Continues from: /forum-replies.cfm?t=909494&p=-1#bottom

Please post speed test results in this thread: /forum-replies.cfm?t=939645

I have to say that VMC (my version at least) is ridiculous at keeping the usage right. Right now, P&E fully updated until my last use last night is saying 75mb used, whereas VMC is saying 110mb used. That's almost a 50% difference already. At least the error this time around is + as opposed to – for the whole of last month.

dannyboi writes...

I have to say that VMC (my version at least) is ridiculous at keeping the usage right. Right now, P&E fully updated until my last use last night is saying 75mb used, whereas VMC is saying 110mb used.

Guess VF just "forget" to add stuff into the CSV eh.

That's bad for people like you dannyboi who want to use every last byte (as is your right) because of the risk of the $100GB "Fine" for going over the quota.
Maybe they've stopped counting up-loads & have forgotten to tell us? But unless you've done some torrents that would only explain about 10% maximum of data usage difference I think.

Mine is very sluggish today & was yesterday too.
LOTS of drop-outs yesterday too particularly in the evening yet on Monday I had none from mid-day. None today (yet) but I've only been connected for less than an hour.

I noticed on the UK website they're selling the new USB Dongle
I wonder when it'll be available over here?

Cy_Kosis writes...

But unless you've done some torrents that would only explain about 10% maximum of data usage difference I think.

No torrents yesterday. I did look at YouTube stuff and downloaded some software updates, but nothing that would cause excessive uploading.

Maybe they've stopped counting up-loads & have forgotten to tell us?

I don't think that's the case. The bill I've been issued for the last month that ended 2 days ago pretty much has what has been displayed on the P&E/Call Details, so I guess Call Details is accurate in terms of what you have to pay.

dannyboi writes...

No torrents yesterday.

I didn't think you had mate, you usually leave that till the end of the cycle IF you have spare quota.

Maybe they've stopped counting up-loads & have forgotten to tell us?

I don't think that's the case.

Me neither, was simply speculation from one of the wackier voices in my head.

The bill I've been issued for the last month that ended 2 days ago pretty much has what has been displayed on the P&E/Call Details, so I guess Call Details is accurate in terms of what you have to pay.

Yeah they are, but if they're not complete (remember telcos & ISPs can charge for usage up to 190 days later) then we'll never come out in front.
I'm just wondering when my afternoon 100MB session from the 16th of MAY is going to suddenly arrive, as it still hasn't shown up in Call Details even though the invoice has been finalised.
Cheers.

Not being a fanboi, as i have both Voda and Unwired. I think if youre looking for a service that just does mobile broadband within the metro area, Unwired is by far a better service, thats assuming you are in their coverage 'green' areas. The problem with voda is probably because we need to share the bandwidth with voice traffic, and in peak times their QoS probably kicks the data traffic off, so we drop out. if you do the maths, voice is typically 56Kbps channel, may not seem like a lot, but they are dedicated data bandwidth channels, and you multiply that by say 100 voice connections at any one tower, theres not much left for data.

~~WITTGENSTEIN~~ writes...

I think if youre looking for a service that just does mobile broadband within the metro area, Unwired is by far a better service, thats assuming you are in their coverage 'green' areas.

The reason why I joined Vodafone was because I couldn't get a decent signal from Unwired. I was fully covered in the 'green' areas in their coverage maps, but it turned out that my nearest tower was 1.5km away, and facing a pretty much unusable room. I was downloading at 16kb/s on their $30/month plan for 3GB which didn't seem to make sense, so I used the moneyback guarantee and subsequently joined Vodafone.

Vodafone speed is decent enough generally, but I've been receiving too many drop outs lately. Quite frustrated at that.

Cy_Kosis writes...

Maybe they've stopped counting up-loads & have forgotten to tell us?

Back when I started the action against VF management told me "the VMC doesn't count uploads", & I was stunned & speechless, because it clearly does/did. (albeit not accurately)

dannyboi writes...

much unusable room. I was downloading at 16kb/s on their $30/month plan for 3GB which didn't seem to make sense, so I used the moneyback guarantee and subsequently joined Vodafone.

I'd give Vodafone a positive review if they got their network stable, and at least guarantee 512K-1024kb connection... but thats what they arent doing. It slike 2Mbps, 5kb, drop out, wait 5mins, and again again... dunno if you can call that broadband. If it was stable, id say its better value than unwired. thats "if" ;)

I lost 3G last night about 11.30.
My modem is set to 3G only so of course it dropped out.
I waited a while to see if it'd come back but gave up & went to bed. 3G is back today.
I know I could've switched to 3G preferred & got back on-line but as i said it was late.
Cheers

~~WITTGENSTEIN~~ writes...

