Coming to end of contract with OSPS/ CPW Vodafone

Alonso14

Hi. My 12 month contract with CPW Vodafone ends on 25/07/06, and I have just spoken to the disconnections department, who told me I had to write a letter if I wanted to end the contract. My concern is that I still have one more cheque-back from OneStopPhoneShop to claim, which I can do so from 17th July (the date I ordered from OSPS, as opposed to the date when my service started- the 25th), so I want to know how people have ensured they got their final cash back without hassle. The guy I spoke to said that if I wanted a PAC Code, then I had to include in the letter the number I was transferring to (I guess this means the mobile number of the pay as you go sim card I want to port my number to?). Does this mean they will do the port themselves, or will they just send me the PAC Code and I do this myself? He also said that I could use the PAC Code from now, and that I would be billed up until the PAC was used, so that in effect my contract could end before the 12 months are fully up. I am concerned that this might invalidate my cashback claim. Could somebody please advise what the best thing for me to do is. If it helps, my billing date is normally the 7th of each month (and I receive the bill within a couple of days of this date), so the bill I need to send to OSPS is the one I get on 7/7/06. I hope this makes sense, and thanks in advance for your help!

laurajayne

Ah ha! One I can actually answer (Until April, I was a CPW Branch Manager lol.)

Right, you need to end your contract, to do so requires you to write in. There are two options:

a) Write in stating you are handing in your 30 days notice.

b) Write in stating that you wish to cancel your contract, but would like a PAC code. (However you DO NOT need to tell them any details about where you are porting to...thats nonsence, they'll find out anyway when your new network logs the porting request if they're that bothered.

A PAC code is valid for 30 days from date of issue.

I am assuming that you're using method b

Firstly, make sure you know the date your contract ends (the EXACT date!) or you may be charged for an early disconnection if you use the PAC before that date - and write your letter bearing that in mind (ie, don't ask for the PAC if it'll expire before the end of the contract.)

Wait to get your bill and send the beauty off, then do your porting request with your new network, which will take about 10 days to complete anyway.

As for invalidating your cashback claim, no it won't. CPW group cash back claims are all paid in arrears, so you've already forked out the cash, think of it as a refund of sorts.

The main reasons cash back claims are denied are:

- too late (so get it sent as soon as you get it, but take a copy)
- 'lost' (send recorded)
- Not paying your bills
- Changing tariff.

I hope this helps...clear as mud probably though.

Laura x

Alonso14

Thanks for the quick reply. One question though- you say that I shouldn't use the PAC before the date my contract ends, which will be 25/7/06, which contradicts what the guy I spoke to said ie. that I could use the PAC as soon as I got it, and I made a point of saying that this could therefore be before the 12 months is up, to which he replied that it was ok- could this potentially invalidate cashback claims?.

He also said that the request of a PAC counts as the notice period, so if I requested the PAC tomorrow (via letter), and say they issue the PAC on 28th June, then since the PAC is only valid for 30 days, if I use the PAC on 26/07/06 (day after my contract ends), will the PAC still be valid (and thus the account terminated) since the number transfer can take up to 10 days, which will be outside this 30 day window? Would it therefore be better to request the PAC some time in July, but then I would have a bill on 7th July for the following month- am I right in assuming that in this case I would get a bill in August crediting me (via cheque?) for the unused portion of the month?

Thanks again

laurajayne

You can use a PAC code as soon as you recieve it, however if that means that (including the 10 days) you would be finishing your contract early they may (or may not) charge you a disconnection fee - I have had customers hit like that.

I would say the soonest you would want to use your PAC code is the 16th (going by what you've said) - as it's better to be safe than sorry.

You would then port on the day your contract ends, and therefore not be charged any more than you need to be. You'll get an invoice for the part month (7-26).

Your PAC does count as notice, but only if you use it. So, if you don't use the PAC, the contract will continue.

None of this will invalidate your chequeback - send of the bill you'll get on the 7th and it'll all be fine :cool:

Laura