26 Mar 2012 - Update Highest Rated Pain Stories Highest Rated Gain Stories Vodafail Local Facebook Page
Dear visitor,

Since its inception Vodafail.com has made a significant contribution towards raising awareness of the problems and issues faced by Vodafone customers.

Vodafone Australia customers have had the opportunity to voice their concerns, their fears and their troubles from every corner of Australia and beyond our borders. You have gathered the courage to stand up for your rights as consumers and to make your voice heard.

Each and every person who shared their story should have a sense of pride in this achievement and the changes that have occurred since the start of Vodafail.com.

More recently, traffic to Vodafail.com has declined significantly. Having achieved the goal of raising awareness and promoting concrete action in early 2011, we have now reached the point of closing Vodafail to new complaints. The site will remain online for as long as possible as a reminder and an example of what is possible when we share our experiences.

It has been a privilege to run this initiative and I'm am forever grateful for the help and support I've received. In particular I would like to thank Melissa, David and Travis for their continued efforts over the past 15 months. I'm also thankful and humbled by the support of ACCAN, Choice magazine and a wide range of media outlets, blogs and websites.

You can still browse existing stories and find out how to file a complaint if you are experiencing problems.

Until next time,

Adam Brimo

Share Your Pain


Vodafail.com is no longer accepting complaints.
Over the past 6 months traffic to Vodafail has declined significantly. Therefore we have closed off Vodafail to new complaints. We think you will find more joy in posting on any one of these fine product / brand review sites.

You can also post directly on the Vodafone community forums.

Other People's Pain


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15166 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Dreadful at 3 Feb 2011 11:38:01 AM
Having been with a rival network for years, I was lured to Vodafone with a great deal. First couple of weeks, phone was fine, and for past three months or so I cannot make one phone call without it dropping out, browser and sending emails only works when it wants to, texts work when they want to. Unfair when we are all having to fork out our hard working money, let's hope no-one has to use their phone in an emergency.

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15165 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is disappointing at 3 Feb 2011 11:37:38 AM
I migrated from 3 because I did not get 3G reception at home - migraration from 3 to vodafone was free and the 3 upgrade rep said I will have 'excellent reception' in the area (I live just 2km from Brisbane CBD) well guess she did not know her company's mess that well, because as of today I am using vodafone and I am still not getting 3G signal at home.. (i get disconnected every 10 min or so - at least edge mode works better tho) live in Highgate Hill (4101)

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15163 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is TOTALLY FAIL! at 3 Feb 2011 11:12:33 AM

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15162 Someone from ACT thinks vodafone is veryfail at 3 Feb 2011 11:04:08 AM
In my line of work, I need to make on average about 100 calls a day to local small businesses: of which I personally know almost all of the owners and contacts. How embarrassing for me then, when scheduled phone calls are over two to three hours late because i need to dial a number over 20 times in order to be connected, only then to have the call drop out. How can I as a business-man earn an income, when that income is dependent on something as simple as network reception. Vodafone: YOU FAIL!

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15161 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is EPIC FAIL but finally over! at 3 Feb 2011 10:16:16 AM
I finally had success with breaking both mine and my partners contracts after 3 months of complaining around 3 times a week. They ended up running a coverage test in my area and it appears we are in a low service area (clearly) and we were able to get our plans cancelled, with no charge provided the phones are returned. I think I had called around 40 times and my partner maybe 10 times, sent around 20 emails and was on hold for hours and hours but with some persistence I managed to sort it out. I find the cancellation team were totally useless and the tech support were much more helpful. Even once I managaed to get my contract cancelled they did not want to cancel my partners since the coverage test was done on my account however we live at the same address! After 4 calls in the past 12 hours I got it sorted, FINALLY!. The main thing is, don't give up! Just keep calling and calling. Postcocde is 6167 which is a low service area as advised from Vodafone. Offered me 6 months half price contract to stay also.... I declined! Telstra here we come =) Goodluck!
3 Feb 2011 11:15:33 AM: This is great news for you - really glad you finally got it sorted. Your comment "The main thing is, don't give up!" is uplifting and encouraging, but really... it's 2011! Even the banks have (mostly) re-learned the art of customer service and the importance of keeping customers happy. Why should we need to keep trying and trying to get a fair deal? Should it really be this hard??
4 Feb 2011 08:40:30 AM: No it shouldn't and really their customer service was a whole other lot of complaints I had. However, they make it difficult to avoid people trying. They don't want to lose more customers so they make the process so long winded and frustrating so people give up. I doubt their will be much improvement on the customer service side of things any time soon so I would rather be persistant now so I can get out as soon as I can. There is no secret Vodafone lacks customer service skills but the amount of problems they have at the moment suggests actually getting their service to work at all is the priority =) Once (if?) they have that sorted they may move to tackling their customer service issues. This is why I suggest not giving up because your just going to be stuck with them.

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15159 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is network at 3 Feb 2011 09:29:43 AM
i loved the visual voicemail, and the billing was ok, i also loved their lara , and the fact that you didnt have to hold for an operator, rather they would call back , !!! really clever, BUT in the past 6 weeks the network went to sh1t !

if only they invested in their network as much as their clever call centre software, people wouldnt have to call!!

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15156 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Useless in all areas at 3 Feb 2011 09:11:58 AM
I have been unable to get my account balance or usage details from the Vodafone website for the last 2 days. I have tried numerous times at different times of the day, from several different PCs. They can't seem to do anything right. I have experienced bad reception, non functional website, bad customer service, delayed SMS, people unable to leave a voicemail message for me yesterday. I'm changing to Optus as soon as my contract is up, which is very soon fortunately.

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15154 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Data services are very patchy at 3 Feb 2011 09:00:03 AM
Getting 3G data consistently to apps on my iPhone is very hit-and-miss; some days apps (such as TramTracker here in Victoria) get data on trams immediately - other times I get NOTHING and just a message that an "Internet Connection cannot be established". I'm getting 4-5 bars of Signal and the phone says I am connected to the "3G" network - but no data comes through. Every time you ring Vodafone, you just get told to "reset the Network Settings", which hasn't made a blind bit of difference. What is going on here? Can their network just not cope with the data load? Why is it so patchy? Bloody annoying ... of course, its always when I need it to work that it doesn't!!

I get 500Mb data a month on my plan plus a bonus 1Gb for the first 24 months - there's no point in giving me the bonus Gig, as I have yet to manage to use 500Mb because of how patchy the data feed is! UGH!!!
4 Feb 2011 05:09:25 PM: I'm on the same boat as you. I get the 'Internet connection cannot established' more than the signal 'E' or 'o'. Oh! I forgot there is also '3G' but that hardly stay on longer than 1 minutes.

