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Power Plan 27 ($27) - Unlmtd SMS, 2.5GB Data, $650 Calls @ Vaya Free Sim/1st Month

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Power Plan 27 ($27) - Unlmtd SMS, 2.5GB Data, $650 Calls @ Vaya Free Sim/1st Month
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Bellpop on 02/02/2015 - 16:50 vaya.net.au (760 clicks)
Last edited 02/02/2015 - 16:54

Vaya released new plans. The $27/month Power Plan seems to be the sweet spot. Includes:

  • Unlimited SMS
  • 2.5 Gig Data (Per MB billing)
  • $650 calls

There's also the 'Power Plan 24' for $24 which includes:

  • Unlimited SMS
  • 2 Gig Data (Per MB billing)
  • $650 calls

The promo also includes free sim delivery for february and first month's access free with no contract to be locked in to. Vaya operates on the full optus 4G network so reception and speeds are good for me.

According to the 'Critical Information Summary' you can unlock KB data billing for a one off $25 fee, which seems reasonable.

For what it's worth, I know Vaya/Live Connected do have their critics, but my wife and I have been with them for two years and haven't had an issue. The fact there is no lock-in contract and the first month is free might be enticing enough to give it a crack.

Hope it helps someone :)

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  • birnie on 02/02/2015 - 16:57
    +8

    I guess everyone has their own needs, and personally, I think the $18 plan is the sweet spot
    Exact same sms and calls, just less data (1.5gb, save the surfing for when you get home)
    Like OP, the wife and I had em for 1yr+ now and no issues for us, had Optus and Virgin before that
    (yes i know, all optus)
    I accidently used all the data once, turned data off on the phone, also noticed it wouldn't work anyway.
    And to me, that's how it should work. Stop working until your next cycle rather than get overcharged.

    • em on 02/02/2015 - 18:18

      I have this as well and it's perfect for my needs.

    • huntress_love on 02/02/2015 - 23:35

      does it mean you can cancel after the first month and not pay anything?

      • A3Australia on 03/02/2015 - 01:30

        does it mean you can cancel after the first month and not pay anything?

        No.

    • asa79 on 03/02/2015 - 09:01

      its only 1 more gb over the $18 plan, so $9 a gb really

  • get-innocuous on 02/02/2015 - 17:01
    +5

    The usual caveats with Vaya apply - expect customer service which could charitably be described as moronic, per megabyte billing, a somewhat shonky data meter, and Optus coverage, but it's an alright deal otherwise.

    Fortunately I still have the old $7/extra GB offer on my account.

    • elcheapoinoz on 02/02/2015 - 19:23
      +3

      I had to deal with them a fair bit in the last month or two. kept messing up my bills, etc.
      customer service is extremely poor (such as most cheap MNVOs)
      i wondered many times whether it was worth sticking with them due to their cheap prices.. next problem, i'm out

  • butwhy on 02/02/2015 - 17:06

    We got burnt by their 1mb billing system and copped a $94 fee, when previously had been on a 500mb TPG plan with no issues. All you need is 1500 viber / whatspp messages and you'll be over your limit. Whirlpool has pages and pages of complaints about Vaya

    Their website is ambiguous regarding the KB billing fee: "The $25 Max Power fee is a once off charge to unlock per KB billing, the only ongoing charge is the $10 on top of your plan for the Data Bolt-On." Does that mean the Data bolt on is compulsory (ie an extra minimum of $10 per month)?

    Either way, we've since switched to Spintel

    • tonyjzx on 02/02/2015 - 17:07
      +3

      'According to the 'Critical Information Summary' you can unlock KB data billing for a one off $25 fee.'

      PLUS an ongoing $10 per month fee?

      this sounds like complete bullshit to me

      • Pobman on 02/02/2015 - 17:13

        From vague memory of the promo email they sent me about that when you get per KB you also get signed up to 1GB bolt on extra for $10/month … dont remember them saying if you could cancel the 1gb bolt on and keep the KB billing or not.

