Contract downward migration penalty

I have been a vodacome client for +/- 18 years and have never missed a payment. Falling on hard times, I inquired on migrating to a lower contract. This would cost me R2900 as a penatly for the downward migration. This type of thing forces customers to stay on their packages and unable to move. I would opt for the Cellc contract buy out but my contract value with vodacome is -/+R16000 so that isnt an option either. Vodacom is probably a little more expensive than some other networks but couldnt be bothered to help out a loyal customer.