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15148 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is constant delays... at 3 Feb 2011 06:59:41 AM
I am so sick and freaking tired of the time it takes for calls to be connected, voicemails to come through and data to download I could SCREAM!!!! a month ago things were average. but since then my husband & I have both noticed a sharp decline in all of the above. at times, I'm tempted to throw my phone against the wall in frustration. I have 6 more months with the incompetant company - and am counting the days until I can tell them where they can shove their poor coverage & service. problem is, is anyone any better??? I've had poor experience with optus (and virgin who use their lines from my understanding) and we all know of telstra's terrible reputation. where does that leave us??? it's down right apalling that australia has such shocking service. I had better coverage & service for a fraction of the price when I lived in indonesia - and they're a 'third world country'!!!! Vodafone - you should be rightfully ashamed of yourselves & my sincere hope it people leave you en masse seeing you are aware of these problems and are doing NOTHING about it yet still signing up more & more poor bastard with false promise. shame, shame, shame...
3 Feb 2011 11:49:12 AM: Complain to TIO, I had 6 months to go on my contract as well. Vodafone released me without any fees one day after they got my TIO complaint referred to them. Good luck.

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15147 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Vodafone Network Down at 3 Feb 2011 01:49:42 AM
I have traveled between City of Perth and Fremantle in WA and cannot get reception on my iPhone or Nokia with Vodafone. The network has been down for 35 minutes now.

It is 0050 on the 3rd February 2011.
3 Feb 2011 08:17:15 AM: it is now 0716 on the 3rd February 2011 and I have had no service for 7 hours.

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15146 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is BIG TIME FAIL.... at 3 Feb 2011 12:01:49 AM
I have been with Vodafone for years and used to tell everyone how good they were. But I have noticed lately bills are wrong, and the coverage is shocking. I have other family members on Vodafone and we are all experiencing the same problems. Connection errors, no coverage. I live in the same place, visit the same places yet now I get no coverage. I don't know whether it is because of the merger with 3 (they have always been bad) but its a big coincidence if its not......my contract is up for renewal in 2mths and I highly doubt I will renew with Vodafone unless they make some serious changes.
6 Feb 2011 04:50:04 PM: 3 is not bad. In fact before the merger they were awesome. No long waiting on customer support, usually 4 or 5 bars of signal strength... after the merger 1 or 2 bars if I am lucky. I also never had to deal with a stupid lara robot voice before (that's a Vodafone system not 3) so I think it's the other way round. Also my calls to support were usually answered in about 5 - 10 minutes tops, now its about that in hours length!!!

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15145 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is EPIC FAIL! at 2 Feb 2011 11:58:20 PM
I have really bad reception, Internet is slow, and the worst problem is im scared that people cant get through to my phone. I've had my mother tell me that she keeps calling and it just tells her that the service is unavailable, and my best friend had the same thing when she tried to contact me, we did a test and i stood next to her and she dialled my number and it said the same thing, cannot get through as unavailable, while i'm standing right next to her, what the hell!!! I just started this contract, do you think i can get out of it?!

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15144 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is so very fail at 2 Feb 2011 11:26:37 PM
They overcharged me $200 on my bill, I spent 1 hour on hold, before I finally got to talk to someone. After another 30 minutes on and off of hold it was sorted, but I worry about what would've happened if I hadn't called.

Also my partner, my best friend and I, all with vodafone, have had reception drop out on us constantly. I live in Fremantle, a largely populated area, yet they still cannot manage reception issues. I was warned not to re-new my contract with vodafone because of their horrible reception. I am coming close to breaking point, hours spent on hold simply organising to re-new my contract, constant reception drop outs and the slowest 3g internet ever experienced. Please Vodafone, fix this so I don't have to wait on hold for talking to Lara for another 60 minutes before getting disconnected.
5 Feb 2011 08:09:59 PM: I feel sorry for the call centre staff, having all their callers pre-angered or further inflamed by the long waits and Lara.

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15142 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is Same amount of fail as every other network at 2 Feb 2011 10:39:31 PM
I was originally on Vodafone and had the usual issues with poor coverage, slow internet speeds, poor Call Centre service. I then jumped over to Telstra and received horrible customer service and massive billing errors. I am now with Optus and whilst things were great at first, I am now getting coverage issues and have been overcharged AGAIN! Store staff at Vodafone and Optus were great, but issues like these have become predictable and almost expected with all providers.

I'm reasonable and understand things don't always go to plan. I treat staff with respect and don't vent my frustrations in public. But in all honesty Telecommunications Australia wide need a reality check! Telstra sure as hell is not the answer! Good coverage yes, but pay through the arse and get treated like dirt!
17 Feb 2011 09:51:38 AM: I agree, Telstra's customer service also has similar problems, you just pay more.
On Optus BYO month to month now: Bought nifty little modem-router from them for $129 and took five tries with store staff to get a satisfactory arrangement. For now, no problems. Best part is NO CONTRACT.
17 Feb 2011 09:52:03 AM: I agree, Telstra's customer service also has similar problems, you just pay more.
On Optus BYO month to month now: Bought nifty little modem-router from them for $129 and took five tries with store staff to get a satisfactory arrangement. For now, no problems. Best part is NO CONTRACT.

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15140 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is at 2 Feb 2011 09:58:03 PM
I've been a vodaphone customer for four months and have had nothing but problems with my service.
At first it was mostly drop out's or stuttery conversation when I was on a call. Then it was not being able to access the internet to use my gps which was annoying to say the least. I also found I was unable to send picture messages with any consistency, but I soldered on figuring it was just a glitch and would be fixed.
Then I started to get the prerecorded message ...To access your voice mail press Blah blah whenever I used my phone to ring someone and they failed to pick up, even when that person was standing right next to me and their phone was on.
When my partner complained that I wasn't answering my phone, even though it was right next to me (it never even registered the call) I decided I'd had enough so I rang and complained.
They had me do a manual reset which I thought had fixed the voicemail recording problem ( I don't even have voicemail) and told me they would investigate my coverage complaints and I left it at that.
Then last night (a week after my complaint)things got even worse.
I have been unable to ring my teenage children s phone as it tells me I have no network service or just goes straight to the message (if it does ring) that to access voicemail press blah blah or it doesn't ring at all and tells me the person I'm calling can't be reached, again even when the person I'm calling it standing right next to me.
So I rang them, only to be told that they had not loaded a ticket (their term) at my last complaint and that they would do it now but it would take five days to check. They then, after getting me to reload my network and it saying I had no service, checked and claimed that I was not in one of the sparse coverage areas that have been having "difficulties" and that their service would soon improve. I was not impressed and asked that they cancel my contract as I and my daughter have health issues and I need my mobile to be working.
So they tried to get me to pay out the contract of over a thousand dollars, I was furious and told them so, they then agreed to let me out of the contract but demanded my handset back and since I've paid four months worth of their cap for a service that has been erratic at it's best I declined.
Next offer was that I could keep the hand set but at a price I found more than unreasonable considering the trouble they have put me through. not far off what they tried to get me for with the contract.
I have decided to take this further and I'm urging anyone else out there that is having these problems to do the same.
Ps the other thing that really bugs me is, if it's a capped service that they are advertising at a set price, why the hell have I been getting an additional six dollars charged in gst on top of it?
Makes you wish you had shares hey!