      • get-innocuous on 02/02/2015 - 17:30
        +1

        You can cancel the $10 bolt on, that is for an extra GB of data. Still, $25 to unlock something which really should be included rubs me the wrong way.

        • A3Australia on 02/02/2015 - 19:05
          +1

          You can cancel the $10 bolt on, that is for an extra GB of data. Still, $25 to unlock something which really should be included rubs me the wrong way.

          If you cancel/remove the $10 per month Bolt-On, your per KB billing stops. It may not be possible to start the per KB billing again.

        • cwongtech on 02/02/2015 - 19:10

          @A3Australia:

          A3 is right, in whirlpool Ben pullen the ceo confirmed this. The fb vaya operator also confirmed this.

          However I'm on my first month of vaya, the mb billing issue seems to affect people who switch towers constantly (travel a lot)

          I would have been happy to pay a small once off fee to change to kb billing but ongoing is a bit expensive

        • A3Australia on 02/02/2015 - 19:18

          @cwongtech:

          A3 is right, in whirlpool Ben pullen the ceo confirmed this. The fb vaya operator also confirmed this.

          Ben Pullen, Vaya's CEO (and one of the two Vaya staff in Australia?), operates the Vaya FaceBook page http://www.Facebook.com/Vaya.Australia and the Vaya Twitter account @VayaTalk.

          Ben only confirmed that the ongoing $10 Bolt-On fee was mandatory AFTER first stating several times that it was not mandatory.

    • get-innocuous on 02/02/2015 - 17:33
      +1

      $94 excess usage at 4c/MB is an additional 2350MB over your included limit. It only rounds to the nearest megabyte when the data session is closed (when your connection drops out or you restart your phone or you connect to Wifi or whatever) - so at 2350MB over that's 80 data sessions per day, on top of your included allowance (1500MB?) - are you in a bad reception area or something?

    • Max Power on 02/02/2015 - 17:41
      +11

      uh-oh, Spaghetti-O's.

      The $25 Max Power fee is a once off charge to unlock per KB billing, the only ongoing charge is the $10 on top of your plan for the Data Bolt-On.

      Homer: Kids, there's three ways to do things. The right way, the wrong way and the Max Power way!
      Bart: Isn't that the wrong way?
      Homer: Yeah, but faster!

    • A3Australia on 02/02/2015 - 19:03

      "The $25 Max Power fee is a once off charge to unlock per KB billing, the only ongoing charge is the $10 on top of your plan for the Data Bolt-On." Does that mean the Data bolt on is compulsory (ie an extra minimum of $10 per month)?

      Yes. If you remove the $10 Bolt-On, the per KB billing stops. Ben has stated that it may not be possible to turn it back on.

  • Pobman on 02/02/2015 - 17:10
    +1

    Only issue I have had with Vaya, twice now, is an iPhone going mad trying to authenticate its iMessages with international SMS … happened again last month after an update to iOS8 …

    They seem to have increased the price of International SMS on the new plans, though I might be wrong about that.

  • RubenM on 02/02/2015 - 17:42
    +1

    Just one word of advice, I'm with Live Connected and since Vaya took over, it's been pretty bad. They like overcharging you, change your data allowance without informing you, etc. Sometimes only the threat of taking it to the TIO will make them act reasonably.

    But I'm paying $11/month, so I won't change until that plan is no longer available.

    • d3ft on 02/02/2015 - 18:09

      How did you manage to stay on the $11/motnh plan? I'm being charged a $10/month rate-lock (or some BS) fee to keep using mine.

      • Pobman on 02/02/2015 - 18:23
        +1

        Yes they charged me that too… got the $11/month for about 2 years and then they said to keep my low rate I just need to pay an additional monthly fee… total BS.

  • noz on 02/02/2015 - 18:09
    +6

    This per KB unlocking fee. Talk about total crap. For them to take $25 from you so that you don't have to deal with per MB billing proves that per MB billing is a deliberate tactic for them to generate more money.
    I thought the ACCC is against Telcos making plans confusing. If they want to make plans less confusing then they should ban per MB billing. Sure Telcos may be forced to lower data quotas or put up plan prices but at least then it is all transparent. They can't hide "fees" in the way they calculate data use charges.

