Aghast at VodaCom :-/

I was due for an upgrade of my Red Advantage contract with VodaCom during October 2018. Imagine my surprise when I was informed in store during my attempt to downgrade to a cheaper contract that my portfolio had been limited due to the fact that I had somehow, somewhere missed paying R10,00. I still don't know where or how, but I paid the R10,00 immediately. I was then informed that I needed to maintain a positive payment record for a minimum of three additional months before the limitation on my portfolio may be uplifted. I was told that the account had to be paid on the same day every subsequent month in order for the limitation to be uplifted (I cannot commit to a debit order as I am self-employed and subject to irregular income). I have paid my account religiously since then between the 3rd (when I receive my invoice) and the 7th of each month.

This morning while attending to my admin I attempted to do an online upgrade. The MyVodaCom site did not limit my choices and so I thought that my application would be successful. I was contacted within 5 minutes by a sales consultant who informed me that I do not have an existing contract with VodaCom and that I would have to request a new contract. This is outrageous, as I'm still paying for the damned Red Advantage Contract and am still receiving invoices. I am asked to call the accounts department to enquire about the existence of my account. Accounts department confirms that I have an existing contract with VodaCom and puts me through to the upgrades department where I am informed that my portfolio is still limited. I have now lodged an application for review of my portfolio.

1) I took the Red Advantage contract two years ago for my business. I no longer need such a big contract; 2) I need a new device; 3) I need to downgrade to a cheaper contract; 4) I can downgrade now, but cannot upgrade to the device I want, due to the limitation on my portfolio; 5) I cannot apply for a new contract, because I now have a bad rep with VodaCom over R10,00 (paid, remember); 6) I can no longer afford the RED Advantage contract.

Now I know I can downgrade the contract and continue to use my old device, but why must I be limited over a R10,00 non-payment (corrected) nearly 6 months ago?

I know I can cancel the contract and use a pre-paid service and my old device, but again, why must I be limited over a R10,00 non-payment (corrected) nearly 6 months ago?

Due to the state of the economy I have fallen on hard times and will probably not qualify elsewhere for a contract, yet I need a contract for my business. Also, I don't have a salary advice and cannot provide 3 months' salary advice and without a ****** 3 months' salary advice you can do f***l.

I have been a loyal VodaCom customer for more than 10 years. Pity that VodaCom isn't loyal to its customers. I've received no proper assistance, I've been passed from department to department and am still frustrated. I am humiliated every time I have to confirm to a new clerk at VodaCom that my account was in arrears by R10,00.

***. Poor service. Exorbitant prices. with VodaCom you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.