I'd give Vodafone a positive review if they got their network stable, and at least guarantee 512K-1024kb connection... but thats what they arent doing. It slike 2Mbps, 5kb, drop out, wait 5mins, and again again...

Where a bouts in Melbourne are you (roughly) as my Voda connection has been running (connected) no probs since 7am today which it does day in, day out. I also travel a fair bit and I get the same results Oz wide. I very rarely have any drop outs and the speed is fine IMHO for a mobile based system.

Edit: I will add a screen dump for the fun of it... http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5356/voda5hrsvj8.jpg

notmyfault writes...

Where a bouts in Melbourne are you (roughly) as my Voda connection has been running (connected) no probs since 7am today which it does day in, day out.

Maybe not the question of where am i, but where are you? :)

Ive used this connection in Melbourne Nth and Inner West Sydney – the results are pretty much the same.

IVe used it with both the Card and USB version. from the posts here , one would conclude that the service is pretty ordinary.

~~WITTGENSTEIN~~ writes...

It slike 2Mbps, 5kb, drop out, wait 5mins, and again again... dunno if you can call that broadband. If it was stable, id say its better value th

That has been happening to me a lot lately. Not really sure why though. Damn RAS 631 errors! I haven't disconnected anything and VMC reckons I have...

Unwired I have to say was consistent, although consistently slow in my case.

The past 3 days has been terrible. Lost ½ – ¾ of my speeds & reliability hasn't improved either.
Anyone else had this happen this week?

Cy_Kosis writes...

The past 3 days has been terrible. Lost ½ – ¾ of my speeds & reliability hasn't improved either.
Anyone else had this happen this week?

I guess my speeds have been 100kbps or so slower than usual. Reliability has decreased quite a lot though. I think it's around 10 drop outs a day, from RAS631 errors and just general no data movement. I managed to have the modem disconnection thing again today, although this is once over the last week (on my own long cable) compared with once a day the previous week (on the supplied long cable).

I wonder if it's something to do with my computer. No one else seems to be getting 631 errors.. hmmm

dannyboi writes...

I wonder if it's something to do with my computer. No one else seems to be getting 631 errors.. hmmm

I'm wondering if there isn't a bunch of defective modem chipsets out there?
Not everyone seems to get the problems but those that do aren't confined to any particular network nor the E220 modem.

On another matter, I stated earlier that it seemed VF had ceased supplying the longer 2 plug cord.
I was at my friends place yesterday & it was sitting in the case, so they ARE still supplying them.
Just not supplying a decent service.
Cheers
EDIT: link to the No Cable Comment

as my username says.

all i bloody want is a stable connection. nothing more frustrating that when you are half way in the middle of the raid and your connection drops.

i hate it, the service is shithouse, but its all i can get, otherwise i have to go back to dial-up.

i generally get speeds better than dial-up bot nothing special, but the constant drops outs of late is whats really starting to give me the shits.

just not good enough, yet what else is there for someone who cant get normal adsl becuase of stupid telstra not having "the infastrucute" in my street for me to get adsl.

bloody bullshit i reckon, its nothing more than attempt by telstra to get people onto their wireless network which is damn expensive to do anything.

Im in a brand new house, in a brand new estate, yet i cant get adsl of any notion. rubbish.

ive gone of a tangent, but the voda internet is shithouse, and only use it because its my only option.

would drop it in a second if i got normal adsl

stable_con_please writes...

i generally get speeds better than dial-up bot nothing special, but the constant drops outs of late is whats really starting to give me the shits.

Those drop outs are extremely annoying. Just had 4 drop outs today.

generally, the connection is shithouse, normally around 2 or 3 times quicker than dial-up, but at times i can get decent runs as well

but i wouldnt have a huge issue with the service it didnt drop out so much, its that which kills me.

i play LOTRO and get involved in rifts and raids, and when you are 3 or 4 hours into a raid, and your connection drops and you have to restart the connection and the game, its just a pain in the ass.

really, we should be paying about half what we currently do for this shithouse services, but i reckon i would actually pay more if they doubled the limit and ensured that there was no longer any drop outs.

service is just flapen shithouse

hey all..

for the last few months i've had trouble viewing some website on Voda...
for example, birch.com.au . This works on all other connections except my voda one.

anybody had this issue?

`DaJ0Pe writes...

This works on all other connections except my voda one.

That site has so many embedded Jpegs & flash windows it's nearly 48KB.
Maybe you still have the VF optimisation settings on high?

`DaJ0Pe writes...

for the last few months i've had trouble viewing some website on Voda...
for example, birch.com.au . This works on all other connections except my voda one.