    • A3Australia on 02/02/2015 - 18:21
      +2

      For them to take $25 from you so that you don't have to deal with per MB billing proves that per MB billing is a deliberate tactic for them to generate more money.

      It is actually more than that.

      On an $18 Power Plan (V2) it works out to an extra $12.10 a month (amortised over 12 months).

      So, instead of paying $18 for $650 of calls, 1.5GB of Data and unlimited SMS. One would be paying $30.10 for $650 of calls, 2.5GB of Data and unlimited SMS.

      However, somewhat obviously, one would most likely not need the extra 1GB per month as one would now be having the data use measured (rounded up) per KB.

  • A3Australia on 02/02/2015 - 18:17
    +19

    Wake up and smell the coffee!

    1) The V3 Power Plans have all removed the "Free Unlimited Vaya to Vaya calls". Also, the costs of International SMS and MMS have gone up.

    2) Support is very, very difficult to contact.

    When finally contact is made, support is very difficult to obtain.

    When support is obtained, it is often not carried out - followed through.

    Support is supplied via outsourced call centers in the Philippines and in India.

    3) It appears to be a one man business, perhaps with also the assistance of a female family member.

    4) The one man behind the business:-

    Lies to customers.

    Opens accounts under false IDs in order to promote his business on Whirlpool, Product Review, and FaceBook.

    Removes reports on the VAYA FaceBook page that reveal failures of his business to adhere to Communications Regulations. Then bans the posters.

    Removes FaceBook posts that are highly critical of his business and his business practices. Then bans the posters. (Three or four such posts were removed this morning).

    Removes some FaceBook posts that help other customers save money (eg. by Porting rather than cancelling). Then bans the posters.

    Removed the complete Reviews Section of the VAYA FaceBook page - because it was filled with ZERO Star reviews (or would have been if reviewers/customers were permitted to give less than one star).

    5) Please read through the negs from the last two times a Vaya 'deal/bargain' was posted.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/177947
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/173004

    6) So, much more….

    Well over 1,000 pages of mostly complaints here
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2335571&p…

    Would be ZERO Stars at Product Review if customers could leave less than one star AND if one discounts the fake reviews left by the business owner and his cronies.

    http://www.productreview.com.au/p/vaya.html

    • ryang on 02/02/2015 - 18:26
      +3

      Not enough +'s.. Needs more!! Had billing issues they couldn't and wouldn't explain. Had to charge back TWICE!!

      Have since moved all accounts to Telechoice Kogan plans. Much happier.

  • teasatotalling on 02/02/2015 - 18:25
    +12

    Useless company to deal with and their CEO is a blatant liar

  • A3Australia on 02/02/2015 - 18:30
    +6

    From the Whirpool Vaya Thread:-

    Friday 4:06pm Ben posts this -
    POWER PLAN users can now unlock per kb billing and discounted Data Bolt Ons ($10 instead of $15) for their Power Plans for a once off cost of $25

    Friday 4:15pm
    A customer posts this -
    Just got the email. To clarify, we pay a once-off cost of $25 and receive:
    per KB data billing for the next billing period AND all subsequent billing periods.
    a +1GB data bolt-on in the next billing period
    a discount rate on any future bolt-ons we may/may not purchase at our discretion
    Is this correct?

    Friday 4:21pm Ben replies -
    Yes correct

    Friday 4:44pm another customer asks -
    Are you sure the $10 is optional and up to our discretion?

    Fridat 4:44pm - Ben replies -
    You will automatically have a $10 Bolt On added. It's up to you to keep it or not.

    Then by Saturday between 5:48-6:04pm Ben posts (and then edits his post) to say -
    Re: Max Power, only available with $10 Bolt On.
    No, bolt on, no per kb billing.

