Vodafone Ripped me Out off Data Charges!

ste_wilko

I have been with Vodafone for years now and used to tether all the time when they had unlimited data plans and it was fine.

However, since the introduction of smartphones (particularly the iPhone) unlimited internet is not offered anymore due to the strain it would put on the network.

Tethering was also removed. The only network that I know of in the UK that allows it, without penalty (on some of their tariffs), is 3.

Vodafone allows tethering, however they allow it outside of any bundles or inclusive data allowances (in the same way 0845 numbers etc are not included in your inclusive minutes).

So, because the tethering data charges aren't included in your data allowance, you are never going to receive any notification for getting towards your limit. You are NOT using your data allowance when tethering, you are incurring charges immediately.

Write to the complaints department and ask if they can waive, or reduce, the amount this once as a gesture of goodwill based on the fact you were not aware tethering wasn't included and that you will be mindful that it isn't in the future

Neil49

Once you have sorted this out I suggest you consider buying a mifi device and using an Ovivo data sim where you get 1GB per month free after paying a one-off fee of £20 (which includes £15 credit on your account). If you need more then their are low priced bundles available.

Alternatively they have various phone/data packages starting from free per month upwards with varying data allowances. Tethering is allowed on their phone packages. If you exceed your data allowance at any time then your credit balance is used up to cover any excess charge. If you use up all your credit then you get a message advising you of that fact.

What you don't get with Ovivo is a bill out of the blue for £500!

http://www.ovivomobile.com/

They use the Vodaphone network

roonaldo

You need to look at your bills every month, call Vodafone and understand how your tethering is charged. Also ask them politely if they can do anything about your bills.

WTFH

No flaws in the system, you can't blame Vodafone. They did not rip you off. You need to choose a contract which is more appropriate for your data usage, and check the charges before you agree the contract.

NFH

It is unreasonable for Vodafone to charge a higher rate per megabyte for higher monthly usage, irrespective of whether the consumer knowingly or unknowingly agreed to a higher charge. In most industries, a per-unit volume discount is applied, but the UK mobile phone industry applies a per-unit volume surcharge purely in order to catch out people like the OP.

WTFH

NFH wrote: »

It is unreasonable for Vodafone to charge a higher rate per megabyte for higher monthly usage, irrespective of whether the consumer knowingly or unknowingly agreed to a higher charge. In most industries, a per-unit volume discount is applied, but the UK mobile phone industry applies a per-unit volume surcharge purely in order to catch out people like the OP.

Untrue.
Try renting a car (or leasing one) once you go over your mileage limit, they charge you more per mile than for the ones included in the contract.
Or when you fly and have a 20kg luggage allowance. Go over that, and you pay a lot more per kg than the amount you paid within the allowance.

None of which is flawed, unreasonable, or otherwise. You go beyond the agreed limit, you pay extra.

Now, volume discounts are something you get when you order and pay for more up front, not paying retrospectively.

mobilejunkie

I totally agree. I never go over my allowances on anything despite running (currently) 8 separate contracts - and have been doing that for years.

If you don't bother to A) read the t&c or read and check log counters, bills and bank statements you only have yourself to blame - and those who do A) and benefit from those who don't. Long may THAT continue...

matelodave

Why is it always someone else's fault when you don't read the T & Cs or take note of what you've signed up for.
Hopefully it will be a salutary lesson to read, understand and abide by the rules that you agreed to, rather than whinging and hoping that they'll let you off. Especially when there's a warning as well, which you chose to ignore - beggars belief

Vodafone

Hi TheFururist,

If you'd like me to take a look at this for you, could you email me with your details via the link in our profile here?

All you need to do is copy and paste the link into your web browser and it'll take you to the Contact us form on our website. To make sure it reaches me could you also quote the code WRT135 - MSE in the subject line?

Once sent you'll receive an automated reply with a reference number. So I can make sure I've got it could you update the thread with this and I'll get back to you as soon as possible?

Kind regards,

Lee

Web Relations

Vodafone UK