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Johannesburg - Fin24 users support a move by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to investigate mobile networks over price increases.
Last week, the NCC announced a full-scale investigation into mobile networks’ price increases for contract subscribers.
Vodacom [JSE:VOD] and MTN [JSE:MTN] adjusted cellular contract prices upwards earlier this year. Cell C also announced contract price hikes in December 2014.
As a result, the NCC received 32 complaints from customers who felt they had been wronged.
The NCC will now, in a 12 month investigation, determine if mobile networks can hike tariffs in the middle of contract, or postpaid, periods.
“As such we will audit the terms and conditions of mobile network service providers in relation to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and its regulations,” NCC spokesperson Trevor Hattingh told Fin24 last week.
In response to the report, Fin24 users have come out in support of the NCC’s move.
“I think this investigation is good because the service provider cannot just increase prices in the middle of a contract,” said Fin24 user Peter.
“That is pure daylight robbery. Furthermore they did not even consult with the consumers. I strongly believe it's unfair to us,” said Peter.
Fin24 user Michelle says networks are in the wrong.
“It is rather unfair to increase contracts when consumers signed a 24 month contract based on a specific price and the amount calculated thereof for the contract period. That's their commitment in terms of their affordability. Any possible increases should've or should be discussed with consumers before a contract is signed,”
Fin24 user Shaheed agrees with the investigation.
“Yes, I agree that it must be investigated. We cannot have these corporate companies do as they please. These price hikes were never explained to me when I took out my contracts. I am sure there are many others that feel the same.”
Meanwhile, Fin24 user Naas van der Walt has also cried foul over the price increases.
“I personally think that is unfair that there should be a price increase I have bad reception at home and I have to run out of the house to get some reception and MTN wants to increase the contract payments...I will be a pensioner in a few months time and won’t be able to pay an increase.”
Fin24 user Stella Smith wrote:
“Dear editor, a contract is a contract. I think it’s wrong – legally- for Vodacom to change the terms suddenly in the middle of a contract term. I objected when they did it and they didn’t bother to reply to my e-mail. This has to be bad ethics and leaves one wondering whether they can be trusted for the future. If they can just suddenly deduct money from my account without my permission, that has to be wrong. It doesn’t comply with treating customers fairly. I’m pleased someone is going to look into this. Hopefully that will prevent it happening again.”
Fin24 user Seeiso has more high praise for the NCC:
“I hereby would also like to thank the commission to investigate the said matter cause when you sign a contract with the service provider they don't make you aware of such things. As a consumer I cannot take the blame for other people who are terminating their contracts because they are having their own reasons of which some of them are been caused by the very same service provider by rendering poor services to the consumers. As a consumer you sign a contract having been budgeted for it now if someone out of space just increase the price in the middle of the contract it is in bridge of the contract. If I as the consumer decide to break the contract in the middle of it because I can't afford it they charge a certain amount or you have to buy out that contract because you have agreed to the terms and conditions but if it’s not stipulated that the price might go up within the contract term then this is the unfair consumer practice.”
