THIS is what i'm talking about, conflicting information from Vodacom AND previously where I wasnt charged for using Opera for Browsing and Definitely not for WhatsApp, I am now being Charged.
You're absolutely right, and this is where I place weight when I argue that Vodacom (I can't speak for other service providers because my experience with BIS is solely Vodacom) is a **** and piss poor service provider. It seems clear, and apparent, that Vodacom has absolutely no ****ing clue WHAT is meant to be charged and what is not. They are clueless regarding what falls WITHIN BIS and what falls outside it.
I don't know if the COO and top level guys know, but the small drones at the bottom (the people in the "Advanced" data service customer contact centre) don't know their arse from their elbows - there, I said it. They don't know their arse from their elbows. One says two things are charged, you phone back later and a new one says that the first two are not charged but two other ARE charged. It's like there's no training going on about "What is included in BIS". Put it on a Bulleting board; print it and put it on their desks signed by the COO; **** it, make them write a ****ing test about it - just find one, solid source and ****ing stick to it!
BIS is a product - and you must KNOW YOUR PRODUCT!!!! That's a fundamental rule of business and customer service. If I went to a mechanic and asked him what's wrong, and the guy said "It's your radiator" when actually it was a spark plug issue, then he's a ****ing idiot and I mustn't go back to him after that ever again. The problem is, with this industry, that you sign a contract that you get penalised for if you "stop using their services". CPA is meant to mitigate this, but it doesn't because WE don't bring a case to them.
Utlimately, the fault isn't Vodacom's for being ****, the problem is US for TAKING their ****. Supply and demand, if they provide **** and we take it...they're just going to continue to provide ****. I do, however, recognise the problem of that ****ing piece of paper that says you have to stay with them for 24 months before you leave because of their ****. There are clauses saying you can leave if not provided with the services as promised in the terms and conditions and **** but exactly how do you prove that Vodacom is not living up to their part of the deal? Slow internet speeds? Well, they have an argument for that "Too many people are abusing BIS so others have it slow". That's their defence and they'll take a high priced lawyer to court with it if they have to.
On a side note: Whatsapp being charged is a new one to me. I have never heard of anyone being charged for Whatsapp - HapticSimian is right, I've seen Whatsapp even INSISTING that I use BIS. The Wife uses it and it doesn't chew her airtime; I used it BEFORE my data inhibitor and I got no charges; I use it WITH my data inhibitor and get no problem (the app is not blocked). Opera Mini also works despite my data inhibitor, but give me until tomorrow and I'll let you know if I see data charges.
Inconsistency - and the only place we HAVE to get answers is the internet. But then, like Haldexsaid, it's your word against theirs "We (Vodacom) can't be held responsible for your relying on unofficial Vodacom information and suffering loss". Again, any high priced lawyer can argue that and get your case dismissed before you even get to court or ICASA - AND they'll charge you for it.