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15139 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Completely unreliable! at 2 Feb 2011 09:44:32 PM
My previous post - 2705 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Completely Unacceptable Network Reliability at 27 Dec 2010 04:05:25 PM

After getting no where with 'customer service' I logged a fault 2 weeks ago and was advised that I would receive a call back within 5 days. It took me almost one hour to get through to a rep and I was continually transferred between departments. To my surprise, I received an sms to advise my issue was being investigated. Guess what? I never received a call back! So I attempted to isolate the issue and correct myself!

My Blackberry Torch continually drops out and doesn't receive sms, notifications and emails! Being an experienced BB user, I wiped the handset and located a newer Voda AU firmware. This reduced the amount of crashes, but did not fix the network and data connectivity issues.

I called Voda last night and got through after 1.5 hours... and the IVR has to be the most annoying ever! The consultant advised that my issue was 'closed' as no issues with network identified. I was offered 2 months credit as a gesture of good will. NO apology or explanation as to why no call back was performed... Nor was I advised if and when the issue would be corrected... great customer service - no acceptance of liability and no resolution in sight!

I had to listen to all the generic 'trouble shooting' which I quickly put an end too by advising I am not a simpleton and performed the necessary steps to isolate the issue. I have 2 other Blackberries on alternate networks and they work fine... even my 3 USIM works in Voda's Torch!

My call with Voda ended with the consultant indirectly advising that if issues continue that steps could be taken to break the contract due to Voda' inadequate service!

Should I contact the TIO to have the contract voided as Voda clearly cannot honour their contractual obligation? I work in dispute resolution and know that it would be deemed fair and reasonable to make such a request.
2 Feb 2011 09:52:09 PM: It sounds like what Vodafone was offering to you doesn't solve your problems. If you want to get out of your contract immediately and Vodafone refuses to do that then it's definitely time to call the TIO. Contact them immediately as they will give Vodafone up to 10 days to contact you once you file a complaint.

All the best!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15138 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Massive Fail at 2 Feb 2011 09:26:18 PM
2 years contract for $79 per month. Was ok at the time as it was pretty reasonable. I have had dropped calls, slow internet (compared to optus), and rubbish coverage at the best of times. If your service is so crappp, please charge accordingly......stop trying to be up their with the best without proper foundations. Charging Hilton rates and providing Soweto service!
11 Feb 2011 02:53:27 PM: I think unlimited calls for $45 is pretty reasonable and that's their current plan...

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15136 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Hugely at 2 Feb 2011 08:00:46 PM
I have spent MANY hours in the past month trying to get an answer about my issue of NO SERVICE on my vodafone iphone since relocating. I was given a 100% guarantee that I would have full service in my new home so I renewed my contract in June 2010. When I arrived here I had one bar or none but persevered, thinking once I move again into our newly built home I should be right as I had given them my exact address and they assured me I would have full coverage. When I moved in here in Dec 2010, I ended up having NO SERVICE 24/7. Jan 2011, I decided enough was enough and after reading all the stories on here and reading through the class action advice . I made the first call and was on hold for an hour. I left a msg for them to call me back..they called me back and I didn't speak to anyone til I came off hold after another hour, and THEY HAD CALLED ME! After approx 8-10 hours during the last month of being handballed to one call centre person to another, I finally demanded to speak to the retention manager tonight where he told me that he did not believe I had no service and they would not help me in anyway. If I wanted out I'd have to pay $1200 in early exit fees.Needless to say, I was livid. I asked how a call centre staff member could deem me a "liar" about my service accessibility from a call centre in India. After an hour of being told that they could do nothing for me (they suggested I try 3 I said what do you think I am, stupid...Vodafone OWN 3 as well) the "retention manager" decided that in good faith they'd waiver the cancellation fee but I'd have to pay $245 for my handset.

I am soooo angry and frustrated and feel totally ripped off. Can anyone else advise from their own experience if I should accept the offer and just pay the $245 and be done with it, or keep up the frustrating effort of calling the customer service centre and get out of contract with no penalty at all. I have lodged a complaint with the Ombudsmen .If you have had a similiar experience and have some advice for me could you email me at (Personal Details removed)



Thanks for the advice

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15135 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is mega fail at 2 Feb 2011 07:33:57 PM
Vodafone Sydney Network is currently experiencing network difficulties... NO vodafone, Sydney is always experiencing your network difficulties!
2 Feb 2011 07:57:28 PM: Not everyone, I changed to Telstra 3 weeks ago and the closest I have come to any interuption to service was driving through mosman today and for about 5 seconds there was a temporary dropout.
5 seconds in 3 weeks, I can live with that, compared to daily with vodacrap!
2 Feb 2011 08:35:57 PM: i think u misread the op :) he said he is always experiencing YOUR network difficulties. as in vodafone :)

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15132 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Epic Fail at 2 Feb 2011 06:44:46 PM
i have had ongoing signal / network issues for the past 7 months, issues include.
Loss of signal / No Signal
No 3G reception
Dead air on calls
having to make many attempts to make a call
Not receiving SMS messages til hours / days after they are sent (there were 2 separate issues where messages were received 3 days after they were sent)
Data issues
Web pages failing to load
(Can only use data / Web on WIFI at home)

i called Vodafone this evening, waited on hold for 56 minutes (after getting through all the prompts)
after this time the call then cut out, i called back straight away followed the same prompts only to be told the department i was trying to contact was now closed.

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15130 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is cyclones at 2 Feb 2011 05:58:16 PM
I'm in Nsw with a best friend in Townsville that I'm trying to keep in contact with since 4.23pm to 7.53pm today I've taken 15 screenshots at various times of my iphone 3gs on searching when I rang on another phone they told me it's because of her reception her end WHAT she's sending other ppl sms and on facebook on her phone !!!!

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15125 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is very at 2 Feb 2011 05:15:54 PM
no reception at home. I get voice mail 2 days after they have been recorded. always have a bad line and dropping out.

Im sick of this!!!