    ============================

    From the Vaya Support Forum:-

    Question:

    Hi, I received an email today to pay a one off fee of $25 to give my Power Plan "Max Power" which unlocks per Kilobyte (KB) increments and gives a 1GB Bolt on for $10 instead of $15!

    There are no terms attached with the email nor is there any info on your website. So my question is does the $10 bolt on have to be charged monthly to receive per kilobyte increments or can I cancel the bolt on after the first month and still receive per kilobyte increment?

    Answer:

    Hey Steven!

    I hope that you're enjoying your Friday and you're ready for the long weekend.

    Thank you for submitting your query as I'm sure a lot of our customers will wondering something similar.

    Yes, you are able to remove the bolt-on and still be billed at a KB increment.
    To further clarify, you are not required to have the bolt-on active every month to have the benefit of having your data charged in KB increments.

    I hope that this has answered your question.

    We appreciate your time and interest.

    ====================================

    There were similar posts, questions, and answers on Vaya's facebook page.

    Ben, Vaya's CEO, then relised his mistake and started removing posts and editing his posts.

    Also, the posts on Vaya's own Support Forum were removed.

    I am posting this to show just what type of business one would be dealing with if one joined.

  • DoesntEvenMatter on 02/02/2015 - 18:33
    +3

    The new SpinTel plans seem alot better

  • [Deactivated] on 02/02/2015 - 18:33
    +1

    Damn, I was going to go for the $18 plan until I saw this blatant bullhonky "per MB" thing that can turn the 1.5GB plan into a sub-100MB plan pretty easily.

    • get-innocuous on 02/02/2015 - 18:43

      In my experience it adds about a 5-10% overhead to your usage (based on data usage as measured by my phone and by Vaya across 12 months).

    • Astro551 on 02/02/2015 - 18:50

      There seems to be a love for bandwagon-ing against Vaya in previous posts due to its poor customer service. It is true that their customer service is generally quite poor, using overseas call centres and having bad communication methods is definitely a minus.

      However, I will say that having since moved from a Virgin 250MB plan (per kb) to the $18 Vaya 1.5GB plan (per MB) almost a year ago I have been able to be significantly more carefree with how I use my data. I generally leave data on the whole time when I am away from home or uni, auto-sync and push notifications are also usually on. I have been able to tether and watch YouTube videos on the go (something virtually impossible on a 250MB plan where you get ~8MB of data to use per day on average). I do live in Sydney metro where the reception is generally quite good which may be a factor, but I have never gone over my limit and happy with the mobile service I have.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/02/2015 - 19:20
        +1

        I currently use about 1GB per month. I'm also constantly moving and need my email & calendar up to date.

        I think we're in different situations and this 1MB packet thing would kill me.

        • get-innocuous on 02/02/2015 - 22:50

          It's not 1MB/packet, it's 1MB per data session. So as long as your phone doesn't close the session (like when you went out of reception, or connected to wifi, or restarted your phone) it wouldn't be rounded.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/02/2015 - 00:22
          +1

          @batiudrami: I drive around all day to different parts of the city, frequently connecting to different towers and wifi networks.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/02/2015 - 18:56
    +6

    DONT TOUCH VAYA, its just bad news

  • shibu-thomas on 02/02/2015 - 19:14
    +6

    Fishy company … Don't both to recommend my enemies too….

    • A3Australia on 02/02/2015 - 19:21

      Fishy company … Don't both to recommend my enemies too….

      Enemies?

      Friends don't let friends join Vaya.

      • shibu-thomas on 02/02/2015 - 19:29
        +4

        According to my personal experience, I should think this type of business should be banned in Australia. TIO should have some complaint limits and if any company is going beyond that limit TIO must have the right to ban that company to do business in Australia as this makes consumers suffer a lot if these companies still doing business in Australia.

        • Moondog on 02/02/2015 - 19:36
          +4

          Telstra probably would've been out of business years ago!