Not really. Do take a look at the optimisation, but things are fine on my end. Adblock Plus does block 3 of those pesky ads from that page though.

will check out the optimisation stuff.. cherrs all

Ok. I just got my bill.
It appears we now get free stuff.

Cy_Kosis writes...

we now get free stuff.

?

`DaJ0Pe writes...

Cy_Kosis writes...

we now get free stuff.

?

Yup, new F code for Included in Free airtime entitlement whatever that means

Cy_Kosis writes...

Yup, new F code for Included in Free airtime entitlement whatever that means

It probably means what's included in the $39. That is, the 5GB that are 'free'.

And the S or whatever you mentioned in the other thread is the excess for anything we use over. Vodafone and free simply don't go together :P

dannyboi writes...

It probably means what's included in the $39. That is, the 5GB that are 'free'.

And the S or whatever you mentioned in the other thread is the excess for anything we use over

Yeah, but the S stuff has NO $ value beside them & is the code that was in use previously. Plus there are often several of each every day.
I do agree that IF we went over the quota there would be a $ value on the S coded items & these would be added to the invoice.
It's the new F code that has a $ value beside every item, over $308 in total in my case, yet the invoice is still only the usual $39.
I can't find anything about it either.

Vodafone and free simply don't go together

Yup I agree, which makes this even stranger.

Cheers

Cy_Kosis writes...

It's the new F code that has a $ value beside every item, over $308 in total in my case, yet the invoice is still only the usual $39.

So there's a $308 cost in your invoice, but in the end it works out to be $39?

EDIT: Just checked my online bill and it does say that I have made $415.66 in F calls, but they the final cost ends up as $0. Very strange indeed.

dannyboi writes...

So there's a $308 cost in your invoice, but in the end it works out to be $39?

Correct, but total usage according to the finalised cycle CSV shows 3479618KB (3.318GB) so it's only running a cost for some of the month @ .10c/MB otherwise it'd be about $332.
Like you, I think it's all part our quota HOWEVER there's the "Old" S code stuff that doesn't have the $ value.
Last month the "F" code wasn't even there.
Well it was there, it just wasn't used on our invoices as far as I can tell. It wasn't on mine anyway.
Totally confusing & MAYBE they ARE going to make their Website (& maybe others) a "Free Zone" as even Telstra do with theirs?
Who knows.
Cheers

It's not unusual for voda to engage in deceptive conduct.

I have been dealing with them, on and off, for 15 years at work and personally.

They couldn't lie straight in bed.

Pirates.

Well I have lodged my complaint with the TIO against this Vodafone rip-off. Voda still won't budge and want to charge me to get out of the contract, which is a total joke.
The drop-outs and below dial-up speed are absolutely ridiculous...along with the constant false promise of a better service....next month....always next month.
Vodafone should never have sold this product knowing full well it was not ready in most areas of Australia. That is just wrong and stupid.

Thankfully I changed over to another provider, using the same hardware/technology and it works perfect, as stated and I even got a trial period to make sure it was right for me.

This was the first and last time I will seek services from Vodafone...sorry but you simply cannot succeed in business by ripping people off....you will always be a joke in my books.

So true. I had the same problems with Virgin got out of that contract signed up with Vodafone and am very frustrated with thier service too. The constant drop outs and stalled connections are a real problem. You said in your post you have changed providers and have found it much better.

Who are these new providers of yours? Is it still mobile broadband?

I changed to Optus mobile broadband with the same e220 modem and it works a treat! I am in Newcastle NSW.

Edit: Just called the complaints line, got through straight away, they credited the dishonor fee and said when I get the bill that I disagree with (the one that says $190 or so on their website) ring them again and come to a solution.

I'm on the phone a.t.m with vodafone, this is try #3.

First call = 30 mins of waiting – and got hung up on.

Second Call = 1hour 10 mins – Got impatient – no one answered once again

Third call = Now – 40 mins of waiting

They've put a dishonour fee on my account, recharged me for last month (have paid it), and looks like my next bill is $190 yet they never notified me of going over usage.

Just a tad annoyed.. x 100

T

I

O

Did those 2 posts really need to wast precious database space...

I will call the TIO if no resolution is found, but as of right now, there is no issue.

Today I was able to get out of my contract and dont have to pay any contract exit (which was $500).
Thanks to TIO and one call to Vodafone.

holotropik writes...

Today I was able to get out of my contract and dont have to pay any contract exit (which was $500).
Thanks to TIO and one call to Vodafone.

$500 for cancelling the contract would've been ridiculous. TIO does it's work once again.

Ben_G writes...

there is no issue

Then what are you complaining about! :\

omano-jaku writes...

