Upgrading Contract, ****med for higher monthly fee

I recently upgraded my data-only plan, which used to cost around R115 per month. I was assured that my monthly fee would remain the same and that I would receive a mobile router and a voucher for accessories. However, after receiving the router, I was informed via SMS that my new monthly fee would be R149. While I can afford this, I do not appreciate being misled.

I contacted Vodacom and was transferred five times, each requiring account verification. After about an hour, I finally reached the correct department. They offered to take back the router (which I don’t need) and revert my plan to the previous cost. However, due to delays on Vodacom’s end in processing collections and deliveries, the upgrade reversal won’t be completed until October. This means I will lose all my discounts and end up paying over R300 for October, just for 5GB of data.

To make matters worse, I am responsible for contacting Vodacom three days after the router is collected to ensure the upgrade is reversed. It feels like Vodacom is intentionally adding hurdles to make the cancellation process difficult, whereas the upgrade itself was processed unprompted in just five minutes on a Monday afternoon.

Firstly, why wasn’t it made clear that the router came with an increased charge? Secondly, why is Vodacom’s slow processing of collections my problem? Lastly, why is it so difficult to cancel an upgrade, while the upgrade itself was done so quickly?

This experience is why I am cancelling my contract. I will not be getting any Vodacom contracts for myself or anyone in my family in the future. Instead, I will switch to Afrihost, which has a clear and transparent payment structure. Although it will take time, I plan on cancelling my wife’s contract with Vodacom when the term ends. Additionally, our children will not be getting any contracts with Vodacom, regardless of any “great deal” or “promotion” they offer.