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15121 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Very at 2 Feb 2011 03:55:07 PM
I live and work in the Perth CBD. In my office I very seldom get any 3G coverage and when I do it is almost unbearably slow. I frequently get dropped calls or 'call attempt failed' when I try to call people.
I think this level of coverage in a CBD is totally unacceptable considering the money I pay each month.
Vodafone's customer service is almost nigh-on impossible to reach. I havent got 45 minutes to throw away on hold waiting to speak to a customer 'service' representative.

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15120 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is at 2 Feb 2011 02:28:42 PM
I have been a vodafone customer for a long time here in queensland and in new Zealand and my bills are huge every month - my reception in the last month has been in and out like a yoyo.When i need my fone the most it is unreliable ... im in a 24month contract and i want out!!

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15119 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Very much so at 2 Feb 2011 02:22:33 PM

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15117 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is at 2 Feb 2011 01:46:45 PM
Slow internet use on my iPhone 4
Conintuous call drop-outs due to poor coverage, even though I live not far from the city of Melbourne! (I can see the city clearly from my street)
Delayed Voice Mail

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15115 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is delayed voicemail at 2 Feb 2011 01:42:45 PM
Over the last 3 months I have regularly received visual voicemail up to two days after the voicemail had originally been left. I have attempted to contact vodafone 4 time about this and some basic intermittent , metro adelaide coverage problems with an average hold time of 45 minutes. the longest time spent on hold was over two hours. I am still seeing the issue occur. My phone is mainly used in Mile end and Adelaide's CBD.
2 Feb 2011 10:48:46 PM: Unfortunately it seems like 3 has downgraded their Call Centre to prepare for the Vodafone take over. Visit a store and they should be able to call through for you on their Dealer Support line (a lot quicker). They will likely need to troubleshoot the phone and SIM and if the error still occurs, they should allow you to transfer to 3 at no cost if you would like. 3 Mobile is still an entirely different network (roams with Telstra) and different Call Centre.

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15114 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is at 2 Feb 2011 01:24:54 PM
I find this service get worst by the minute continueous drop outs
sounds of water in mbl phone phone jams up keeping having to reboot
not to mention having to walk 5 lilometres to get help in stinking hot weather
HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THIS DOES IT MEAN FOR US LOYAL CUSTOMERS TO GO TO A NETWORK THAT WORKS cmon VODAFONE more $$$$$$ in the towers not the execs fat wallet

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15112 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Extremely at 2 Feb 2011 01:03:00 PM
I can't get reception in my home, my sister's place or a hospital that I regularly stay at (I have a medical condition). This has caused so much stress, they are all in highly populated areas, ie, West Pennant Hills, Paraamatta and Vodafone tell me that they don't have any network issues in these areas.

I've been trying to resolve this for the last 6 weeks to no avail. The problem however has been going on for ages but until there was all the stiff in the media about it being the Vodafone networks fault I thought it was just the way all networks were! I'm paying $88 a month for a service I often can't use.

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15109 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Lack of service at 2 Feb 2011 12:10:31 PM
I wish I could phone or sms vodafone to complain about the poor quality of the service they offer, but it seems that they don't want us to do that because their network is very often unavailable.. I now regret signing a contract with them..

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15107 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is very bad at 2 Feb 2011 11:27:55 AM
I live in NSW post code 2283, I get no 3g, very low telephone reception and calls are dropped regularly...pretty bad... i pay 69 dollars a month and I can not use the bloody thing

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15105 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is disgusted at 2 Feb 2011 10:44:37 AM
Vodaphone increasingly getting worse in my area, now have to stand in the middle of the street to make a call when at home, just another thing to add to the list of problems.. Contacted the "Customer Care" service to complain, was on hold for 45 min before I got to speak to somebody, after explaining my problems was told that I have very good service coverage in my area. If this is their idea of good coverage I would hate to see it if it was bad. After further discussions with the person, who was obviously not listening to a word I was saying as I was asked the same series of questions on a number of occasions, I became rather infuriated and either my phone cut out on me, again, or I was hung up on. Either way am totally disgusted with the so called service I have been provided.
2 Feb 2011 01:43:43 PM: Have you seen the Your Coverage tab at the top of the page, it allows you to enter you postcode and check out the coverage according to you, the users.

Vodafail.com needs your waiting times to illustrate the unacceptable and excessive waiting times experienced from Customer Care.

Please use the On Hold Again? located at the top of the page to record your experience.

If you have tried to contact 1555 without success then check out the How To Complain tab at the top of the page, it suggests the next actions you can take.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!


Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15104 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Dropped calls - what a pain! at 2 Feb 2011 10:44:01 AM
I've been having issues with Vodafone for quite a few months now. I find that my calls drop randomly, with the message "Connection Error". This is usually happening when I have full reception bars on my phone.

Very annoying!
2 Feb 2011 01:42:08 PM: Vodafone and issues go together! An inseparable couple!

If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.

The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15103 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Coverage at 2 Feb 2011 10:30:03 AM
I purchased a phone on the 29 plan for my 13 year old daughter so that I can contact her after school when she's travelling home. The whole purpose of the phone is to ensure my daughter's security between home and school.

Yesterday was the first day of school and the first time my daughter has caught the bus on her own. The arrangement was for my mother to pick her up from the last bus stop in Beechboro WA (an inner city suburb!). About half an hour after the expected arrival time I received a phone call from my mum who was extremely worried about the fact that my duaghter had not contacted her. I tried to call my daughter 11 times and did not get through, instead I was diverted to her voice mail. When she finally did answer the phone (in tears) she said that she couldn't call anyone or receive any calls because she didn't have a signal...............on a main road in suburban Perth! Vodafone is crap!
2 Feb 2011 01:40:42 PM: Eeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkk!!!!!

First off ensure the safety of your daughter, get another sim card from a different provider..........one that works.

Next contact Vodafone on 1555 to explain the issue (take a packed lunch and plenty of water).

If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.

The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
2 Feb 2011 02:53:38 PM: I live near the corner of Beechboro Rd and benara Rd and have not had any coverage for the last 24 hrs, went to Vodafone shop and was told all newwork was operating correctly.
I went for a drive and along Walter Rd East i can get a reception,, go north of that road it is not rhre.
Spent 2 hours on the phone this morning to find out what they willdo to fix the solutaion answer was turn phone and then on again...
i dont know what we are supposed to be paying for,was told it would be 5 days before they would have someone to look into it
Not happy at all
2 Feb 2011 10:59:35 PM: See my comment below - "Not enought F's" - I live cnr beechboro rd and morley drive - same thing. Also the same at friend's house in Caversham. If you have the option to turn off 3g then do so and at least you can make and receive calls. Internet will work - albeit at dial up speed. I'm still without 3G... GRRRRR. I went to vodafone galleria and they informed me that all coverage is fine - until I showed them my phone in 2g mode and 3g mode. Call centre is useless - and always will be - until they set up one locally to deal with local issues.
3 Feb 2011 02:27:50 PM: See my most recent posting (15170) regarding the follow up of this incident.

