Vodacom increasing prices

Ockie said:
I personally would have liked to see the existing people that is already in a contract keep their rates and when they upgrade the new rates kick in. Problem with that is on the back end. Tariffs work on tariff codes on our system, and those codes have got pricing attached, so you increase the trariff code, you increase everyone on that tariff. Not sure how this can be worked around in terms of IT etc. That is just how far my knowledge goes in terms of my daily working with it.
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Sorry, I don't buy that. Very easy to create a new code with a new price.
 
Ockie said:
Not trying to sell it either. Just putting what I know out there. Tis all.
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It's simply a matter of them seeing Cell C is getting away with it.

Corporate greed. Simple.

Time for a class action suit!
 
Ockie said:
Not sure if this is the correct extract from the T&C's. But it reads as follows:

THE CHARGES LEVIED BY VODACOM (PTY) LTD MAY VARY FROM TIME TO TIME AND THE CUSTOMER SHALL BE BOUND TO PAY SUCH VARIED CHARGES WITH EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION THEREOF BY VODACOM (PTY) LTD. THE CHARGES LEVIED BY VODACOM IN RESPECT OF ANY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PRICE PLAN PUBLISHED BY THE vODACOM FROM TIME TO TIME. THE CHARGES LEVIED BY VODACOM IN RESPECT OF ANY ADDITIONAL SERVICES OR IN RESPECT OF ANY CELLULAR PHONE OR OTHER EQUIPMENT PURCHASED BY THE ....... ETC ETC.
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The big question is at what stage does the change in price alter the contract materially and prejudice the customer? What differentiates charges from subscriptions and price plans. I would think that an average consumer would interpret the clause to cover call charges and not actual subscription charges as all the advertising states to the effect "pay R399 per month for 24 months and get... ". IMO... The subscription cost is material to the contract and changing it unilaterally would be considered to be a breach specifically for existing customers.
 
OrbitalDawn said:
Class action suit for what? Them raising prices (based on the T&Cs in a contract you willingly signed)?
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Didn't read it. Have you ever read a cell phone contract?

Edit: I've had cell phone contracts for 20 years with Vodacom and they have never pulled this stunt before.
 
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I was reading these posts and also started getting indignant. Then I went to the article and saw the price "increases". Are you guys kidding me?? Threatening "class action" over R10, R20, R30 and max R40 per month increases?

Jirre please...
 
MightyQuin said:
I was reading these posts and also started getting indignant. Then I went to the article and saw the price "increases". Are you guys kidding me?? Threatening "class action" over R10, R20, R30 and max R40 per month increases?

Jirre please...
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Matter of principle.

I signed a contract for 24 months and expect it to remain as advertised and signed for.
 
MightyQuin said:
I was reading these posts and also started getting indignant. Then I went to the article and saw the price "increases". Are you guys kidding me?? Threatening "class action" over R10, R20, R30 and max R40 per month increases?

Jirre please...
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Multiply that by how many million contract subscribers?
 
quovadis said:
The big question is at what stage does the change in price alter the contract materially and prejudice the customer? What differentiates charges from subscriptions and price plans. I would think that an average consumer would interpret the clause to cover call charges and not actual subscription charges as all the advertising states to the effect "pay R399 per month for 24 months and get... ". IMO... The subscription cost is material to the contract and changing it unilaterally would be considered to be a breach specifically for existing customers.
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All these changes are illegal in terms of numerous sections of the CPA and its regulations.

Praeses said:
Should the CPA not trump any clauses in the contracts?
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Vodacon's lawyers trump everything... You know something is wrong with the country when a government department (the National Consumer Commissioner) is **** scared of private (foreign controlled) companies.

OrbitalDawn said:
Class action suit for what? Them raising prices (based on the T&Cs in a contract you willingly signed)?
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Oh I'm sorry, are we being "difficult"? Should we all just bend over and take it? Just ignore Vodacon's patently illegal contracts, which people signed, but not willingly. They're a cartel, and cartels need to be regulated. Of course ICASA is as scared of Vodacon's lawyers as the NCC is, so they regulate ****.
 
Praeses said:
Multiply that by how many million contract subscribers?
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I don't know, how many? Between all the providers and the massive prevelance of pre-paid customers in South Africa, how many people actually have contracts?

And so what, it upsets you that they make more money? Why? I'm paying R30 more per month. Moving on...
 
MightyQuin said:
I don't know, how many? Between all the providers and the massive prevelance of pre-paid customers in South Africa, how many people actually have contracts?

And so what, it upsets you that they make more money? Why? I'm paying R30 more per month. Moving on...
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It won't be the last increase, once they get away with it without complaints they will do it again like DSTV does.
 
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