Worse Service Possible

<p>Towards the end of last year I decided to move away from MTN and join the Vodacom crowd. The reason for this was because I depend on my phone as an important work utility and when you are having an important call with a client or with your boss overseas, the last thing you want is to drop a call. Well Vodacom has several adverti*****ts on TV that they have the best 3G network with the best coverage so I thought I will give Vodacom a go. This was not an easy decision especially if you consider that I've been a contract client with MTN for close to 20years.</p> <p>My existing mobile number is linked to all my stationary and my clients are fami**** with my MTN number so I had to go through the whole process of getting my number ported to the Vodacom network. This in itself is a painful process especially if your are a contract client. First you have to cancel your contract, then go to pre-paid, then request your number to be ported to Vodacom network, then join on Vodacom pre-paid and only when once approved, can you take out another contract with Vodacom. All was bearable because I was looking forward to the day when I can move about town and not drop a call.</p> <p>Well the day dawn when I got my new contract (and I believe it is the second best contract from Vodacom, Red Premium Plus) and I was excited to try out my new network. Low and behold, there was still many painful and frustrating days awaiting me. I've signed my new contract with Vodacom towards the end of January 2017. I've noticed immediately that I had no data available which meant NO e-mail, NO internet, NO WhatsApp, No social media. The only way anyone can communicate with you is by calling you. I contacted my local Vodacom Shop in Forest Hill in Centurion and I was told that my data will only be available from the 1st of February. I did not want to argue the point to much that I was paying Vodacom already and that I should at least get some pro rata Data, but it was the beginning of a new year and I was still very optimistic of what was lying ahead. The 1st of February dawned and what do you know, NO data still. I went back to my local Vodacom Shop and queried the matter. After going through the process of dialling *111* or *111*502# and still seeing a zero balance on my data, voice (even loaded the Vodacom app btw), my local Vodacom shop logged a call with "Vodacom IT". Checking in everyday with my local Vodacom Shop, I still get no answer and no change from my new network supplier. Oh what a joy. Finally I decided to log my own call with Vodacom support centre but they simply told me that their system shows that I have data available and that they have to log a call with "Vodacom IT". Many days have past since then and still no change. I've tried everything from my side, tried to escalate the matter to someone senior enough or at least someone that cares and understands I don't have a mobile phone to play on FB all day but that it is an important business tool for me and I need the problem resolved.</p> <p> </p> <p>So here we are today where I'm disgusted by Vodacom's Service and was it not that I'd sign a new contract and also the fact that I'm simply do not have the energy to go through the porting process again, I would change today. My only wish is that I hope that the Consumer Act takes monitors the Hello Peter site or take notice of this pathetic service and ward off any other client that considers/considered joining the Vodacom network.</p> <p> </p> <p>Hopelessness and the feeling of helplessness is not something I enjoy or ever wish upon my worst enemy.</p>