Vodafone iPhone tethering - a rip off?

dangermouse2

gjchester wrote: »

You can try but as you suggest you bought the phone without the contract it is probably not relevent .

The phone is tethering capable, its just your contract won't allow it. As you didn't buy them together not sure how you'd get any resolution you want.

The way I see it is like this. They can block data access on the network if they choose. But they have no business locking the software on the phone. If I put another sim in my phone and it's still locked, then I'll take issue with that.

The other thing is that the Vodafone web site doesn't say I can't have tethering. It says the contrary. It says that I just give them a call and get it activated, then pay £5 per 500mb. I was also told this a few months into this contract. I absolutely can't stand Vodafone. They are nothing but a pain in the !!!!!! I've also found charges on my bill time and time againg which they end up refunding. They also changed my 1gb month limit to 500 mb without telling me. Which I had to take up with them. What's wrong with this company.

My Dad took out a contract with them once and was promised the earth. Only o discover down the line a bunch of charges that shouldn't be there.

gjchester

dangermouse2 wrote: »

The way I see it is like this. They can block data access on the network if they choose. But they have no business locking the software on the phone. If I put another sim in my phone and it's still locked, then I'll take issue with that.

I'm not sure what you mean by "locking" the software. Apple will not allow carriers to modify the iPhones code, so no branding or carrier apps, if you paid £600 then it should be unlocked, if it's not Vodafone will do it for free. See - http://campaigns.vodafone.co.uk/UnlockCodeRequestForm/

Vodafone may have locked the phone as you bought it through them, but they will unlock it on request. They probably don't carry many unlocked phones in store.

However thats not the end of the story, if your SIM or account does not support a feature then the feature may be greyed out on the phone regardelss of if they can. Our work iphones the tethering is greyed out as work does not want huge tethering bills when people could use Wifi. Doesn't mean the phone is not capable of doing it, just the account the SIM is set up for has it disabled so it can't be activated.

dangermouse2 wrote: »

The other thing is that the Vodafone web site doesn't say I can't have tethering. It says the contrary. It says that I just give them a call and get it activated, then pay £5 per 500mb. I was also told this a few months into this contract.

Tarrifs change all the time, once they change the call centre staff cannot change the old tarrif without having to move you to another. Just because the SIM only now let you use tethering it doens't mean it always has. If you can't get it on your tarrif then you may need to change tarriffs

Vodafones is not without fault, but as you bought the phone and contract as two entities you need wo work out which bit is at fault if you want to start any proceedings.

Vodafone

Hi dangermouse2,

I am sorry to hear that you have had some problems getting Tethering inclusive in your plan.

If you get in touch with me via the address here with WRT135 FAO Heidi in the subject, I will take a look and see if we can change your plan at all.

If you also include a link to your post and a contact number, I will be in touch.

Kind regards,

Heidi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK

dangermouse2

Heidi sorted this. Well pleased.

ScoutBen

Hi Heidi,

I have just sent you an email regarding a similar and would be grateful of clarification on the subject.

Thanks

Ben

ukdutypaid

Hell, I'm not even with Vodafone and nor do I have an iPhone, but Heidi, you seriously need to sort that page out. Nowhere does it make what you say clear. In fact it plainly contradicts what you're stating to be a fact. This is nearly two months after your own post where you've offered both 'clarification' and 'assurance'.

The link in the navigation, on the left, in MASSIVE letters, leads to a page where is clearly states without any mention of 'new contracts after a certain date, or contracts taken out before a certain date come to that, that.

"Tethering is charged separately from the 1GB of mobile internet use that you get as part of your pay monthly price plan. As soon as you tether your laptop or netbook to the internet, you'll pay £5 for 500MB that lasts for 30 days. Use more than 500MB in that time and you'll pay £5 for each extra 500MB."

Link is here: Tethering

Vodafone

Hi ukdutypaid,

I appreciate it's confusing. That page does state that Tethering is charged for additionally. We have only included Tethering as part of some of our new iPhone price plans which I have included a link to.

If anyone needs anything confirmed, they can contact me and I will advise further.

Thanks,

Heidi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK

ukdutypaid

Cheers Heidi.
I realise it must feel like a thankless task. So, there you go, I've just thanked you.

You have to admit the whole thing is as clear as mud though. Boy! this is going to be a massive problem when we've all got SIIIs (sorry people) and that's before every network has spunked another 30 billion on LTE/4G licences.
Hell, my phone is taped to my lounge window as it is; 500mb! That's less than a day, at my end.
No I'm not with you. In fact I don't know what the hell I'm even doing in here!...
I'll get me coat...

salmander

You: the question is why do I have to pay extra as I have the data allowance already


You: the other 2 colleagues do this and they checked their bill and don't have charges??


Roger: Sorry you will be charged it is the company rules.
You: so the rules don't apply to your other 2 vodafone customers???


You: how does the charing work, as you seem to inply that you pay £5 and then use the data bundle?


This chat has been ended by your Vodafone Representative