  • Dover on 02/02/2015 - 19:25

    Ive been a happy vaya user for years. The only times I've had to contact them was to get my 1 month credit for signing friends up. I'll probably have to chase the next one too. All my friends and family have had no issues, except for one, who chucked a wobbly when she went over her data limit and had issues getting it back. Personally, i think it was her fault anyway. She left after 2 months.
    The first couple of times it took about 2 days to get a response (email). The last time, at the end of last year, i had replies within a 2 hrs.
    Just lucky maybe??

  • Moondog on 02/02/2015 - 19:35

    Not a lot of love for Vaya but I've been with them for about a year with no issues. I always use my data somehow though, never have before. I've never had to contact them for anything either so that might change my view.

  • Pobman on 02/02/2015 - 20:09
    -2

    To their credit the one month my wife went over her data limit we were able to apply a bolt one after going over the limit and massively reduce the impact cost wise… dont know if you are supposed to be able to do that or not…

    • Bargain4U on 02/02/2015 - 22:35
      +2

      That's normal, add or take away bolt ons anytime during billing period.

      • Pobman on 02/02/2015 - 23:10

        Nice… So effectively no need to ever pay the huge over charge fee as can just add on a bolt on even if you are already over.

        • A3Australia on 03/02/2015 - 01:38

          Nice… So effectively no need to ever pay the huge over charge fee as can just add on a bolt on even if you are already over.

          Nup, it does not work like that. One has to add a Bolt-On data pack BEFORE exceeding ones included data allocation, in order to avoid the 4cents per MB excess fee.

        • Pobman on 03/02/2015 - 20:54

          @A3Australia:

          Well as I said it worked that way last year the one time we used it… even if it was not supposed to work that way.

      • A3Australia on 03/02/2015 - 01:36

        That's normal, add or take away bolt ons anytime during billing period.

        Yes, correct. One may add a Bolt-On data pack, and remove it if it is not used/required.

        However, adding a data pack does not reduce or eliminate any excess charges accumulated before adding the data pack.

    • A3Australia on 03/02/2015 - 01:34

      we were able to apply a bolt one after going over the limit and massively reduce the impact cost wise

      No, you were not. It does NOT work that way.

  • espcookie on 02/02/2015 - 20:29
    +1

    I have been with Vaya since late 2012 and have generally had no problems with three old plans I have under my account ($11, $17 and $29). The older plans are KB data billing, and include free international SMS and MMS (and the $29 unlimited even has 4Gb data and $100 international talk), so despite them slugging each with an extra $10 to keep the old plan features it seems worth it compared to these new plans. Certainly the new plans aren't as full of features but those days are gone (even primary carriers have pared back their offerings). With Vaya I had SIM replacement without issue, and had one overcharge instance which took a bit to get sorted, but I kind of expect that with a low-cost reseller. Frankly, I have probably had similar issues with Telstra, Optus and Vodafone customer service being frustrating in their own ways. I can only speak from my experience but I can understand the frustration with the customer service, however I have had few problems and stable services. Maybe I am just one of the lucky ones!

  • CheapBrah on 02/02/2015 - 21:10
    -1

    Optus network is pretty much useless as far as I'm concerned, paying $27 for no service is not a bargain.

  • Ouffer serffer on 02/02/2015 - 21:37

    There is a better service provider "Spintel (http://www.spintel.com.au/)" which also use Optus 4G network. Spintel have much better and cheaper options.

    Ex: Unlimited Text ($12), Unlimited Talk time to any National Land line/Mobile ($12), 2.5GB ($12) for $36/month.

    You can start with 50 Text ($6), 50 minutes of Talk time ($6) & 50 MB data ($6) for $18/month.
    As you finish your 50 Text quota, your plan will automatically move to next range of 250 text ($7) and you will be charged the difference of $1 and after 250 text next is 500 text ($9) and eventually you will be charged extra $2.
    Same with talk time and data as well.

    I paid a max of $27/month as my usage is within 50 Text ($6), 1.5 GB data ($9) and Unlimited talk time ($12)

    So you can start with $18 and as per your usage, you will be charged a max of $36 or less if your usage did not reach the highest range.

    No lock in contracts.