Then what are you complaining about! :\

I solved the issue after spending like 3hrs trying to get through to them.

And I edited the post to reflect this.

=)

Gutsa writes...

So true. I had the same problems with Virgin got out of that contract signed up with Vodafone and am very frustrated with thier service too.

To date, the only provide that is good quality is Telstra's NextG. No surprise since they spent $1Bn recently upgrading their network. If I ran a business which was dependant on mobile connectivity, I would not even consider these other providers. Even for home broadband, the entire thing has been a joke. You really do get what you pay for. Neve rrang more true.

EnglishBluesman writes...

To date, the only provide that is good quality is Telstra's NextG

I have severed all contact with tel$tra due to its unconscionable behaviour, negligent underinvestment in infrastructure and obscene executive salaries.

How any sane Australian could WANT to give their money to this mob is beyond me. It's tragically necessary for some.

Please play fanbois in a tel$tra thread.

deeranger writes...

How any sane Australian could WANT to give their money to this mob is beyond me. It's tragically necessary for some.

My post wasn't intended as Telstra flag waving, but in reality, their mobile service is the only one up to scratch, especially if you are a business user. You can ask anyone, even customers from their competitors. If I ran a business which depended on wireless and mobile connectivity, do you think I would go for this shoddy vodafone service? I have subscribed the Vodafone myself, and I can honestly say, its not even suitable for consumer broadband use, I actually want my money back, but couldn't be bothered due to hurdles in terminating the contract. I know from people that the Telstra service does not go offline every 30mins, and you can get true HSDPA, I think its 3.6Mbps (or more speed) guaranteed.

EnglishBluesman writes...

I know from people that the Telstra service does not go offline every 30mins, and you can get true HSDPA, I think its 3.6Mbps (or more speed) guaranteed.

They only get away with this Internet "murder" because there is no definition on what broadband is:
EXACT NUMBER OF KB/SEC and CONTIUITY OF SERVICE.

Chances are that one day there will be definite description of service and all the clowns will have to provide real service or disappear!

George writes...

Chances are that one day there will be definite description of service

Chances are more likely there won't, unless more people tell the powers that be, they will never see the need.

omano-jaku writes...

Chances are more likely there won't, unless more people tell the powers that be, they will never see the need.

Chances are that as long as the powers that be accept donations from business, we'll continue to be screwed on every front, back, side and combination of the above.

Oh I got an sms from VF advising I have 5% left of my bundle, which would be 256meg, but the online meter says 178, & that's despite roughly 300 going through VMC.

I used around 300-500meg on the apple also but have no way of knowing more precisely than that. That puts VMC out of the picture anyway, so I need to go by the online meter which wasn't available the other night, and on anecdotal evidence isn't right either.

Btw performance (& I use that term very loosely) recently has been just abysmal, to the point of actually being unusable.

I had an epiphany last night where the secrets of the universe were revealed to me. I tried to get on here & share the wonders with WPers, but the VF gods intervened and it wasn't to be. Today when I awoke, the secrets had vanished from my mind, and the world shall never know...

Omano Jaku writes...

I had an epiphany last night

I try not to get on the piph on Thursdays as the answers seem less meaningful come Phriday.

Edit: don't laugh, gimmee aura!

Just used 150MB through VMC – online meter shows 170MB left.

edit: guess I should be thankful I had the first 4 months refunded each time & currently have 4 months credit. :}

(fingers crossed for the whole 24mths gratis)

Just logged on & it's only 20MB. :(

EnglishBluesman writes...

My post wasn't intended as Telstra flag waving, but in reality, their mobile service is the only one up to scratch, especially if you are a business user.

Heh don't worry about deeranger, he's a known anti Telstra troll, if your happy with the service Telstra supplies then I wouldn't be to fused about the constant sooks from some whirlpool users.

We would all love Telstra's BB product a bit cheaper, but at the end of the day you choose to pay for the quality. One day if Virgin get their act together and can provide some sort of reliable phone and BB service for the cost I might even look at them, but that will be a long while of yet I think. Voda, what can I say no problems here, slower than NextG but still very usable regardless.

notmyfault writes...

anti Telstra troll

= informed consumer

= ethical investor

= $ in front

I think the best mobile broadband service so far is coming from Telstra and Three? You would expect that Telstra has the best service since they're supposed to be everywhere and covering the most people (all at a premium price).
Three is doing relatively well (at least I think so) because I think they only need to worry about their 3G infrastructure, so they can invest some effort into making that better.

I don't even have a worry about the data tracking software. I'm flat out staying connected or keeping a stable download.
For all concerned here is an email i've just sent to their complaints department and this is the only way to get them to earn the dollars for the contract.

