Telkom Tactics to be aware of

[Debbie]

This is going to be a thread on the various sneaky tactics that Telkom uses and that consumers should be aware of things like:
- Locking customers into long-term contracts,
- Not listing InfinitCall as a service (even though they do offer it),
- The way in which they charge interest
- etc

I will update the thread as I trawl through what has already been said on MyADSL, as well as add info on new tactics. Please don't post in this thread unless your post:

1. Contains info on sneaky, underhanded tactics that Telkom uses, and
2. Contains info that will be practically useful to customers or potential customers
or
3. Contains a link to an article/MyADSL thread that does 1. and 2. For example, this thread: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=38743

I'm not posting anything more tonight, I just started this thread in any case because I have been meaning to do it for a while, I just keep forgetting!

 

[bekdik]

Double charging, then charging interest when the overcharge isn't credited.

And then charging interest on the interest.

Most of this kind of action is based upon knowing that no phone call to accounts will be handled in under 40 minutes and that the amount they are stealing does not warrant a 40 minute call, so they get away with it. Multiply this by a few million ...

 

[BTTB]

1. Ring Back Service - *62# is a forced connection fee, when an engaged signal would have sufficed. Besides I am not the only one that when pushing *62# nothing happens. *62# is a good service, but why should we pay for it, as it should be free?
A charge can be levied once it calls you back, but only then.
2. Telephone answering services - running on peoples lines yet they are not even aware of this service nor would even know how to use it.
So leaving a message would be in vain and it costs you a call.
3. Being charged for a jack when you don't have one. R5.90 per month.
4. Double Line rental for one ADSL line.

No.1 in my list. Correct me if I am wrong here, but I am almost certain that the call is charged, albeit Telkoms own message centre.

 

[ajax]

Seeing 16 June was a public holiday
Telkom, unlike the cellular networks, charges peak rates on public holidays.

 

[-toady-]

exllnt idea here Debbie2. I am still asked about InfinitCall and always refer them to myadsl to prove that it DOES still exist

CacklinToad
__________

 

[Peter_J]

The "indoor extension" was mentioned by BTTB, and in my case I actually have one ( doesn't work though ). But this is a ripoff. I have been here for 5 years and the previous owners who had it installed for 8 or so. That is 13x12xR5-90c ( at today's price ) = R920-40c for 20-30 metres of telephone wire and a jack on the skirting board.

 

[Moederloos]

ADSL modems - you have a choice of their rubbish, or you have to set it up yourself - despite the ludicrous "installation" fee.

If I order a landline, I can use any phone, and the "techie" can install the phone. Why not the same with an ADSL router? Any decent IT person can install ANY router (even if it is an unknown brand, never mind the popular ones like Linsys, Billion etc).

This practice "forces" non-technical people to use Telkom routers, and possibly even entice them into a contract.

 

[Slooth]

Telling customers that ADSL Self Install isn't available in their area.

 

[Christiaan]

Telling customers that they still have to pay ADSL installation fees, when customer is doing a self-install.

Was told that BS when I ordered ADSL Thursday.

 

[kaspaas]

Telkom makes it as difficult as possible to complain about anything.

It took us more than 4 months countless calls a few visits to Telkom's offices to get a telephone account sorted.

Telkom bargains on fatigue to let problems vapourise - and increase their profits.

 

[jamieb]

ADSL double charge on line rental

(1) Forcing customers to pay two line rentals for ADSL. They introduced an ADSL line rental charge when customers were already paying a line rental for their telephone connection.
(2) Requiring data line users to pay ordinary telephone line rentals
(3) Charging ADSL customers for a full month, even though they subscribed to the service mid-month.
(4) Imposing heafty fees for ADSL installation & still charging those customers who specifically requested self-install
(5) Introducing traffic shaping and bandwidth restrictions that limit the use of the service
(6) Redirecting people who request an ADSL line to their ISP services. They do not differentiate between the telco side of their business and the ISP side. This is unfair to both the consumer and competition.