WN
Wandile N

1 reviews | Active since Mar 2009

05 Nov 2025, 16:57

Worse upgrade experience

I have been a loyal Cell C customer for about 18 years and to say the upgrade experience that I have been experiencing is the worst is an understatement. No one there know what they are doing! The follow ups department, contract department, customer service department are all telling me different things! The delivery have been going on since the 24th of October will no luck all because I have been told different version of what should happend. The third last person I spoke to said I will have to wait for today for the phoneto b3 returned to Cell C before ai could cancel my contract and get another service provider who will know what they are saying and stick to their words as I urgently need a new handset. Only for me to be told today that the phone is not an another email has been which means a longer wait for me to get the phone or cancel the contract! I don't even the energy to rely the story again as I have done it so many times already. I believe our calls are recorded and would appreciate someone going through all my calls to see where my frustration is coming from. I even sent a complaint to the customer service email which hasn't helped much. What a shame.

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Replies (10)
Cell C
Cell C's reply05 Nov 2025, 17:12
Official
Dear Wandile,

Thank you for sharing your feedback and for being a loyal Cell C customer for the past 18 years. We sincerely apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced with your upgrade. Your experience does not meet the standards we strive to provide, and we understand how upsetting this must have been for you.

We have escalated your case to a senior support representative who will review your account in detail and investigate the delays and miscommunication across the different departments. They will revert to you as soon as possible with a clear resolution.

We appreciate your patience and the time you’ve taken to outline your experience. Please be assured that we take your concerns seriously and are committed to addressing them.

Kind regards,
Cell C | RM

Best regards,

WN
Wandile N's update06 Nov 2025, 11:08
Reviewer Update
The senior support I spoke with was not much help, and I still do not know when or if I will receive the handset. I had to repeat the story again, and after the stressful complaint I lodged yesterday, I am tired of doing so. I don’t believe Cell C understands my frustrations, which is why I have decided to cancel my contract with them completely. **23 October** I completed my upgrade and was told that delivery would occur within 3 to 6 working days, indicating that Tuesday or Wednesday would be a reasonable expectation. I asked if anyone could sign for the parcel upon delivery, and the consultant confirmed that anyone could sign as long as they had a copy of my ID (certification was unnecessary). Based on this information, I provided my work address for delivery since I would be in the office on those days. **24 October** I received a message indicating that my parcel was out for delivery. Following the consultant's assurance that anyone could sign, I sent a copy of my ID to the receptionist at my office and asked her to sign for the parcel. However, when the delivery arrived, the courier informed her that she could not sign for the parcel; the owner needed to be present along with a copy of proof of residence, in addition to the ID that the consultant had mentioned. The courier also stated they would return on Monday. After learning this from the receptionist, I immediately contacted Cell C Customer Service to explain the situation and explore my options. I asked whether I could change the delivery address to my home address or reschedule the delivery for Tuesday. The consultant advised me that changing the address would delay receipt of my phone, as the parcel would need to be returned to the courier company for redirection. Therefore, I agreed to reschedule the delivery for Tuesday. **27 October** I received another message indicating that my parcel was en route again. I emailed the courier company, notifying them that I would not be in the office and that the delivery had already been rescheduled for Tuesday. Despite this, the courier arrived at the office again, only to be informed that I was not present. **28 October** The courier finally found me with my ID copy and proof of residence as requested. However, I was unable to receive my phone because my proof of residence did not match the delivery address on the order. Since moving out of my parents' house, I no longer have any documents reflecting that address. During the security questions for the upgrade, I indicated that I have two addresses, and I’m unsure which one Cell C still has on file. At this point, I believe I should have been informed about the proof of residence requirement. I have completed numerous upgrades since moving, and I have never encountered such issues with parcel delivery. Later that day, I sent an email to Customer Service regarding my complaint. **30 October** I received a call from customer service following up on my email, but the consultant didn’t provide much help; they just transferred me to the follow-up department. The follow-up department informed me that there was nothing they could do to assist me other than asking the courier company to return the phone, after which I would need to reapply for the upgrade. That’s when I lost my temper and requested to cancel the contract altogether. I was told that I could not cancel until the handset was returned to Cell C, which was expected on Wednesday, 5 November. Another consultant called me, and I explained my situation again. She confirmed what I was told during the upgrade—that no proof of residence is needed for parcel delivery and that anyone can sign for it. She promised to email the courier company asking them not to return the phone but to attempt delivery again based on this information. She also updated my residential address. **05 November** On the day I was told the phone would return to Cell C and I could cancel my contract, I received no correspondence and no handset. I called again and relayed my story once more, only to be told that the phone had not yet returned to Cell C. What the previous consultant told me was incorrect. I was advised, “They are trying to do our job.” Another email was sent to request the parcel's return, leaving me waiting for the handset again before I could cancel. **06 November** I received a call asking for my story again. The courier company claims I did not have my ID when they attempted delivery, which is why I didn’t receive my phone. Overall, I still do not know what to do next or when I should contact Cell C again to either receive the handset or cancel my contract so I can switch to another service provider who will assist me with the handset I need.
Cell C
Cell C's reply06 Nov 2025, 11:13
Official
Dear Wandile,