The Complaints email is – vodafone@custhelp.com (who knows maybe it gets sent straight to the bin). Please note this is my experiance and my personal opinions. If you have positive dealings with vodafone then you must be kissed on the d#ck by the vodafone angel.

Dear Vodafone,

I cannot believe the service that Vodafone are locking people into.

I have been with Vodafone since January / February on the $39 mobile broadband deal and 9 out of 10 times I connect, I cannot find a positive thing to say about it. It continuously proves it self frustrating and nothing more. It’s meant to be a 5 gig deal and the way it is, I can not maintain a connection or stable download to even get anywhere near 3 gig of download in a month and I'm fed up .

I am well within the advertised mobile broadband areas and I have followed all the online suggestions to correct any problems that I might have.

I feel totally ripped off, I feel I have been conned and I feel I have been told lies to. But wait there’s more…

I see that Vodafone is still pushing this crap $39 mobile broadband deal in magazines, in the shopping centres and Vodafone stores. I can't imagine that if Vodafone was having troubles with providing a service (as stated in a prior email to me) shortly after I signed the contract, how can Vodafone still be providing this same crap service to new customers (contract suckers) knowing that there will be no stable reliable broadband connection no matter where you live?

Vodafone can you fix this to a reliable broadband service?

Vodafone are you even interested in providing a level of service once a contract is signed?

Is Vodafone is happy to take the full amount of $39/month of my hard earned money by direct debit and not honor Vodafones side of the deal, of providing a mobile broadband service?

If not for the above what is the next step for me?

Who do I take this issue too or can we do something to fix this?

RG

Hey Gutsa, what's the bet you'll get back something like:-
"Hello RG. Thankyou for your email.
We're sorry you're apparently getting a bad service.
If I were you I'd call Data Services at on 1300 650 410"
Then they'll close the ticket as SOLVED.
Absolute disgrace they are.
Cheers

I don't know if anyone is as sick of the alleged VF BB as i am.
I'm done with it.
Will be arranging a landline & ADSL tomorrow & if VF want any money from me they can sue me.
I consider the multiple drop-outs, freeze-ups & sub 200kbps "speeds" a breach of contract on their behalf, thereby invalidating it.
Bye bye VF.
EDIT: Internet died as I was loading this post & just got back.
Final straw.
Cya VF

Okay, all you guys absolutely sick-to-death of VF, can you please answer me 1 question? (<- not this one)

Why won't you make 1 free call to the TIO?

I'd really like to know what everyone is scared of. Seriously.

Omano Jaku writes...

Why won't you make 1 free call to the TIO?

Who says I haven't?
Maybe I'm just not advertising that fact while working through the process.
As you know, they're not the first step.

Omano Jaku writes...

Why won't you make 1 free call to the TIO?

Got the number handy?

George writes...

Got the number handy?

1800 062 058

tio@tio.com.au

Online Complaint Form

I haven't read this thread today because my voda wireless is kind of slow.

I am finding that this is just about useless in peak times. It makes me pretty angry so I tend to avoid using it. maybe that's voda's plan.

I would hope that someone at voda is aware that the service is a bit crummy and are going to sort it.

Is that wishful thinking?

Glennie writes...

I would hope that someone at voda is aware that the service is a bit crummy

They know. I don't know if they actually care or not.

are going to sort it

Who knows. Personally, I think not.

Is that wishful thinking?

Probably

Cy_Kosis writes...

Who says I haven't?

I'm not searching for the post, but I think you made it pretty clear.

Cy Kosis writes...

1800 062 058

tio@tio.com.au

Online Complaint Form

Thanks, will be handy

George writes...

Thanks, will be handy

Yeah they are & you're welcome.

Vodafone is getting worse each day, the speed tonight is absolutely sh1thouse. MSN wont load, cant read my email, rang there helpdesk on several occasions but sick of speaking to someone in India who reads scripts and continually tells me it may be my settings.. I sat there and asked the guy why is it only fuc|<ed during peak periods and he had no idea..

It's not only peak, if it was I could understand, but it's the same @ 3 o'clock in the morning.

e3w2q1 writes...

Vodafone is getting worse each day, the speed tonight is absolutely sh1thouse. MSN wont load, cant read my email,

I'll second that. It happened last night and tonight. Hopefully has to do with some network fixes for the sake of the customers, rather than just being a shithouse service overall.

This problem occurred a few months ago and stayed like this for at least 2 weeks.

dannyboi writes...

This problem occurred a few months ago and stayed like this for at least 2 weeks.

Just had several hours of freeze-ups, time-outs, drop-outs & RAS errors of various types etc.
Won't even try a speed test just now, I doubt it will load without a refresh or 2 anyway.

