Vodafone Mobile Connect

budg · 18th December 2006, 15:11

When using the Vodafone 3G Datacard to connect to email / internet there is a £45 per month charge for the "unlimited" service. This allows 1Gb a month and excess usage is charged at £1 per 1Mb - could this be deemed a punitive charge as with the banks and if so could I refuse to pay an extortionate amount on these grounds... anyone have the answer?

buzby · 18th December 2006, 15:18

No, it's not punitive, a look at other networks reveal it is broadly similar - but some offer bundles that are better than others. IF I had an issue, it would be the use of 'unlimited' as a description when clearly it is not - but the ASA say it's OK, so I despair. T-Mobile and 3UK provide much more economical data deals.

budg · 18th December 2006, 15:26

Thanks.... it's not so much that I'm looking for something more competitive, just an additional defence in my ongoing battle with them over an £11000 bill...

they have actually changed their web site and now have a section about "fair usage" (which they didn't have before) and it says..."this means that a customer's UK usage must not exceed 1Gb per user account in a month. We don't expect customers to go over this limit however if a customer's usage is in excess of this, we may ask them to moderate their usage. If a customer then fails to do so, we reserve the right to move them to another Vodafone Data price plan or to charge for all excess usage"

Note the "may ask them...." I had no warning from them - just a text message on my mobile to contact them AFTER the usage had hit £11000.... (not my direct usage either..)

cheers

buzby · 18th December 2006, 15:31

The Fair Usage policy has actually been in place for quite a time, you might not have noticed it, and was in place for the older 2.5G Data Cards first. Your defence, is that they have to advise you you have gone past the 'fair usage' limit and that these out-of bundle charges apply. If they didn't you've a good argument to say it remains 'unlimited' until they advise otherwise. With a tesxt message arriving after the event, then you should only be liable FROM that date.

budg · 18th December 2006, 15:39

Thanks... by the time they advised me, I had already disconnected the DataCard.. I think you gave me that advise previously and I have a couple of other avenues as well... There is nothing on any contract I signed that details what the "fair usage policy" is, and that would be one of my lines of defense. Have involved the Ombudsman although I am uncertain whether that's a good idea, as if they "rule" in Vodafone's favour it may weaken my case - what do you think?

buzby · 18th December 2006, 15:48

The ombudsman to my mind has done nothing useful, the issue should hinge on whether Vodafone plan to take you to court for the balance they say is due. You will have right of response and can prove that there's nothing in the contract (there doesn't need to be, but it does no harm to mention it anyway). Also take a picture of the text message with the date and time of receipt to prove when you were advised of the Fair usage being exceeded.

budg · 18th December 2006, 17:58

Unfortunately I didn't keep the text from Vodafone as it mentioned nothing about what it was about, but simply asked me to call the Customer Services... However, I do have Vodafone's confirmation in writing that the text was sent to me on the 23rd August - by that time the excess usage had already reached the £11000 - presumably their billing system does not provide any alerts and works in arrears - all of which I think strengthens my case...

buzby · 18th December 2006, 18:14

Even better. The fact that the text didn't even state what the problem was, they have to advise you in some way - and this isn't a 'call us' message. For all you knew you were receiving a marketing call.

It'll be a slog, but as long as they're aware you're not going to accept their tardy notices of data usage - and lets face it, even the networks agree it is difficult to calculate. I gather 3UK gave a refund of £750 to sdomeone who only warched TV for an hour on 3G, so don't despair!

budg · 18th December 2006, 18:57

Thanks Raymond - it's precisely why I didn't keep the text - I had no idea why they were contacting me and did in fact presume it was some marketing thing...

Nice to chat to you and thanks for the advice - will let you know via the forum when there is some resolution (could be some time however...)

Peter

buzby · 18th December 2006, 20:29

The secret is to keep up the pressure, so in the end they simply give up. The potential problems are them not listening and passing the matter on to debt collectors, so it is useful to explain your point of view, that the account is in dispute and NOT to refer the matter for collection as the issue is not an inability to pay (even if there might be!) but one of fairness. If it is not 'unlimited' (and it clearly isn't) then they have to tell you when it ceases to be. Also state that any action for recovery thropugh the courts will be 'vigourously defended.'

budg · 19th December 2006, 18:25

Thanks for the post - will keep up the pressure as you suggest - good advice...
Regards
Peter

MARTIN3030 · 21st December 2006, 03:55

Sorry......had to edit the title on your thread.
Its looking libellous !!

budg · 21st December 2006, 10:40

Thanks - no problem.. you're probably right...

seylectric · 22nd December 2006, 01:30

can't add much really, I bought a (used) Voda datacard a few months ago but have never got it to work.

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