VS
Vuyolwethu S

1 reviews | Active since Jul 2012

07 Mar 2025, 22:12

Cell C running FALSE ADVERTISING with regards to Cell C Fibre Speed Packages

Cell C is running false advertising with regards to network speed packages. I recently (on 27 February 2025) had my 50/25Mbps package activated that normally costs R599 a month, but was on promotion for R479 for the first 2 months. Upon activation, all was okay with the internet speed on all three platforms (i.e. Ethernet Connection, 5G and 2.4G WiFi). As of 28 February, things turned south. I didn't initially report it because I thought it was going to resolve itself out as I was hardly at home anyway because of business. Now it is a week later (07 March 2025), and things have gone from bad to worse. My 2.4G speed has moved from 36/36Mbps to only 2.53Mbps Download and 5.50Mbps for Upload. Please note that there are neither additional people nor devices that are connected. Also please note that with my previous ISP (Telkom Fibre) I never had any problem like this on exactly the same setup. The only difference is that I replace the Telkom's D-Link Router and put up the Cell C Zyxel router. This seems to be a classic case of throttling by Cell C Fibre, which goes against what they have advertised that they don't do any throttling. As things stand, I can't watch any YouTube video in high resolution because videos keep pausing to load, and thereafter play at extremely poor resolution, all greyed out and impossible to see faces or words. Fortunately for me I'm currently having a pocket router with a Rain SIM which I am currently using in the interim. Please also note that Cell C will be billing me a full amount for March despite this poor service. Also, when I tried calling in I was attended by an agent named SANDISO who demanded that I send images of the speed tests and with a tone as if to suggest that I was lying. Regardless I emailed the image of the speed test but was told that I will have to wait for at least 24hrs to have my problem attended to. Lastly, before sending this Review, I had tried to call in again to see if I can get another agent that could assist me. However, I can no longer get through the consultants, instead when I choose Option 2 for Fibre Support, ***), then I choose Option 3 which is said to be for Customer Services Center. Thereafter I am asked to enter a number my query relates to. I don't have any number that relates to my fibre line which means it is now impossible for me to contact customer services. How am I expected to get any help if Cell C is doing this? I believe it is that SANDISO that did it because before speaking to him I was able to get to an agent after Option 2. This is extremely poor service by Cell C.

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Replies (7)
Cell C
Cell C's reply08 Mar 2025, 08:40
Official
Hi Vuyolwethu, 

Thank you for contacting Cell C.

We apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment you experienced with your Cell C Fibre service and the difficulties reaching our team. 

We understand your frustration and the impact it’s having on your work. We have escalated your concerns to our team, and we are investigating your case thoroughly. as we’re committed to resolving this for you.

Regards,
Cell C | MN 
VS
Vuyolwethu S's update21 Mar 2025, 11:32
Reviewer Update
Actually, your consultant called Jabulile called me and got hold of me. She took me through the test, which she said I must run from the ONT box, i.e. the ethernet cable running directly from the ONT to my laptop. She then sent me an SMS with Username and Password to use. At the end, I got Error 651, which she said confirmed that the error was on the Openserve end. On Saturday 15 March 2025 I received a call from a lady named Zukiswa from Openserve. She indicated that on their side they are picking no fault on the line, and asked me to give her the details of the tests that Cell C did with me. After explaining, she concluded to say she'll write an email to Cell C because clearly the problem is on the Cell C side. You see now I find myself in the middle of two companies (Infrastructure and an ISP provider) who are busy pointing fingers at each other. Also please note that I reported the problem to Cell C on 28 February 2025. It is now 21 March 2025 and still no resolution. Cell C is really not serious about its clients. What makes this worse is that I have paid the month of March in full as the deduction already took place on 01 March 2025. Pathetic Service!!!!
Cell C
Cell C's reply21 Mar 2025, 12:07
Official
Good day Vuyolwethu Sigonyela

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced, and we completely understand your frustration. It is certainly not the level of service we aim to provide.

We have escalated the matter to ensure a prompt resolution. Our team will work closely with Openserve to identify and address the root cause of the issue as quickly as possible.

We understand the importance of reliable service, and we assure you that we are committed to resolving this for you. 

Thank you for your patience, and we truly appreciate your understanding as we work towards a solution.

Regards
Cell C | NT
VS
Vuyolwethu S's update03 May 2025, 21:52
Reviewer Update
Firstly, the issue of contacting me was already resolved in that I will let your technicians know when I am in the property.
Secondly, despite the intermittent connectivity that I received in March, I still didn't receive the credit for those days as I was promised.
Thirdly, now you have made things worse. When I took Cell C you clearly stated that your 50/25 Mbps was R599 per month as I also indicated on my first message above. The R479 for the first 2 months was a 20% off promotion from R599. Can you then tell me why on a month when it is supposed to go back to R599, it is R659 instead? I took your package being R599 and it can't be unilaterally increased even worse without any communication. I moved from a Telkom that was R649 per month for the same package. You are now violating our agreement. Please indicate what is going on so that I determine the next step to take.
VS
Vuyolwethu S's update07 May 2025, 10:52
Reviewer Update
Despite the promise above, Cell C continues to be dishonest. An agent tried to contact me when I was in a meeting under Ticket #CF195474. I indicated that I was unable to speak, which he promised to give me a call later. He never did. Now on my email Cell C indicates that they tried to call me and there was no response and further to inform me that the ticket is now closed! WOW!
Cell C
Cell C's reply07 May 2025, 10:57
Official
Dear  Vuyolwethu Sigonyela,

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and the lack of follow-through on our part. 

We regret that your ticket was closed prematurely, and we understand your frustration. Please rest assured that this matter has been escalated, and our team will be in touch with you shortly to provide the assistance you deserve. 

Kind regards,
Cell C | TM 
Cell C
Cell C's reply07 May 2025, 12:29
Official
Dear Vuyolwethu Sigonyela, 
 
Thank you for your patience. Please note that our management team is still actively investigating your Fibre query. You will receive detailed feedback before the end of the business day today. 

We appreciate your understanding and are committed to resolving this matter as soon as possible. 

Kind regards,
 Cell C | TM