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15102 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Vodashite!!! at 2 Feb 2011 10:05:26 AM
where do i begin... I have been a VF customer for about 7 years. Started on the smaller plans and gradually made my way to the higher plans with the introduction of iPhone plan. I have had constant problems with my service ever since.. My plan is the $69/month but most of the time i make a few international calls which adds about $20 to my bill which is fine by me. this is constant. Then over the last 4 months my bills have been coming in at $500 for crap that i don't even understand. I try calling VF and i'm put on hold for AT LEAST 45 mins...... then i speak to someone who I can only guess is in India or some other offshore call centre. I explain my disgruntlement and the response is pretty much cryptic. I have no idea what the result is. the last time i complained they credited me $180 and the next bill my plan had increased to $79/month.... without my knowledge. Called again... another bloody 45 - 60 mins on hold... nothing is explained. THATS JUST THE BILLING. then the actual service is disgraceful. My phone indicates full coverage but it's flat as a pancake... nothing. I can't use my data download because i takes a forthnight to open a page, my calls just drop out, i get txt messages from people 4 days later (Within this time someonme could be dying, dead and buried without me knowing) and my GPS tells my i'm in the middle of the ocean??? then when i complain... i'm told it's my handset... i have a whinge to Apple, they replace my handset... the same shite happens again... Class Action here i come.
OPOWER
2 Feb 2011 01:37:04 PM: That is a horrid experience, so much time on hold as well, bloody frustrating (I know I have been there and done that)

Vodafail.com needs your waiting times to illustrate the unacceptable and excessive waiting times experienced from Customer Care.

Please use the On Hold Again? located at the top of the page to record your experience.

If you have tried to contact 1555 without success then check out the How To Complain tab at the top of the page, it suggests the next actions you can take.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15101 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is FAIL at 2 Feb 2011 10:04:07 AM
On top of my reception and Browsing issues... now i get text msgs while i am overseas saying they will suspend my account if i do not call them due to high usage as a result of $10/MB roaming data charges!!! which of course i Knew... i get back and ring up to be asked when i was going to pay etc which i responded .. when the bill is due i will pay it by BPAY.. all was ok and they said no problem account wont be suspended... WELL GUESS WHAT ??? It was suspended this morning!!!

Not only to me but also my father !! This is a joke !!... both our accounts are up to date but got suspended because we "spent" to much .. FAIL again !!
2 Feb 2011 01:35:08 PM: Huh?

That is really strange!

If you have tried to contact 1555 without success then check out the How To Complain tab at the top of the page, it suggests the next actions you can take.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!



Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15100 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Plain Stupid! at 2 Feb 2011 09:56:18 AM
I work in the Perth mall. Our building isn't that huge, but when I'm at work my phone barely rings and SMS doesn't come through until I leave the building.
Best of all, I might get a voicemail on the weekend, ring up voicemail and I might have 3 or 4 left during the week that I wasn't even notified about!

Also 3GS coverage in the malls & St Georges terrace, can sometimes be none! I'd like to know why Perth CBD is in the 6% of Population not covered by Vodafone network???
2 Feb 2011 01:33:16 PM: Appears to be several issues in Perth of late.

Have you seen the Your Coverage tab at the top of the page, it allows you to enter you postcode and check out the coverage according to you, the users.

If you have tried to contact 1555 without success then check out the How To Complain tab at the top of the page, it suggests the next actions you can take.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15095 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is 100% at 2 Feb 2011 09:14:06 AM
No network coverage,can't access internet, Today not able to send or recieve any phone call,message or can't check my email. On friday I sent the message to my wife in the day time at 11.00am to buy the medicine for my son and the message was delieverd at 4.30pm when she finish the work and came out of the office. Doctor rang on Friday to my wife to reconfirm the appointment but failed due to no signal. When she finished the work at 5.00pm and came out of the office then she received a message for missed call and she checked the voicemail. Because she couldn't confirm the appointment it created a big mess for us on monday morning when i took day off and went to doctor and they refused to see after a long wait of 3 months. If we are unable to contact to each other in the day time, then what is the use of keeping this stupid or useless phone. I was with 3 network before for last 5 years and i never faced this problem. I want to go back to three but vodafone don't allow this. Even when we call vodafone the waiting time is atleast 60-80 minutes.

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15093 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is VODARAGE! at 2 Feb 2011 08:01:25 AM
Have been with Vodafone for around 4 years (if not longer) it has only been the past 6months or so that my coverage has dropped, calls fail/dropout even if i have 3 bars of reception or more. txt messages do not send/receive. having to wait for a call to connect can take up to a minute, most of the time i have to hang up and try calling 3-6 times before a call will connect.
what happened vodafone?

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15092 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Absolutely Disgraceful... at 2 Feb 2011 08:00:35 AM
OMG, where do I begin? Had a lot of problems with the 3 network due to network connection issues and was tricked by being told we could only cancel the contract if we switch to the Vodafone network. Vodafone is even worse than 3, if thats possible! Have been with Vodafone now for 3 months and phone calls are constantly dropping out with call failed coming up on the screen, regardless if I makes a call or if someone else is calling me which happens with every single phone call, text messages sent from other people both here in Australia and also Texas and Cambodia are not being recieved. I have my own business and we are losing clients due to the extreme lack of network coverage provided by Vodafone, with clients calling and the calls dropping out, me returning calls,and dropping out again and again and again... Even calling Vodafone directly is an issue. I am constantly getting call failed coming up, and it also happens when on the phone to Vodafone. Basically, Vodafone can not provide the phone service that I was promised. I have contacted Vodafone regarding the issue on several occasions, sometimes getting through to them, only when calling from my home phone though, other times not. When I do get through to them, they are frikken rude, uncooperative, unhelful, blaming the sim card or the phone, telling me to reboot etc. Yesterday, after being on the phone to them for over 3 frikken hours, they still would not allow me to be put through to disconnections as they needed technical support to tell them there is an issue, as if they dont already know there is a frikken issue as I got disconnected several times while on the phone, and have been disconnected several other times while being on the phone to them also plus the issues everyone else on here is having, bastards! I got the mega pissed with them yesterday while I was on hold and sent an email off to the TIO, and now they are looking into it, fingers crossed I can get outta my contract and go with another company who is reliable and get my business back on track!
2 Feb 2011 12:53:18 PM: Woohoo for me! After lodging my complaint with the TIO yesterday afternoon, I recieved a phonecall from Vodafone Resolutions this morning and spoke to...an Aussie! He informed me that they have agreed to waive my contract without any fees, only thing is I have to send me BlackBerry back, but oh well, no more bs from Vodafone! It is definately worth taking the 10 mins to fill out an online complaint with the TIO, its amazing how once the TIO gets involved, Vodafone changes there mind regarding cancelling your contract. Good luck guys :)

*flips Vodafone the bird all the way to the nearest Telstra store...*
2 Feb 2011 05:44:04 PM: *flips Vodafone the bird all the way to the nearest Telstra store...*

LMAOOOOO. laughed for a good minute after reading that.
I also got the text saying im out of my contract no charges today. im off to telstra to! woohoo (also only got this from contacting TIO)

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15091 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Extreme at 2 Feb 2011 07:59:17 AM
I live in Algester and I constantly get between 0 and 2 bars of signal.
I use a HTC Desire HD and it takes about 30 seconds to send a text message, provided it can even send one with such shitty reception.

