Cell-Phone Contract Cancellations

[Charlie.]

Please Summarize the CPA's ruling on Cell-Phone contract cancellations. Specifically, I'd like to know:

1. The limitations on penalties when cancelling a contract.
2. The rights a consumer has to cancel a contract (presumably, with notice but at any time)
3. The ruling on returning a faulty device supplied with the contract, still in the one-year warranty, and cancelling the contract.

 

[Die_Miek]

I tried to cancel mine, they said I have to pay in R2500.
I have 8 months left at R144, they say you must pay for the balance of the retail value of the phone.

 

[Charlie.]

What if the phone is defective?

 

[maumau]

Have you contacted the phone manufacturer. They might replace the phone.

 

[twicode]

I tried to cancel mine, they said I have to pay in R2500.
I have 8 months left at R144, they say you must pay for the balance of the retail value of the phone.

Why not pay the 144 per month and not use that SIM? Would work out cheaper.

 

[Die_Miek]

Why not pay the 144 per month and not use that SIM? Would work out cheaper.

That's what I'm doing

 

[clairepetzer]

Today i have decided its time to cancel my contract - just cant take it anymore. Worst network in the country. Dropping most calls; missed calls when the phone doesnt even ring; cant make calls - phone looks as though its ringing with no sound and just dont get through. its just not worth all the frustration. more and more people are complaining and word of mouth is the best advertisement.

 

[HavocXphere]

Generally you can't - the cancellation fees are so high that it makes zero sense.

You exchange paying and receiving service for paying and not receiving service....and end up paying the same/more.

 

[Vis1/0N]

What would be the way out if you want to move your number whilst remaining in contract?

 

[ToxicBunny]

You finish the contract, and then move to a different provider.

 

[medicnick83]

I've tried a few times to cancel early, I end up taking sim out of phone, and waiting till contract expires.

 

[Phil Phonefinder]

Hi Charlie,
You do have the right to cancel your contract at any time so long as you give 20 working days notice. You will however have to pay the remaining sum of your device cost (Note this isn't the Tariff - you wouldn't be making use of the Tariff so you can't be charged for a service not rendered). I think that you are also liable to pay any admin fees which the Network says you incurred, but I don't think there would be any cost unless there are complications such as outstanding payments.

Before cancelling make sure that your cell phone number can be ported. If it was a new line and still within contract I have a feeling you will have difficulty.

Regarding point 3 unfortunately I do not know, but I will find out for you

Please Summarize the CPA's ruling on Cell-Phone contract cancellations. Specifically, I'd like to know:

1. The limitations on penalties when cancelling a contract.
2. The rights a consumer has to cancel a contract (presumably, with notice but at any time)
3. The ruling on returning a faulty device supplied with the contract, still in the one-year warranty, and cancelling the contract.

 

[Goliath]

Im in the same boat with a faulty device.. Hopefully someone on the forum have had success?

 

[Former member 61586]

I thought the point of the CPA was to protect consumers who want to cancel such contracts from exorbitant fees extorting them into NOT cancelling? And from what I also know from personal experience, it is ALWAYS cheaper just to stay in the contract, remove sim, and wait for it to expire. Never ever less expensive to cancel early.