Tech5 takes advantage of their clients

In late January 2025, I moved into an apartment in Ballito where there was little to no internet signal. At the time, I was preparing for three board exams scheduled for March 2025. Two of these required me to attend online classes from 18:00 to 22:00 - classes that were essential to passing. A stable internet connection was therefore non-negotiable as the online classes were scheduled to run continuously over several weeks. This was a particularly demanding period in my life, and I had very limited time to explore alternatives or engage in detailed discussions. I required a home internet solution urgently.

In a rush to secure connectivity, I arranged for Tech5 to install fibre at my apartment. At no point during the process did they inform me of a R2,999 cancellation fee applicable if the service was terminated within 12 months. This omission was significant and would have influenced my decision to agree to their services. Before moving out a few months later, I notified Tech5 of my intention to cancel. Only then was I informed of the huge cancellation fee. While I acknowledge that I agreed to their terms and conditions by proceeding with the installation, the lack of transparency around such a substantial fee is absolutely unacceptable.

Despite this, I made every effort to engage with Tech5 in good faith. I encountered considerable difficulty with Tech5’s turnaround time and their reluctance to engage meaningfully regarding the termination fee. Although I never refused to pay the fee, I simply requested the opportunity to discuss it – yet my attempts to do so were met with delayed and infrequent responses, making it extremely difficult to resolve the matter constructively.

I proposed a 12-month payment plan of R280 per month - an arrangement that would have included interest and ensured full repayment. They declined and insisted on a four-month plan: Two payments of R500 and two of R1,000. I reluctantly agreed.

On 1 July 2025, instead of deducting the agreed-upon amount via debit order, Tech5 withdrew R1,000 more than what had been confirmed in writing.

This experience has made it clear that Tech5 exploits clients in vulnerable situations. They were aware of my urgency and the lack of signal in the area, yet chose not to disclose critical information. Their business model appears to rely on withholding key terms until it’s too late for clients to make informed decisions.

While I take responsibility for not scrutinizing the terms more carefully, companies like Tech5 must be held accountable for their lack of transparency. Clients deserve honesty - especially when they are under pressure and reliant on essential services like internet connectivity.

Until Tech5 acknowledges the need for change, I strongly advise others to avoid engaging with them. Transparency and integrity should be the foundation of any service provider’s relationship with its clients.