MONTH-MONTH CONTRACT SWITCHED TO 24-MONTH WITHOUT CONSENT

The problem I have is I have been a client of Cell C since 2014 and at a stage had 3 contracts, I did not want to move away from Cell C. I was at the point to sign an additional 24 month contract.

I took out a Cell C sim only Month to Month contract (at Cape Gate from Justin) as they did not have a phone at that stage I really wanted. Prior to signing the contract I confirmed with him if I would like to change my contract and add a device, before I could even finish he stopped me and said I can go back to him at any time to upgrade as it is a MONTH-TO-MONTH contract, and if I would like to cancel I only need to give them 30 days notice.

On Friday, 25 February, I went into the store and asked Justin if I can have a look at the divices available as I would like to change my contract soon.

To my shock he said they changed their contracts to 24 moth contracts and I am locked in unless I am willing to pay R1700. I asked why this is the case as he mentioned that Cell C took it upon themselves to make this decsion. I then asked to speak to the supervisor as I will not be accepting this as I signed up for a month-to-month contract.

Because it was late in the afternoon he said he will take it up with his supervisor and call me the Monday the 28th.

Geuss what, he never called. So I decided to go into the store again Friday the 4th, he was not working so I left a message and left.

I went back to the store Friday the 12th, he was still not available and still didn't get back to me regarding this matter.

I was told they can't do anything in store, and I need to call customer care. Called them while I was in the store and explained my issue to them. They said there is no stock of the phone I want but they can give me another phone and remove the commitment fee if I took the new contract.

I explained it again that Cape Gate store has stock and I can sign the new contract with them if customer care can just remove the R1700 penalty. They told me if that is the case then the Manager of the store should change the contract date. I told them if it is that simple then just repeat what should be done and I handed the phone to the person helping me.

The store says they can't remove of change anything to the contract and customer care doesn't want to as it will not count as sale for them.

There was no communication received stating that my contract has been transferred to a 24-month contract. I DID NOT provide CellC with consent or acknowledgment that I was happy to proceed with a 24-month contract and therefore I am not liable to pay any outstanding committment fee.

According to the Consumer Protection act, ''you are allowed to cancel your mobile contract, any time before the agreed expired date mentioned in the agreement, but you have to give 20 business days' notice in writing.''

I have been pushed from pillar to post regarding this matter and this is absolutely unacceptable.

I AM NOT LIABLE TO PAY FOR ANY COMMITMENT FEE. I SIGNED UP FOR A MONTH-TO-MONTH contract.