Cy Kosis writes...

Just had several hours of freeze-ups, time-outs, drop-outs & RAS errors of various types etc.

RAS 619 came back after a 2 month absence. Things are really really screwing up now. Hope it doesn't repeat itself tonight, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Has anyone thought that the increasing slowness of the Vodafone 3g network may be due to the release of the IPhone last week?
I had similar issues with my 3g network connection getting slower and slower to the point where now I can only connect on GPRS. I am running a Mac with the VMC software and when trying to connect to 3G the server would hang on "authenticating user".
I'm not sure if this is the same for everyone else. I'm located in Dalkeith, Perth. Anyone else with the same issues in this area?
Let's hope people put their IPhones to rest soon so we can get back on our 3G network.

laurette writes...

Has anyone thought that the increasing slowness of the Vodafone 3g network may be due to the release of the IPhone last week?

That could be a realistic scenario. The news this morning mentioned how most iPhone owners could be 'shocked' by their first bill, with all the surfing they're doing. Maybe that could scare them off and make them use the iPhone only for calls and music :P

laurette writes...

Has anyone thought that the increasing slowness of the Vodafone 3g network may be due to the release of the IPhone last week?

A feasible explanation if it wasn't for the fact the network has been rubbish for months.
With the hysteria over the iPhone I suspect it'll only get worse.
$49.95 a month for 4 GB on naked, $59.95 for 16GB & $79.95 set-up.
Tempting.

My internet is pretty messed up tonight again. Things aren't loading fully. They'll load halfway and just hang.
It's 1AM, so I don't see what the excuse is. Surely it has nothing to do with peak usage now.

dannyboi writes...

Surely it has nothing to do with peak usage now.

Yes it is mate.
Everyone who uses it know it's rubbish during the day so have turned into vampires & now, like us, use it at night, the NEW peak time lol.

Cy Kosis writes...

Yes it is mate.
Everyone who uses it know it's rubbish during the day so have turned into vampires & now, like us, use it at night, the NEW peak time lol.

Vodafone might come up with some new fineprint. "Speeds will be slowed during peak times. PS. Peak time is 24/7".

I can't say that I'm at all happy about this. Trying to Ebay and the things aren't loading up properly.

dannyboi writes...

Speeds will be slowed during peak times. PS. Peak time is 24/7".

Tis always peak time somewhere

I can't say that I'm at all happy about this. Trying to Ebay and the things aren't loading up properly.

I'm not having so many freeze-ups tonight so i'll log off & leave some more bandwidth for others lol.
Hope you win your auction.

Cheers.

P.S. Only 3 drop-outs tonight.

I have the exact same problem as my VMC grossly underestimate the quota by more than 50%
In june i was fined $505 and this month my fine will be $450.

i've requested Vodafone twice to send my log in password so i could log onto their website but they didn't.

they say it was my fault for exceeding the quota when my use for the two months has been more or less the same since i subscribe with vodafone.

Vodafone then claimed that they have SMS me on the date that i exceeded my data but i received no SMS for those two months till today (24 JULY).

i need some advice,
would it be wise to take this matter to the
communications ombundsman as some of you have similar issues.

Couragethedog writes...

In june i was fined $505 and this month my fine will be $450.

OUCH!!

Oh, welcome to Whirlpool Couragethedog.

i've requested Vodafone twice to send my log in password so i could log onto their website but they didn't.

Ummm, don't you pick your own when you 1st register? Using the info from the account (including the numerical password you gave them on sign-up)? Or is it they sms you one then, at registration, & to the modem's sim?
It's been a while so I'm not sure if I'm remembering correctly.

i need some advice,
would it be wise to take this matter to the
communications ombundsman as some of you have similar issues.

I guess you could try them. It costs nothing so you have nothing to lose & they are in a better situation to advise you further.

EDIT:
TIO links back here
Cheers

Couragethedog writes...

I have the exact same problem as my VMC grossly underestimate the quota by more than 50%
In june i was fined $505 and this month my fine will be $450.

You were basing your usage on VMC? That's the most unreliable piece of metering software ever I have to say. I thought it was bad when I went over by $34, but $900 for two months?!
I think you have a case with the TIO against Vodafone, with them not providing enough advice on your usage and not putting the effort to ensure that you do, after you requested help.

Vodafone then claimed that they have SMS me on the date that i exceeded my data but i received no SMS for those two months till today (24 JULY).

Well unless that's on a per user request system, I never received such an SMS as well. They did not provide adequate instructions on receiving this SMS, so they left you in the dark.

they say it was my fault for exceeding the quota when my use for the two months has been more or less the same since i subscribe with vodafone.

