What is your interpretation of this?

I know this looks a bit scrappy but I didn't know how to upload the email..sorry!

Anyway, I received the email below from Vodafone, it basically says I can get an iphone 4s 16gb but I must stay on my current plan…no exceptions. There is no mention of handset payments, etc, just that I must sign a 24 month contract on the same plan that I am on now. I am currently on the $29 cap.

So I ring them and they tell me I have to pay $15 per month handset payments, I tell them it does not say that, but they tell me that is what it is.

What do you think? I reckon the ombudsman will see it as I do, but I am interested in some OzB opinions first.

Cheers,
Megan

Your iPhone 4S upgrade offer from Vodafone. Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to view it online.
Vodafone. Trial the new iPhone 4S with our Vodafone Network Guarantee

Hi ,

As a valued customer, we'd like to invite you to upgrade¹ {your mobile number 042….} to the latest feature-packed iPhone 4S and experience:

Improved performance on Vodafone's new 850MHz network built for smartphones and data
A stronger signal and better call quality with dual antenna
A faster processor for launching apps, with enhanced browsing and gaming

New iPhone, new network. It's such a great combination we guarantee it.

Sign up to a new iPhone contract and if you're not completely satisfied with your network experience you can cancel your contract within the first 30 days.
No cancellation fees, just pay for what you've used until cancellation takes effect.
Offer ends 31st December 2011 (unless extended).

iPhone 4S 16GB
When you reconnect on your existing plan for another 24 months you'll get a BONUS 1GB of data every month for the duration of your contract.²

This offer is only available when you call 1300 301 677 today.

Opening hours 8am-8pm Mon- Fri, 9am -5.30pm Sat-Sun AEST.

Regards,

Darren Jones
Head of Customer Marketing

power to you

New iPhone. New Network. Connect to Vodafone today.

The new Vodafone network is rolling out now. Make the most of it with our new 850MHz smartphone range, including the iPhone 4S. Click here find out where the new 850MHz network is rolling out.

Terms and conditions:
1 month expiry for all inclusions. Eligibility may be subject to a further credit check and/or the provision of ID documentation and/or the payment of any overdue charges associated with your account. Offer and any subsequent contract with Vodafone are conditional upon you being legally entitled to remain in Australia for a period of at least 12 months. If you have upgraded or moved the mobile number specified to Vodafone in the last 90 days, we regret that this offer does not apply to you. Not for commercial or resale purposes. 1: This offer may be withdrawn at any time. Available to approved customers who connect to a new Vodafone Postpaid Mobile or Mobile Broadband plan (excludes separate Mobile Payment Plans, Tablet Plans, Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband). If you are not satisfied with Vodafone's network coverage, you may initiate a claim by calling Customer Care within 30 days of purchase. You must then return your device(s), original packaging and equipment to a Vodafone retail store (not Dealer) within 10 business days of making that claim (proof of purchase must be provided & device(s) must be in re-saleable condition). You must pay for all usage to the date cancellation takes effect. Minimum monthly spend (comprising monthly access fees for plan and device fees for device(s) purchased through plan) & any insurance will be pro rated up to the date cancellation takes effect. For customers on a Month to Month Mobile Broadband plan, on cancellation, the purchase price of your equipment will be refunded. *Cancellation will take effect: a) if you are not porting to another carrier - the date the in-store device returns process is complete or b) if you are porting to another carrier, the date you successfully port your number. Accessories will not be refunded. If you elect to keep the device(s), the full price that you paid for the device(s) will be applied to your next bill. Contracts provisioned with a non-Vodafone supplied device are not eligible. Max one mobile and one mobile broadband claim per person per year. See www.vodafone.com.au/network guarantee for more details. 2: Offer ends 31/12/2011 (unless extended). Offer available only to Vodafone customers (who resign their existing 24 month Postpaid Voice contract with the same plan/cap that they originally signed up that service with at the start of your current contract) or 3 customers (who upgrade to Vodafone from their eligible 24 month 3 contract cap to the corresponding Vodafone Red Plan) with any handset over 24 months. 1GB free data applies for the duration of the 24 month contract. If the contract is terminated, free data offer will cease to apply. For use in Australia only. Minimum 50KB session applies additional data usage rate is $0.25/MB (min 50KB session). Included voice value cannot be used for data. Services subject to device capabilities, network limitations & customer location. Vodafone Pty Limited ABN 76 062 954 554

This email was sent to you by Vodafone from a notification only address. Please don't reply to this email.
If you no longer wish to receive marketing emails to this address, you can unsubscribe here.

Copyright 2011 Vodafone Pty Limited ABN 76 062 954 554

Comments

  • "Available to approved customers who connect to a new Vodafone Postpaid Mobile or Mobile Broadband plan"
    You have no case.
    It clearly states you are signing up to a new plan

    "Offer available only to Vodafone customers (who resign their existing 24 month Postpaid Voice contract with the same plan/cap that they originally signed up that service with at the start of your current contract) or 3 customers (who upgrade to Vodafone from their eligible 24 month 3 contract cap to the corresponding Vodafone Red Plan) with any handset over 24 months"
    Only states that you have to stay on the plan/cap you signed up on.. mentions nothing about staying on the same phone repayments.

    You aren't being forced to sign up and you haven't signed up without the full information provided to you.. The Ombudsman will get very annoyed with you for wasting their time.

    • "Only states that you have to stay on the plan/cap you signed up on.. mentions nothing about staying on the same phone repayments"

      Well actually that is my argument, it very clearly states that you must remain the same, it does not say that is may be subject to handset repayments, it just says that you have to remain as you are.

      • It specifically uses the word "plan".
        Which in phone company language is the network service.
        Phone repayments are on top of the plan, whether they are $0/month or $15/month, they are "added" (even when it's $0) on top of the "plan".

  • I admit that I didn't read this very thoroughly, but the staying on the same plan thing seems to only be for bonus data with iPhone 4s. The first offer seems to just be 30 day no fees cancellation with new iPhone contract.

  • You have not signed the contract, you are not being forced to sign a new contract. They are merely offering you a new "deal" and Vodafone sales rep has clearly told you over the phone that handset repayments are in order IF you sign the contract.

    Unless your letter specifically said NO HANDSET REPAYMENTS and the Vodafone sales rep told you NO HANDSET REPAYMENTS. Yet you signed the contract and you are billed for your handset,than Ombudsman can do something.

    You cannot expect Ombudsman to insists for Vodafone to not charge you handset repayments when you are supposed to. That would be daylight robbery LOL

  • Yep, you got nothing on them.

    To upgrade you need to sign a new contract which would have a minimum monthly spend as defined in their T&Cs, specifically this portion:

    Minimum monthly spend (comprising monthly access fees for plan and device fees for device(s) purchased through plan)

  • Looks like no free lunches.

Login or Join to leave a comment