Melon Mobile's uncapped calling exploited

[Daniel Puchert]

Melon Mobile's big fight against uncapped calling abusers

Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Melon Mobile has explained its controversial short-lived hard caps on its uncapped calling plans were required because people were abusing the plans in call centres and call shops.

Melon Mobile launched its "Unlimited" calling and SMS packages in November 2023.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Always have abusive kante spoil things, all the way from Blackberry, to the present day, nothing changed.

 

[Fuzzbox]

Unlimited is OBVIOUSLY not unlimited.

Misleading advertising.

 

[blunt]

dont know why they just dont sell it as a plan with very high limits, 1-3k mins / sms's is plenty for those who don't plan to use it as a call centre.

 

[Quicks]

Probably should have known better. But still why call it uncapped. Just call a spade a spade and list the FUP and let people decide if they want ot or not. Hiding behind BS marketing is not doing anyone any favours.

 

[Totempole]

It ruled that Melon Mobile’s claims of offering uncapped minutes and SMSes were false.

Melon Mobile’s submission in the matter argued that old Advertising Standards Authority rulings differentiated between the terms “uncapped” and “unlimited” and allowed using “uncapped” as long as the data connection is only throttled, not cut off completely.

The ARB said it was unaware of any way to throttle text messages and minute allocations, as was done with certain older “uncapped” data products.

It's actually pretty simple to achieve compliance with that.

After the FUP limit is reached, limit all calls to something like 1 minute and limit text messages to something like 5 per hour.

 

[backstreetboy]

Why we can't have nice things...

Unlimited is OBVIOUSLY not unlimited.

Misleading advertising.

Well because people run and operate a call center from a smartphone.

 

[Swa]

I'm so tired of products being used as advertised being called abuse. If call centres aren't allowed then state this in the Ts&Cs or stop calling things what they aren't.

 

[SeaSickMama]

Usually the uncapped calling plans work on the Basis that you need to have 90% outgoing limit to a 10% incoming limit, last i recall.

But just maybe enforce that a little more or pick out the outliers and close account as per T&C's

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Usually the uncapped calling plans work on the Basis that you need to have 90% outgoing limit to a 10% incoming limit, last i recall.

But just maybe enforce that a little more or pick out the outliers and close account as per T&C's

Close the accounts, and the take you to the Advertising Standards Authority

 

[lordnokon]

Unlimited is OBVIOUSLY not unlimited.

Misleading advertising.

Nope, if you think running a call center is acceptable, boet then the dark side has taken over

 

[rvZA]

Nobody can offer 'unlimited' of anything at no costs or at a fixed cost. There always have to be some sort of limit and additional fees for usage above that limit. Any company claiming unlimited anything is a scammer and cannot bypass it. This was always going to be the outcome.

 

[backstreetboy]

Nobody can offer 'unlimited' of anything at no costs or at a fixed cost. There always have to be some sort of limit and additional fees for usage above that limit. Any company claiming unlimited anything is a scammer and cannot bypass it. This was always going to be the outcome.

You also think a buffet is unlimited?

 

[deweyzeph]

Nobody can offer 'unlimited' of anything at no costs or at a fixed cost. There always have to be some sort of limit and additional fees for usage above that limit. Any company claiming unlimited anything is a scammer and cannot bypass it. This was always going to be the outcome.

That's fine, but then don't call it unlimited.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Nobody can offer 'unlimited' of anything at no costs or at a fixed cost. There always have to be some sort of limit and additional fees for usage above that limit. Any company claiming unlimited anything is a scammer and cannot bypass it. This was always going to be the outcome.

In South Africa ‐ This was always going to be the outcome.

 

[Longboi]

You also think a buffet is unlimited?

It is, for @RunningFromFat

 

[rvZA]

That's fine, but then don't call it unlimited.

I agree, but local businesses do this, because they prey on stupidity of people actually believing they will get unlimited.

 

[susefan]

Nobody can offer 'unlimited' of anything at no costs or at a fixed cost. There always have to be some sort of limit and additional fees for usage above that limit. Any company claiming unlimited anything is a scammer and cannot bypass it. This was always going to be the outcome.

Time is the limit, one Month.

 

[Swa]

Nobody can offer 'unlimited' of anything at no costs or at a fixed cost. There always have to be some sort of limit and additional fees for usage above that limit. Any company claiming unlimited anything is a scammer and cannot bypass it. This was always going to be the outcome.

There is a natural limit. If you can't provide that limit then don't call it that.