Are there any members in the legal fraternity on this forum who can advise on a consumers rights now that a voice recording held by the service provider is deemed to be a binding contract (according to a call centre agent).
Reason I ask is that I recently upgraded and was promised and xyz package. This package was never delivered (besides the handset) but a more expensive one was activated. i have repeatedly brought this to the service providers attention and although promises are made nothing is done. in the past we used to get a hard copy of a signed contract. No more and neither can we access the voice recording.
On top of this on calling their upgrades department for the umpteenth time, i am advised my contract is only due for renewal in 43 months time and not the standard 24 months.
Questions:
1. Given that voice renewals are legally binding would that also mean that anything a call centre agent tells you, other than for an upgrade or renewal, is also deemed to be legally binding?
2. What rights does a consumer have to get a copy of their contract and how? My renewal took over an hour on the phone so to email that size file would be a problem.
It seems to me that if the law was changed to allow voice recordings to be legally binding it is only to benefit the service provider and the consumer is left to battle these companies who know full well the consumer is already at a distinct disadvantage. My own experience depicts an abuse of a monopoly position and I cannot even cancel now and go to a pay as you go package without a penalty for the total remaining balance of an incorrect package being imposed PLUS my number being disconnected. if that is not being punitive for excercising my rights then I dont know what is. I have had this number for 21 years and now find that I stand a chance of losing it for disagreeing with an unfair practise.
Hope someone can provide clarity as to how one an enforce their rights against these companies without having a huge legal bill. They know it and are ruthlessly exploiting it with impunity.
best regards
Reason I ask is that I recently upgraded and was promised and xyz package. This package was never delivered (besides the handset) but a more expensive one was activated. i have repeatedly brought this to the service providers attention and although promises are made nothing is done. in the past we used to get a hard copy of a signed contract. No more and neither can we access the voice recording.
On top of this on calling their upgrades department for the umpteenth time, i am advised my contract is only due for renewal in 43 months time and not the standard 24 months.
Questions:
1. Given that voice renewals are legally binding would that also mean that anything a call centre agent tells you, other than for an upgrade or renewal, is also deemed to be legally binding?
2. What rights does a consumer have to get a copy of their contract and how? My renewal took over an hour on the phone so to email that size file would be a problem.
It seems to me that if the law was changed to allow voice recordings to be legally binding it is only to benefit the service provider and the consumer is left to battle these companies who know full well the consumer is already at a distinct disadvantage. My own experience depicts an abuse of a monopoly position and I cannot even cancel now and go to a pay as you go package without a penalty for the total remaining balance of an incorrect package being imposed PLUS my number being disconnected. if that is not being punitive for excercising my rights then I dont know what is. I have had this number for 21 years and now find that I stand a chance of losing it for disagreeing with an unfair practise.
Hope someone can provide clarity as to how one an enforce their rights against these companies without having a huge legal bill. They know it and are ruthlessly exploiting it with impunity.
best regards