That's partially true, considering how you would have received the first bill and realised that you went over. Maybe it would have been better to deal with it back then. Explain to the TIO your situation in detail, and see their response.

dannyboi writes...

Vodafone might come up with some new fineprint. "Speeds will be slowed during peak times. PS. Peak time is 24/7".

I find speeds are ok. Its just this horrible internet traffic coming to a complete stand still and the need to disconnect and re-connect for it work again.

this is what is annoying the hell out of me! :(

Ignition writes...

I find speeds are ok.

I did until about 3 weeks ago, then I lost the 1.5Mb/s average I was getting & noe I'm lucky to get 300kbps.

Its just this horrible internet traffic coming to a complete stand still and the need to disconnect and re-connect for it work again.

That & the drop-outs have been my bugbear since day 1.
Just had the first drop-out for the day too.

Cheers

Ignition writes...

I find speeds are ok. Its just this horrible internet traffic coming to a complete stand still and the need to disconnect and re-connect for it work again.

That as well. Reliability is not Vodafone's strong point. From 8pm until 1am, the internet for me messes up really badly. Things keep timing out and the only thing I can barely load is WP. Even MSN doesn't work then.

It started happening again since Sunday, so I'm not sure what the reason this time around is. As opposed to a gradual decline in service, it just seems to jump from reasonable to bad in a split second.

Ignition writes...

Its just this horrible internet traffic coming to a complete stand still and the need to disconnect and re-connect for it work again.

Might be intentional on Voda's part to limit their exposure to mass downloading (P2P etc). So everyone suffers. It seems Optus plays this nasty game with us too. Of course, they don't have the spine to admit it, but they have had about 9 months to fix the problem they know exists and have done nothing.

dannyboi writes...

'shocked' by their first bill

More like by the crap speeds.
I noticed an iphone ad with the keyword 'speed'. (I think I snorted)

edit: 503 error: Time out

Couragethedog writes...

I have the exact same problem as my VMC grossly underestimate the quota by more than 50%

In june i was fined $505 and this month my fine will be $450.

If you pay that you're either mad or a fool, & I don't mean that as a flame, just DON'T PAY IT!

(Everyone's prob waiting for me to say it, but I'm not gonna anymore, I've said it more than enough we thinks)

Omano Jaku writes...

If you pay that you're either mad or a fool, & I don't mean that as a flame, just DON'T PAY IT!

I've tried calling them again today to reverse my excess charges, but I'm not getting through at all. Waited for 15min and had "Bohemian Like You" being played in a loop several times over and over.
I'm bloody annoyed now. It's like they don't exist at all.

dannyboi writes...

Reliability is not Vodafone's strong point. From 8pm until 1am, the internet for me messes up really badly. Things keep timing out and the only thing I can barely load is WP. Even MSN doesn't work then.

And surprise surprise no support after 8pm to 8 am

George writes...

And surprise surprise no support after 8pm to 8 am
George, to be totally correct that statement should read
And surprise surprise no support
LOL

In a strange way that period between 8pm and 8am without "no support that is there 8am to 8pm" could be even better, as you don't get support and don't get upset by not being able to get through, not being able to understand why support personnel tries pull wool on your eyes if you are lucky to last long enough to get through Lara hoops and imbecyllic musical jingles.

For some reason I get upset even thinking of it.

George writes...

In a strange way that period between 8pm and 8am without "no support that is there 8am to 8pm" could be even better, as you don't get support and don't get upset by not being able to get through, not being able to understand why support personnel tries pull wool on your eyes if you are lucky to last long enough to get through Lara hoops and imbecyllic musical jingles.

The difference I can see between 8am – 8pm & 8pm – 8am is the call ends as expected & quicker during the latter period.
Also it's a lot less stressful & the call actually makes sense.

George writes...

Lara hoops and imbecyllic musical jingles.

*holds onto phone*
My call is important. I'm moving up in the queue. Someone will talk to me soon....

lol

My attempt at calling them today was ridiculous. Had 'Bohemian Like You' blaring through the phone, and it looped towards the end on a non-stop cycle. I decided to hang up than chase my excess charges.

I'm really really sick of this fkn crappy isp, ever since i signed the contract with Vodafon in March, I've been suffering from this shit ass internet, getting dropped out every day and night. EVERY. And i've been calling the customer care about this issue, all the crap i got was, "everything will be fine after end of March", "everything will eb alright after end of May" , "Everything will be fine after June", And now i'm still getting shit like" All will be done in July", what the hell was that? From March till July, I've been getting dropped out every night ! And tonight within 30 mins I got dced for more than 20 times !!! What a sucky company this is. I've tried to call to terminate the contract, but surprisingly, no one picking up the phone. I wanna know if I am to terminate the contract with this shit isp, do i have to pay the fine till the end of the contract? Even if this fkn company not providing the promised service?

