancel the request.

Mark, contacted me via email and said that its a pre-paid account and that you cannot cancel the account. To which I replied that I wanted a full refund since the account has not yet been activated, but they already charged me.

This was last week and I still have not yet been refunded.

To Afrihost:
-Why would you need someone's ID documents for a pre-paid account?
-Why would you need to resubmit this information if you already have an existing account?
-Why would you charge someone, if the account is not active yet?

I would definitely not recommend Afrihost to anyone and I'm surprised they are still in business.
 
I too was irked about the "send us your ID before we activate your account". However, once that was done, I haven't any more complaints towards Afrihost. Cheap and speedy.

The "cancel before it's activated" thing probably isn't part of their everyday workflow, so it takes some time because it has to be done manually.
 
@RoosTa - had a similar experience with them. I feel your pain. Word of advice: HelloPeter is your friend. If that doesn't work: ISPA is your last resort. From my experience with them, you cannot "cancel" an account until you've activated it first. It's just the way they do it and you must fit right in!
 
You are focussing your anger at the wrong people. Afrihost is merely complying with RICA. Do you blame Vodacom when you have to present your ID for a prepaid SIM?
 
Complying to RICA? Isn't RICA for cellphones? Sorry but no other ISP has ever asked for ID's upon reactivation of an account, nor have they ever asked me for my ID for a pre-paid account. This has nothing to do with RICA since I had an Afrihost account long before RICA was introduced and back then they asked for my ID when I first opened the account.

The thing is, other ISP's allow you instant access to pre-paid accounts. When you pay for it, you get it activated instantly. So why is Afrihost so anal with this regard? And how can they charge someone, if the account hasn't been activated yet?
 
RoosTa said:
Complying to RICA? Isn't RICA for cellphones? Sorry but no other ISP has ever asked for ID's upon reactivation of an account, nor have they ever asked me for my ID for a pre-paid account. This has nothing to do with RICA since I had an Afrihost account long before RICA was introduced and back then they asked for my ID when I first opened the account.

The thing is, other ISP's allow you instant access to pre-paid accounts. When you pay for it, you get it activated instantly. So why is Afrihost so anal with this regard? And how can they charge someone, if the account hasn't been activated yet?
Click to expand...

RICA applies to ISPs as well. And just like cellphones you have to RICA your SIM even if you've had it for ten years. But you said you're signing up for a new account? You can get a SIM on the same account but each and everyone has to be RICAed.

http://www.ispa.org.za/blog/2010/03/08/isps-will-battle-to-comply-with-rica-says-ispa/

So don't get upset with Afrihost being compliant with the DoC. The law is the law and if the other ISPs don't comply it is their legal issue, not Afrihost's.
 
phaktza said:
RICA applies to ISPs as well. And just like cellphones you have to RICA your SIM even if you've had it for ten years. But you said you're signing up for a new account? You can get a SIM on the same account but each and everyone has to be RICAed.

http://www.ispa.org.za/blog/2010/03/08/isps-will-battle-to-comply-with-rica-says-ispa/

So don't get upset with Afrihost being compliant with the DoC. The law is the law and if the other ISPs don't comply it is their legal issue, not Afrihost's.
Click to expand...

I'm not upset because of Afrihost requiring my ID.
I'm upset because they took my money before my account was active and have been told that I cannot 'cancel' my request because its a pre-paid account. I'm also upset because I already had an account with them and therefor they already have my documents.

Its still weird, because I can go to any other ISP (WA/Axxess), pay them and immediately get service without any fuss.
 
I for one love Afrihost... The ID thing did take me by surprise when I signed up 21:00 at night - but still my account was activated a few minutes after emailing the documents.

I remember reading that they will accept a picture of your ID - even with your cell phone camera.
 
I still don't believe RICA has anything to do with it. RICA you also need to provide a proof of address.
 
What has RICA got to do with them requesting a copy of your ID ? As far as I am aware, for RICA you need to give proof of residence plus ID, etc. Afrihost does not request proof of residence so how can it be for RICA purposes ?
 
zamedic said:
I for one love Afrihost... The ID thing did take me by surprise when I signed up 21:00 at night - but still my account was activated a few minutes after emailing the documents.

I remember reading that they will accept a picture of your ID - even with your cell phone camera.
Click to expand...

I sent them a photo of my ID with my cellphone camera in, and it was accepted :D
 
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