Please receive feedback on your query.

We have reviewed your request regarding the upgrade done on 23 October 2025. According to our records, the delivery was unsuccessful due to the courier noting that no original ID was available and the client was not present at the address. As per your request to cancel the upgrade and contract, the matter has been referred to the relevant team for confirmation of the delivery status and to proceed with the cancellation.

You will be updated once feedback is received from the team.

Kind regards,
Cell C | GM

Best regards,

WN
Wandile N's update06 Nov 2025, 13:04
Reviewer Update
This response right here is exactly the frustration that I am trying to express with the decline in customer service at Cell C over the past few years. It seems that everyone is quick to push me toward cancellation, which I can't do until I resolve the ongoing issue. I've mentioned multiple times that the delivery was unsuccessful because my proof of residence did not match what the courier had on file. The claim that my original ID was not available is not accurate. Additionally, I find it concerning that different representatives from Cell C are providing conflicting information. There has been no acknowledgment or apology regarding this situation. Why was I not informed about the proof of residence requirement when my upgrade was finalized? I was also told that anyone could sign for the parcel, which clearly isn't true. I would greatly appreciate some acknowledgment of this issue and an apology for the inconveniences I've faced.
Cell C
Cell C's reply06 Nov 2025, 14:56
Official
Dear Wandile,

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. Please be assured that your concern is receiving the highest level of attention. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and the unpleasant experience you’ve encountered throughout this process.

We acknowledge the frustration caused by the conflicting information and the delays, and we are committed to resolving this matter as quickly as possible. Our team is reviewing the situation in detail and will provide you with a clear update shortly.

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding.

Kind regards,
Cell C | GM

Best regards,

Cell C
Cell C's reply06 Nov 2025, 16:31
Official
Johnny from our support team confirmed that he has reached out to you and the delivery has been scheduled for tomorrow.

Cell C | DA

Best regards,

WN
Wandile N's update09 Nov 2025, 11:21
Reviewer Update
Update. Phone still not received. Johnny has tried but not good enough. I don't know what to say anymore.
Cell C
Cell C's reply09 Nov 2025, 11:49
Official
Dear Wandile,

Thank you for reaching out to Cell C.

We sincerely apologize for the continued delay with your phone delivery. We understand how frustrating this must be and want to assure you that our team is actively investigating the matter.

To resolve this as quickly as possible, a case has been escalated to the relevant department, and a member of our team will be in touch with you directly to provide further assistance and updates.

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this matter.

Regards,
Cell C | PMa

Best regards,

WN
Wandile N's update11 Nov 2025, 17:36
Reviewer Update
Update. Phone still not received. Johnny called this morning to advise that the phone will NOT be delivered and will be sent back to Cell C. My upgrade will be cancelled on receipt of the phone and I will need to go through the process of reappling for a new upgrade and chances are that I will go through the same predicament of having to wait for almost 3 weeks before I can get the phone again. I did this upgrade as I was in need of a new phone, however the turn out of events from Cell C have not pleasing. Jonny has agreed to send me an email on Cell C 's receipt of the phone, so I can go ahead and cancel my contract while I search for another service provider that will stick to what they are selling and saying. Pity, after all the years that I have been with Cell C!
Cell C
Cell C's reply11 Nov 2025, 17:55
Official
Dear Wandile,

Thank you for reaching out to Cell C.

We appreciate you sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and frustration caused by the delay and delivery issues with your upgraded device. We understand how disappointing this experience must be, especially as a valued customer for many years.

As per your conversation with one of our agents, we understand that you no longer wish to receive the device and would like to cancel both the contract and the upgrade. Please be assured that your request has been noted, and our support team will assist you with the cancellation process.

Your concerns have also been escalated for urgent review to ensure appropriate action is taken.

We value your loyalty and regret that your recent experience did not meet the standards you expect from Cell C.

Kind regards,
Cell C | PMa

Best regards,