T-Mobile's fake "Unlimited" internet price plan.

c-m

Yes there ought to be something done really. In few other industries, can one claim something is unlimited and then slap limits on it.

qpop

If I were you I'd register a formal complaint with Carphone Warehouse. It may well not get you anywhere but I have worked in mobile phone retail before and we were not allowed to refer to a 500mb limit as unlimited.

If you fought it legally I don't think they'd have a leg to stand on if their FUP is to prevent usage after a set limit. FUP is to prevent unintended, non-contractual excessive use. You can easily argue that a smartphone user watching videos on an application provided at point-of-sale is not excessive use. What they actually have is a hard-limit 500mb usage cap (as per most other providers).

I would write to Carphone Warehouse CEO office (it won't be read by CEO but the complaint will be dealt with quickly) outlining that you feel you were mis-sold the contract on the basis that you provided their salesman with a list of requirements (high usage of data) and he sold you an inappropriate product, that you are unable to renege on.

I would also note that if the matter isn't resolved swiftly you will be contacting [insert your favourite newspaper]'s consumer lobbying section, and making a complain to OfCom/OFT.

In the meantime, take full advantage of the wi-fi capabilities of your phone, and to be honest 500mb is manageable even with relatively heavy (but moderated) use. I presume your phone is running Android, if it is download "3g Watchdog" for free off the market and it will keep track of your usage.

Finally, if the above fails (give it a few weeks) ring T-Mobile and see if they'll move you to a more appropriate plan. Explain the situation, don't get angry at the CSR, but portray yourself as someone in a really sticky situation, ask them to do whatever they can, and see how it goes. If they refuse point blank, ask them to talk to their supervisor (the "floor manager" of most mobile telco call centres has ridiculous contract powers, I had the cancellation of an Orange contract with 9 months left to run approved by one). If that fails, ask politely for their name and extension number, once they have given it to you explain that you are in the process of dealing with a complaint with their CEO's office, and you'd really prefer not to involve them in that complaint, and ask politely for them to talk to their supervisor again.

Hopefully you'll have some luck with that strategy. The mobile telecoms industry in the UK is a joke and the "regulator" is a waste of time, but dealing with the companies as above has resolved many a poor situation for myself, family, friends.

c-m

I thought the ASA ruled that its fine to list a service as unlimited even if it contains a FUP - so really until ASA and OFCOM/OFT do something about it, we're stuck.

pseeker_2

you should have asked about FUP, or the definition of 'unlimited' (i know it's too obvious in hindsight)

it's annoying the companies keep trying to hide the terms, but that's how the law runs - contract is a contract is a contract.

as for CPW - i think they are Ok, i had dealings with Phones 4 U two years ago an it felt like con men team movie... not always comedy.

pseeker_2

c-m wrote: »

I'm surprised you aren't stuck at 0.35Mbps if you bought through a third party.

You should have bought via t-mobile direct, as they are doing unlimited data with no FUP on certain contracts. Plus £150 via quidco.

Giffgaff are good, if O2 works well in your area, but beware they do not offer any data roaming, or roaming bundles, if that's important to you.

Giffgaff do roaming now (£1.50/MB EU, £5/MB the rest)
http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Welcome-and-News/Data-roaming-pricing/m-p/1271493/highlight/true#M7605

DCFC79

Ive no problem with it and im on orange which is part of everything everywhere along with tmob. Just control your usage OP. Maybe download that app that keps track of your downloading

Alisha2008

pseeker wrote: »

Giffgaff do roaming now (£1.50/MB EU, £5/MB the rest)
http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Welcome-and-News/Data-roaming-pricing/m-p/1271493/highlight/true#M7605

And you get unlimited Internet for £10 a month.

c-m

pseeker wrote: »

Giffgaff do roaming now (£1.50/MB EU, £5/MB the rest)
http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Welcome-and-News/Data-roaming-pricing/m-p/1271493/highlight/true#M7605

Ah that's new. Terrible value though compared to say T-mobile who i just switched to. T-mobile 50mb for £10. On giffgaff it would cost £75 :eek:

I do agree though that for domestic use giffgaff are good, so long as you can get decent o2 coverage.