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15088 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Not Enough F's in Fail at 2 Feb 2011 02:17:07 AM
The past 3 months have been getting worse and worse - Until today where I have had no reception at all - unless I turn off 3G and revert to GSM. I am now getting 5-10 calls per week going straight to voicemail without my phone ringing or registering a missed call. Call quality is terrible and I'm finally in the "call dropout" team. Don't bother emailing them a complaint - You won't get a response. I called customer service but they told me the sony vivaz isn't compatible - Well, um... yes it is until now! They then suggested I turn my phone off and on - what experts!! I live in Morley - not exactly outback australia! Searching for a new provider tomorrow. What is the opposite of provider - HA - Vodafone!
2 Feb 2011 10:53:08 PM: Still no 3g - 24 hours and counting....

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15086 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is at 1 Feb 2011 10:48:30 PM
Been on vodafone recently but yeah just on month to month plan to check their services, been vodafone a crap as heard reviews from everyone a lot ....... ridiculous hold time sometimes in the night it keeps ringing nobody picks up the phone. customer service sucks a lot... slow data services internet keeps loading and loading .... and no reception in some places ... makes me scratch my head... being such a huge company they cant even manage and deliver quality service to customers... i dont understand how it can be too hard for vodafone to manage reception issues, quality customer service and fast internet on phone.

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15075 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Major Headaches at 1 Feb 2011 05:54:10 PM
why does my reception tell me Emergency calls only,then something about my sim card is missing , i try to call a friend the phone is tryin to call the number then i get the signal the call has been disconnected i cant even hear the telephone on the end end ring let alone get disconnected these people have major problems they need to fix.

today i went into store to ask when my contract finishes and he couldnt even give me a date all he kept sayin to me was its finishing this month well what date answer this month and would i like to update i dont want an update beacuse there service is rubbish unreal


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15074 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Hugely at 1 Feb 2011 05:41:38 PM
I have been with Voda from day one. In the last 12 months I have noticed a marked drop in area coverage. It can happen happen at any place or any time...I will look at my phone when it lights up, only to see it display 'No Service' on the screen. I'm over it!

Not good enough voda! I pay for this service, yet you aren't keeping up your end of the contract.

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15073 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is EXTREME FAIL at 1 Feb 2011 05:31:06 PM
I was with another carrier and wished i never left. Since being with Vodafone my calls drop out I cant get reception and I cannot download messages from people especially photo messages. The message I keep getting when trying to download the photo message is Generic network failure. I hate Vodafone and when my contract is up I will be returning to the other carrier. Each time I speak to them about calls dropping out apparently I am going through a BLACK SPOT so apparently I am constantly in a BLACK SPOT whatever Vodafone/Vodafail you will always cover your arse and try to waffle us with BS.

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15072 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Coverage at 1 Feb 2011 05:29:03 PM
This evening i was driving thru the Melbourne CBD, driving down Russell St and had NO coverage whatsoever! Not a little bit of service, not 1 bar but absolutely NO coverage at all...in the heart of Melbourne City!!! WTF???? That's crazy...i wasn't in the country, i wasn't in an underground carpark, i wasn't anywhere obscure...i was driving thru the middle if the Melbourne CBD, and had nothing. How can they still be operational as a provider....if they can't even provide a basic service...like coverage!!!

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15067 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is 3G slow, slow, slow at 1 Feb 2011 04:25:33 PM
Well I read everyones input and did it. I did not want to as changing telco's is inconvenient at best, especially when you have been with 1 provider for over 10 years+. But no longer could I put up with almost non-existent 3G coverage at Bankstown Airport, Parramatta and Castle Hill. Rang Vodafone (all politely), investigated, confirmed 'low signal areas', thence no argument exit from contract with 11 months remaining. No penalty. iPhone offer to keep at $386 but no thanks. Rang Telstra. Within 10 minutes was all signed up to Next G. Phones arrive in 48 hours and numbers will be ported. Vodafone graciously gave me 8 days to find a new provider for which I thank them. It ended up being painless but still inconvenient.
1 Feb 2011 06:33:54 PM: Glad it was painless but........yay............!!!



Party time at your place tonight!!!!



Excellent result!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
2 Feb 2011 07:33:29 AM: No doubt thanks to you, your web site and the advice I have read from all others. Honestly people, bite the bullet and change like I did. I mulled over it for weeks but then just did it instead of wondering 'when' it would be fixed. I stayed polite as advised. Waited patiently for a week to have 'technical' check my data complaint coverage and then low and behold, they admitted the 'issue' without challenge. Did not even have to go to option 2 (TIO). Without being biased, as I respect that 'overseas call taking staff' have to make a living and it's not their fault, it was refreshing to speak to someone at Telstra who lived in Sydney and who knew exactly what I wanted and what to do. Perhaps Vodafone will learn something from this web site and my excercise. Thanks Vodafone for not arguing the point and letting me go. At least I did not part, all be it frustrated, an angry customer.

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15064 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is at 1 Feb 2011 03:27:11 PM
My partner and I both were signed up for a 24 month plan with 3G iPhones on $99/month plans. The problem we both have is that we can only gain reception approximately 10-15 % of the time despite being in a area that is supposed to have coverage not only in our area Pacific Pines but in numerous other Gold Coast locations.

We are at our wits end having made numerous complaints to Vodafone with no success and out of frustration reported the situation to the QLD Telecommunications Ombudsman

We ask a very simple question - How can Vodafone ethically and morally charge good money for a service that is sub-standard to non-existant?

Please tell us how we can join in the current legal class action against this company

Frustrated, Pacific Pines Gold Coast QLD
1 Feb 2011 04:12:43 PM: Ethically Vodafone have no problems at all charging you full tilt, because they have no morals, principles or ethics. Lodge complaint wit tio, you could be with another network in 2 weeks. I did and I thoroughly reconmend Telstra (only on coverage and reliability, have no idea what customer service is like)
1 Feb 2011 06:31:25 PM: Hi there, I live fairly near you guys in the Gold Coast and the Vodafone reception is poor (being charitable here) to say the least.

