Bad business ethics

Due to bad experiences with Telkom historically and knowing how difficult it is to cancel contracts with Telkom, I refused to take out a contract with them. My son needed wifi for varsity and was living away from home. Unfortunately other providers had issues with coverage in the area he was staying, so I went to Telkom and explained that I would pay month to month, but not sign a contract. That was in June. Needless to say, my son has moved home and does not require the wifi anymore, so we contacted Telkom to cancel. I was told that it would cost R1700 to get out of the 24 month contract.!! The contract that I was not aware I had signed and did not have a copy of. I asked for a copy and was told to get it from the branch. On going to the branch, I was given a copy of a contract, but although the signature was mine, I thought it looked strange. Turns out the copy they gave me had had the electonic signature pasted on to the printed contract.. I cannot see how this can be legal. How does Telkom get away with this?? If you want to cancel any contract, the email address given on the form is not valid and mails bounce back. Branches do not have contact numbers, so you cannot phone and query, you have to go in, but only specific services are offered at branch level. I have once again learned my lesson and been reminded never to deal with Telkom in future!!!