    Only thing you should look after is data usage. Max data usage is 2.5 GB ($12). If you exceed this, system will automatically charge you $15 and allocate another 1GB.

    • Bargain4U on 02/02/2015 - 22:38
      +1

      By my calculations, Vaya is still cheaper than Spintel for same usage.

      • ryang on 03/02/2015 - 16:47

        https://www.telechoice.com.au/kogan-offers

        Telstra wholesale network, decent quantity of calls & data, Melbourne call center.. I've moved all my LC/Vaya/Optus plans to the $20 one, won't even get close the the $500 limit (teenagers text everything, and most calls are now TC->TC).

    • Pobman on 02/02/2015 - 23:12
      +1

      But that same $18 gets you unlimited SMS and 1500mb of data plus lots of calls with vaya… So your offering is certainly not cheaper….

  • Rookie117 on 02/02/2015 - 22:06
    +3

    Vaya has gone down the toilet, beware of this mob

  • BoomTetrisForJeff on 02/02/2015 - 22:56

    Another vaya user here been with them for about 11 months now, only complaint is you need to pay for per KB billing.

  • ganymede on 02/02/2015 - 23:54
    +4

    VAYA? A V O I D I T L I K E T H E P L A G U E!

  • asa79 on 03/02/2015 - 09:04

    They sms when your usage gets to 50% so there should be no reason to be running over. any plan over 1GB is heaps of data and should be no reason anyone should be running over it. Even if it is 1mb billing. If you like to chew up data like torrents etc then ofcourse not the right plan for you

    • A3Australia on 03/02/2015 - 13:09

      They sms when your usage gets to 50% so there should be no reason to be running over. any plan over 1GB is heaps of data and should be no reason anyone should be running over it. Even if it is 1mb billing. If you like to chew up data like torrents etc then ofcourse not the right plan for you

      They are MEANT to contact you when your data use reaches 50%, and again at 85%, and again at 100%.

      However, there have been several periods (instances) when they have not done so. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know just how many customers were involved, and how often. This is because Ben removed/removes all posts that mention this, and that ask others for their experiences with this.

      Also, Vaya's data measurements run 48hours behind. They are MEANT to send the usage warning within 48 hours of the actual use. However, this does not appear to be the case. When/if one gets the 85% warning, they could already be over their data allocation.

      • asa79 on 04/02/2015 - 19:50
        +2

        even if its 48 hr thats alot of downloading to go over in that space

  • Diogenes on 03/02/2015 - 09:34
    +6

    +1,000,000 to the "Avoid Vaya" posters: we wound up having to lodge a TIO complaint to stop them auto-deducting a monthly payment… after they had been informed fifteen times that we were no longer able to receive 4G data with their SIM (after several months where it worked without incident).

    It's pretty obvious that firms like these operate on the basis that the technology works for most people most of the time, and that when it goes tits-up they don't have to make anything more than a token effort since most people will leave without making their grievances widely known. The "American" model of customer service.

  • A3Australia on 03/02/2015 - 13:00

    This was a public posting on the Vaya Facebook page yesterday and last night. This morning, Brisbane time, after Ben got to work - it was removed.

    "Allan Wong‎ - Vaya

    This is such a joke! My gf signed up to take advantage of the January promotion (she received the sim on the 27th of January) and when we followed the instruction on how to activate it failed on us, complaining along the line the Sim number did not match the service number (we retried many times just to be sure).

    After many attempts it still didnt work, calling the numbers provided on the letter didnt go through, using their Contact Us form on their website and still no response. We've tried every single day and still nothing.

    We tried calling again today (2nd of Feb) and it got through! We were able to activate her Sim, however we were unable to get the January promotion because we did not activate in January, even though we explained our many attempts and their reply was we did not receive any of the voice mails, or Contact Us emails to prove that we did try. Asked to speak to the Manager (Brian Harris) who basically said the same thing and called us a liar and thats it not their fault. Repeatedly telling us that we should have activated in January when we clearly explained to him we tried calling and using the contact forms and still got no responses.