Have you seen the How To Complain? tab at the top of the page?

The tab contains all the information you need (including the Class action details) to escalate your issues further.


Vodafail.com needs your waiting times to illustrate the unacceptable and excessive waiting times experienced from Customer Care.

Please use the On Hold Again? located at the top of the page to record your experience.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15062 Someone from ACT thinks vodafone is it's not how much it's just plain vodaFAIL at 1 Feb 2011 03:16:18 PM
so i have to admit for the last couple of weeks i've actually managed alright services.. i'm one of the lucky few. Had a couple of hiccups with the 3g and push msging.
and prior to that i put another complaint here about the fact that i can't call or receive calls from 4 different handsets that all show full bars of reception.
anyway so today i was sitting in a training seminar for the whole day... no 3g reception at all despite the fun telling me otherwise...
i've now been trying to use my 3g for the last ... 90 minutes but still nothing...

i reckon that we should define vodafail as:
failures that cross state or national boundaries, kinda like epic fails -.-
1 Feb 2011 03:18:21 PM: i posted this originally at 440pm on the report page.. but no i'll add that i've been unable to call out or receive for the last 2 hours as well now...
currently says i have 3 bars AND 3G..

i'm thinking i should ring Voda and tell them to change their towers or maybe it's just a card problem for them too?

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15061 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Terrible at 1 Feb 2011 03:01:22 PM
Both me and my wife are with vodafone. The problem is even if you have full bar reception the call still goes to my voicemail, and I will only get the voicemail hours/days later. To compound the problem my wife is a Doctor and when she is on call she is expected to make life decisions. Well guess what is never gets the call, an issue that got her into trouble with the hospital that she is covering. Not to say we live in the bush, we are in metropolitan sydney
1 Feb 2011 04:33:45 PM: I am medical as well. Informed Vodafone of this. After checking my coverage area they agreed that it was 'low'. Allowed contract exit without penalty.

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15060 Someone from NT thinks vodafone is very poor reception at 1 Feb 2011 02:49:09 PM
Called vodafone to complain and to be let out of our contract and they refused. told us it would be a fee of $800 for both phones to be released from our contract! tried to argue that they are not providing the service we pay for. i barely get reception in my house and a lot of time no reception. my husband works out at ranger and only get reception in certain areas of the mine. they told us we could switch to 3 and that would give us better coverage. has anyone else tried this and gotten better recpeption?

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15059 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Poor & No Reception at 1 Feb 2011 02:42:14 PM
I have recently left Vodafone since their reception has been so bad. I was charged $700 to exit my 24m plan!

This is disgraceful and i will tell you why:

1. I rang them 7 separate times waiting from 7min to 45min without getting in contact with one employee! So i had to leave without being able to complain and since i pay with automatic payments I couldn't even negotiate and now they have my money and I will have to fight to get it back.
2. Their 3G service has been terrible since day one and has become unusable at worst and patchy at best.
3. I can't use their service at home?
4. There are 2 exact cutout points on the way to work!

Terrible service and they need some serious work to get their reputation back in order!


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15056 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Can't make a call in my apartment at 1 Feb 2011 02:34:29 PM
Can hardly get any reception at all in my apartment in Teneriffe, Brisbane 4005. 2kms from the CBD. Was told I need a new sim card. Sigh......

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15054 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Epic at 1 Feb 2011 01:55:48 PM
Been with them for nearly 10 years. Started noticing frequent network coverage dropouts about 6 months ago. Just put up with it. Started taking screenshots in December 2010 whenever I lost service. Now have >60 images documenting lost service since 20 December. That's almost twice per day! Sent two email complaints 18th 20th January. No response. Rang on 27th. On hold for 40 minutes. Was told someone would get back to me within 24-48 hours. Still waiting. Raised complaint to TIO 31st January. Porting to another provider on 2nd Feb irrespective of response as am completely fed up.
1 Feb 2011 04:43:42 PM: dont jump the gun, it only tokk me about 10 days to be let out of 2 contracts. otherwise those mongrels will go after you to pay out your contract
2 Feb 2011 01:53:33 PM: Thanks for the tip. So are you saying I should wait to get it resolved with VF before I activate the port?

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15053 Someone from ACT thinks vodafone is Mostly Fail at 1 Feb 2011 01:53:20 PM
I just joined vodafone last week, and got my new iphone 4 and vodafone sim in the mail yesterday.. All excited I opened it up. popped the sim in and turned it on to give it a run!
my previous phone was a iphone 3gs with telstra prepaid which has FULL bars and reception at my house on the Gold coast.

Once the phone booted I was shocked to see that I had between 1 bar and no service anywhere in my house!! so i started browsing the web and found out the truth!
I also catch the train to work and cannot use the internet at all while on the train, its just dead with mostly no service. :(

This is not what i signed a 24 month contract for, not at all.
is there a way i can cancel the contract?? like some sort of grace period?

Thanks

Ryan
1 Feb 2011 03:25:30 PM: Ryan, not totally sure if there is a grace period but there are new laws available to protect the consumer since 1st January 2011

Oddly enough I found these new laws on the soon to be number three mobile provider for Australia, Virgin Mobile.

Check them out here especially bullet point 4 about goods being fit for purpose.

http://www.virginmobile.com.au/my-account/customer-updates/?update=22#anc22


Otherwise you may have to start with Vodafone, do it sooner not later!!

There is also the TIO details found at the top of the page on the How To Complain tab, good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
2 Feb 2011 10:51:00 AM: Virgin number 3 telco? That's a little bit of an odd thing to claim, for starters they aren't even a full telco, just an Optus reseller effectively. Then there's the "3rd" part, even if VHA lost every one of the Vodafail complaints that would be .3% of the total customer base, not exactly a massive loss.
2 Feb 2011 01:25:43 PM: Mate, what don't you understand about 'soon to be number three mobile provider for Australia'?

I never said they were the number three.

Just out of interest what constitutes a 'massive loss' in your eyes, 3%, 5%, 10%, 30% ?

I would lay odds that the CEO of Vodafone would be well peeved to lose 3% of his customer base.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
2 Feb 2011 01:59:28 PM: For starters, I was more referring to your comment rather then stating that you said they were number 3, I should have been clearer in that, however the rest of my post still stands, they aren't a full telco, and that it would take a lot more then .3% to shift VHA below Virgin. As for what I would see as a massive loss that's irrelevant, as to what the CEO would feel about losing 3% (not .3%) you would have to ask him, but I would say the loss of the headache this site provides would be substantial.

