Vodacom caught fibbing again.

[charl.voster]

Cellphone giant Vodacom has withdrawn a claim that it offers the lowest call rate in South Africa, following a challenge by competitor Cell C.

The Advertising Standards Authority said it had been asked to rule on an advertisement for Vodacom's new monthly packages which claimed: "Lowest call rates in South Africa. Calls from 90c per minute or 1,5c per second."

Cell C's representatives complained the ad was misleading, as Cell C's Friends and Family offered a rate of 75c per minute. - Sapa

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=qw1155921662270B241

 

[bwana]

There should be financial penalties for companies that lie to the public - it's reprehensible that they can get away with it time and time again.

 

[diabolus]

I've gotten so used to this sort of deception from all South African companies. My brain stopped hearing "Lowest", "Cheapest" and "Fastest" long ago, that's why i don't even notice these ads. It's automatically replaced with the word "Rip-off" .

All i hear is "Rip-off call rates in South Africa. Calls from 90c per minute or 1,5c per second." .

..and this is not restricted to telecoms.

 

[Skeptik]

I've gotten so used to this sort of deception from all South African companies. ...

..and this is not restricted to telecoms.

I can never get used to it. The reports on the ASASA site are fascinating. Many of the companies that are getting warned are the ones we see in newspapers and TV every day.

Surely the advertising agents know that what they are releasing to the general public is dishonest?

 

[bwana]

Surely the advertising agents know that what they are releasing to the general public is dishonest?

You think they're bothered?

Is there even a fine handed out for a company that misrepresents (aka lies) to the public?

 

[Nokkie]

75c, 90c whats the big difference

 

[GangStarr]

75c, 90c whats the big difference

ever call your gf for a few hours? erm.... u feel the difference

 

[bwana]

75c, 90c whats the big difference

Vodacom claimed - widely publicised - the falsehood that they were the cheapest in all the land and they're not. Its not the 15c as much as they lied - unless you believe they dont know at any given second what everyone else is offering.

You dont believe that do you? Nah

 

[lilDeath]

lies, lies, lies and more lies, gently mixed with some deception, cleverly wrapped in a layer of misleading advertising makes for a gut-wrenching meal.