    I've never used any businesses that calls their customers liars and refuse to help and even at time shouting over the phone. Great way to promote your business and retain customers. ‪#‎vayafail‬ ‪#‎crappyservice‬"

  • Pobman on 04/02/2015 - 16:54
    +1

    Vaya just added a $20 "refundable" security deposit to every account, it will appear on the next bill… mmmmmm….

    • YesPleaseThankYou on 05/02/2015 - 20:42
      +1

      Yep, the company is too erratic with fees and customer service. You never know what surprise is around the corner, and they're not usually good surprises.

      • A3Australia on 05/02/2015 - 22:24
        +2

        Yep, the company is too erratic with fees and customer service. You never know what surprise is around the corner,

        I think I do.

        They will change their 'terms' again, and make the "Security Deposit" non-refundable.

        This is what TPG did.

        Ben claimed "we've decided to opt for, like some of our competitors, a once-off, refundable Security Deposit". As far as I know, the only Vaya competitor that charges/imposes a security deposit is TPG. So, Ben must have got his idea from them. So it is likely that he will also follow their lead and make this 'deposit' non-refundable.

  • A3Australia on 04/02/2015 - 17:05
    +1

    Vaya just added a $20 "refundable" security deposit to every account, it will appear on the next bill… mmmmmm….

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/181683

    • Pobman on 04/02/2015 - 17:33
      +2

      Cheers… Does make me think they are about to take the money and run … Time to move on perhaps… The straw that broke the donkeys back as they say.

      • A3Australia on 05/02/2015 - 17:43

        Time to move on perhaps… The straw that broke the donkeys back as they say.

        No, in this case, the camel's back. Ben/Vaya is the donkey.

  • Frig on 06/02/2015 - 11:10
    +1

    For what it's worth, I know Vaya/Live Connected do have their critics, but my wife and I have been with them for two years and haven't had an issue.

    Same as many other people but unfortunately things change and while they were excellent over the past few years it seems this isn't the case now.

    Buyer Beware.

    • ryang on 06/02/2015 - 11:29
      +1

      Exactly. Why stick around for what might stay OK, when there are plenty of alternatives.. It's not like they're rewarding your loyalty!!

  • A3Australia on 06/02/2015 - 12:47

    From the OP:-

    For what it's worth, I know Vaya/Live Connected do have their critics, but my wife and I have been with them for two years and haven't had an issue. The fact there is no lock-in contract and the first month is free might be enticing enough to give it a crack.

    The first month MAY BE free, if you follow their conditions - which are not stipulated. I understand from posts on the Vaya Facebook page (now removed by Ben) that if one leaves in the first (or even second) month - all offers are null and void and you will be charged. Also, of course, the SIM must be activated in some certain time period.

    Also, this new plan, and the other new plans, remove the free calls between Vaya users - and the international SMS/MMS rates have been increased.

    As well as the above, I think the main problem is Ben Pullen. He is the CEO and one of the two directors, and appears to run the business as a one man show. He runs the Vaya and LC Facebook pages and the Vaya Twitter account.

    1) He lies to customers, over and over again - in the Whirlpool threads, and on the Facebook pages.

    2) Instead of facing polite criticism and replying, he deletes it and bans the posters.

    3) When customers pointed out that the Vaya mobile phone insurance was about double the price of exactly the same cover from the same insurer. Instead of replying and stating why customers should still purchase insurance from Vaya - better service, quicker claims, whatever. Ben deleted the posts and banned the posters from posting ever again.

    4) As a side effect of banning these now hundreds of Vaya customers from the Vaya Facebook page - these customers can no longer access support by posting a Private Direct Message via the Vaya Facebook page.

  • ultraviolet on 09/02/2015 - 14:46

    If you do not need to talk to Vaya then Vaya is ok to use. I have been a happy customer for 12 months and looks like it is going to change.

    You will find out why I say this when you ring its customer service 1300008292 or online chat. Not body picked up the phone and you will get disconnected. Online chat is like talking to nobody.

    Wonder what will be my next step to resolve my recent billing issue with them.

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