Network Lock Removal

I purchased a cell phone from a PEP store in early November. The lady who assisted us failed to mention that the cell phone was network locked to Cell C. Unfortunately the area I stay in has no Cell C signal at all. We called Cell C to have the network lock removed, I was informed that I needed to load R150 airtime onto the phone and the lock would be removed within 3-5 working days. It has been approximately 2 weeks now and the phone is still not working.

This is absolutely appalling service from Cell C.