Second hand device warning

[neilhza]

I've been a month2month 1Gig iBurst user since mid 2005, and been very happy with the service, avoiding Telkom's cheaper options as I was happy to pay the difference to get better service. Recently I bought a second hand modem to link to my account which is easier to carry around than my desktop modem. I first checked with iBurst and they said its no problem linking a second modem. After I bought the modem the fun started, first they expected me to furnish proof I hadn't stolen the modem. Fortunately the previous owner was willing to send an email confirming the sale, and documents confirming he has cancelled his contract.

But iBurst's audacity did not end there, now tell me the previous owner's account has not been cancelled (despite documents to the contrary), and there are payments due, so they cannot transfer the modem and they sent me all the documentation and expect me to run around after the previous owner and sort him out for them. I am infuriated by this, they really expect me to do their job for them? I have responded by stating the previous contract is none of my business, the device is now my property and if they do not timeously link it to my account I will approach their senior management on it, register a complaint with the regulator, and consider taking the matter to the small claims court.

So be warned, iBurst makes it very difficult to use a 2nd hand modem as they do not cancel contracts when instructed, expect you to manage their clients for them, refuse to re-link devices that have changed hands, and expect you to furnish them proof the modem is not stolen.

 

[WebhostingTalk]

So does this meen your account gets linked to your modem?

 

[Jongi]

The prrof of legal purchase is a good idea imo. The rest is bull though.

If I decided to sell my modem, the buyer can be assured that I will provide the necessary details to iBurst. And my account with them is clear. Or at least that's what their accounts department tells me.

 

[neilhza]

Yes, your modem is linked to a specific account, meaning if I took your modem I could not log in using it with my username and password, it would have to be linked to my account first.

 

[neilhza]

The seller's account was clear with iBurst, as far as he knew, its their attitude to a long-standing customer that is appalling. Looking at hellopeter.co.za there are many complaints of debit orders continuing after cancellation, or hardware bought cash being deducted from the debit order as well, so clearly cancelling with them is meaningless in many cases.

 

[Somsteu]

I think that Iburst are correct to check where the modem came from to prevent contract customers from selling a modem that still belongs to Iburst i.e a customer who gets a "free" modem when signing a 24 month contract cannot sell the modem during the 24 month period - i hope this is no stating the obvious

 

[diabolus]

I think that Iburst are correct to check where the modem came from to prevent contract customers from selling a modem that still belongs to Iburst i.e a customer who gets a "free" modem when signing a 24 month contract cannot sell the modem during the 24 month period - i hope this is no stating the obvious

Yes, but in this case there's no mention of a 24 month contract. The seller might even be on a normal month-2-month account/contract. Then surely if iBurst wants to control this type of scenario they will have to make available a service for buyers AND sellers to VERIFY the validity of a modem prior purchase/sale.

Basically the same way the IMEI of a device can be verified as stolen or not?. I mean what happens if you buy a modem at a place like Cash Crusaders and it's locked down because the previous owner's account is not fully paid up?

 

[Somsteu]

Then surely if iBurst wants to control this type of scenario they will have to make available a service for buyers AND sellers to VERIFY the validity of a modem prior purchase/sale.

Good idea, unless they want to stifle the trade in second hand modems. Maybe this is a matter for the DTI. I am lead to believe that they have an investigative unit thats looks into trade practices that are prejudicial to consumers.