Fishlover writes...

And tonight within 30 mins I got dced for more than 20 times !!!

same here.. tonight, as usual, i have had constant disconnections....

Fishlover writes...

I'm really really sick of this fkn crappy isp

That;s just it though Vodafone are not an ISP they are a Mobile Telecommunications Company.

Dannyboi, you've made what anyone would consider a reasonable attempt to have your concerns heard.
The TIO (DAH! bugger, I said it) will give you the direct number for senior support. Then every time you have any problem you just call that number.

Don't get mad, get even.

Omano Jaku writes...

The TIO (DAH! bugger, I said it)

No-one minds you suggesting the TIO Omano, just the impression you tended to convey that they're the first port of call for people.

Dannyboi, you've made what anyone would consider a reasonable attempt to have your concerns heard.

True, throw them a few emails too.
Their standard "call data services" or "call billing" replies are actually very popular at the TIO & the ACCC.
It's proof of

• previous attempts to get the problems rectified,
• the ongoing problems
• (1 a week for 5 months about each of the ongoing problems plus 1 for every network outage) &
• VF's abysmal customer service

& we ALL know how much statutory bodies love proof.
Cheers

I've never intended to give the impression they're the first port of call.
(Even though the hold message says they're the last point, whilst only providing a contact # which gets you to the first step)

I've always said to try VF a few times, a 'reasonable' effort.
But given our unilateral experiences, it's pretty unreasonable to persist for any more than a couple of days. It's clear VF take no notice of us, & we're all ringing about the same thing.

Name one other company where you can't actually contact them. It's not at all 'reasonable' by any stretch of the imagination.

As you know Cy_Ko, the TIO just give you a phone number with which you can actually get onto someone at VF who can actually do something. Then you never have to hear Lara again, you always call THAT number (that I've been requested/advised not to disclose (+ against WP policy)).

We all know it's a waste of time ringing VF (I even sent an obscene email that was never heard from again & I expected to be cut-off or visited by the fuzz), so try the standard amount, when you're tired of banging your head against a wall, move on to the next step & wonder what all the fuss was about.

Simply don't waste time where you don't need to, & you don't need to, that's all.

edit: people on here are asking over & over what they can do, this can't be good enough. I just keep saying the same thing over & over but no-one seems to do it.

Just a thought for people to try, if they want to have a go at cancelling their contract – cut & paste the speed results from the other thread, no handles please, just the figures, & use them to demonstrate categorical below-contract (unacceptable) speeds.

You don't even need to be right, if you put up a reasonable argument, VF would rather drop you, then have any complaints. If you want out just have a crack. Nothing to lose & everthing to gain (??)

Omano Jaku writes...

edit: people on here are asking over & over what they can do, this can't be good enough.

I agree people do keep asking the same things.
It's just a pity they don't actually read the threads to know exactly what to do. Plenty of people have given them the exact procedures to follow.

As you know Cy_Ko, the TIO just give you a phone number with which you can actually get onto someone at VF who can actually do something.

Yup, I've had it since March.

THAT number (that I've been requested/advised not to disclose

You want the ones for Telstra, Optus & AAPT?

(+ against WP policy))

Opps, never mind.

(I even sent an obscene email that was never heard from again

I bet the reply is buried away in your vodafone/contact us/My stuff (or something like that) marked "Solved".
All mine are, however I always fire back a response asking what's the point of an email support system that only ever says "call lara".
They have yet to reply to these.
However, like I said in earlier posts, it's a nice little paper trail (albeit electronic) that can be pointed back too, especially the ones with embedded screen shots of HSDPA "speeds", as seen on the VMC & the FF download manger, of sub dial-up speeds.
Also did a screen shot avi for them, showing a 25MB download.
Too big to email though, even when I converted it to flash.
Well, a 30 minute AVI, even in Divx, will do that lol.

Name one other company where you can't actually contact them.

Optus, dodo, TPG, AAPT & any of the banks.

Just a thought for people to try, if they want to have a go at cancelling their contract – cut & paste the speed results from the other thread, no handles please, just the figures, & use them to demonstrate categorical below-contract (unacceptable) speeds.

I have emailed the links to that thread, this one (& part 2) as well as the connection & billing threads.
As you've said, they know about the problems.
I just don't know if they either care or are in fact totally incapable of fixing it.

One more thing for EVERYONE to remember.
Yes we're angry with them, yes were pist, but the guys & girls who answer the phone (if it's answered) are just working people following instructions.
As much as we'd like it to be IT'S NOT