Think of it this way, if everyone of these customer left (and more) would it outweigh the cost of all the bad PR this minority provides? You asked my opinion and as irrelevant as it is, I'd sacrifice 3% to remove the bad press, you would regain it fairly quickly once they sort their shot out.

Also first response from a moderator that's actually had a bit of bite to it, good to see not every post is a copy paste job.
2 Feb 2011 02:08:15 PM: Just for numbers sake, according to the Wiki's for both companies, VHA has 7 million customers and Virgin has 500,000. So VHA would need to lose 92% of it's customer base for Virgin to overtake.
2 Feb 2011 03:06:32 PM: @ 2 Feb 2011 03:59:28 PM: So help me out here, what does, in your opinion, constitute a full telco?

I agree with your comment about asking the CEO if 0.3% is a massive loss, so really that would be an unknown quantity as neither of us know what the CEO would be thinking, yes?

There have been many surveys performed about poor service experiences in the past and several have always indicated that personal recommendation (or lack of) is a strong motivator for people to decide on a service to choose, I for one have easily talked 9 potential customers out of using Vodafone, if they tell one other person each..........and so on.

Finally to clarify we (mods) are all people who volunteer our time freely on vodafail.com, we all have full time jobs, careers and families.

@ 2 Feb 2011 04:08:15 PM: I wonder what Wiki would read in 2 years time? (personally I have my reservations about Wiki but hey ho).

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
2 Feb 2011 03:21:12 PM: A full telco would be a Telco that actually has it's own infrastructure, and doesn't piggy back/resell off another network. Vodafone was the third Telco to obtain a license from the government, the other 2 being obviously Telstra and Optus.

In terms of telling people not to join a telco that effects growth rates, retention rates would be effected by losing existing customers, so as the numbers say VHA would need to lose 6.5million customers for Virgin in it's current state to overtake.

Personally, I'd avoid Virgin and stick with Telstra, it's a stable network as they invested the money long time ago, judging by that trend, VHA with current plans should catch Telstra's current coverage in a few years time, chances are the 4G network by that stage.

Gotta remember what history shows us, all telcos go through this stage, Telstra did, Optus are just getting out of theirs now, and eventually Vodafone will too.
2 Feb 2011 03:50:24 PM: Is your definition of a full Telco entirely correct? I thought they leased one another's towers and that is common practice, are you also suggesting that Virgin do not have a licence from the Government?

Agree with the growth rates statement, judging by the number of customers on here who have expressed their opinions the retention rates are also subject to loss.

Consider that (customers):

1/ Not every one knows about this site
2/ Not every one has access to the internet
3/ Many people will just sit and watch from the sidelines for the activists to force the changes
4/ Many people will sit on the network fence in the hope that things will improve prior to the end of their contracts
5/ The silent majority are as they suggest.......silent.

Time will tell.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
2 Feb 2011 04:40:28 PM: The government licensing is more about the infrastructure/towers etc, all the little resellers are still classed as Telco's, so I don't mean that Virgin are an irregularity nor somehow illegal, more that they don't gave their own towers, only the big 3 have their own towers and if them Vodafone was the last one to get that privilege.

Also I hope I'm not coming across as a Vodafone apologist, it's more I've dealt with a lot o the Telco's and they are all as bad as eachother when it comes to customer service, network wise Telstra is ahead leaps and bounds, Optus still have a ways to go, and that lies the issue with Virgin. Optus have the most resellers using their network so they are also inclined to have congestions issues as well. I think the report made by this site is one of the best presentations of issues, it relays all the facts you've gathered but doesn't take a bad tone to it, if only more posts were like the report.

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15052 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is To the point of no return at 1 Feb 2011 01:52:16 PM
Since taking out a 24 month contract, I've experienced data drop out issues, emails working one day and not the next, and the horrendous customer support just makes me cringe when I think about the next 18 months until I'm released from the contract. Their customer support is the biggest time wasters! There's no help their support staff can provide that can't be found on their website. Very frustrating for me to have done my homework, tried all else to no avail, wait at least 30 minutes in the process of being passed around the world, then confronted by a poorly English speaking staff who obviously, is doing the same as what I have done, while I wait.

Numerous calls back and forth, hours and days later, ironically due to poor network coverage while I'm complaing about data drop outs, still no resolution. And when I insist on obtaining a call reference number, asked to speak to their supervisor to escalate my issues, (because clearly they are just wasting my time), to my infuriation, I got hung up on!!!
1 Feb 2011 01:55:22 PM: And if I could kill Lara, I would!

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15051 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is EXTREME FAIL at 1 Feb 2011 01:25:03 PM
Ridiculous mobile broadband coverage today. Managed to load this page & that's it. Been trying since 9am and have had to advise work that I would not be available today (third time in a month) as I cannot get online! Wonder if Vodafone can contact my boss and explain the situation... AND reimburse me for missed wages!!!

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15049 Someone from ACT thinks vodafone is to the xtreme at 1 Feb 2011 12:39:12 PM
i've had coverage and network problems for about 7 months now, i've had my phone repaired and replaced. nothing helps and again i'm stuck in suburbia with no coverage and work hassling me over not answering my phone. i was billed back in december for using the gps on my phone in which i need coverage to use to the extent of $80! i know with no shadow of a doubt that i had no coverage during the day that i was billed for.
now i have to pay that to get out of my contract. Vodafone is crap and i'm sick of their excuses.

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15047 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is UBER FAIL AGAIN at 1 Feb 2011 12:23:11 PM
There is currently NO 3G coverage in most of SA and Vic.

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15045 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is coverage at 1 Feb 2011 12:06:03 PM
Their coverage maps & store staff told me we had both wireless modem & mobile phone coverage.Signed up for both only to find once home nothing worked.Called them on the landline (2hrs to get through) with the advice to walk around outside till we found a 'sweet spot'.Now with Optus wireless internet & telstra mobile.Why the lies about their coverage?

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15042 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is call dropping, phone freeze, battery not lasting long -- what not at 1 Feb 2011 09:36:10 AM
Hi, I am new to this but got issues with vodafone since i moved to them, story start with a Direct sales person called us to port our all three optus mobile to vodafone as business plan and will offer us iphone4 with $5 monthly repayment and $250 (each mobile) welcome credit as we advice them we are in contract-- all promises made to us what possible in this world. we got the phone and i told the person not to port untill i say to you as running business cant afford to lose business, but without information phone were disc (as they ported to vodafone) --- called optus but they said its disc as ported out--called sales person he said i dont know call Vodafone-- called them no reply-- called optus but they said its disc as ported out--was without service for almost 15 hrs-- then no credits were applied and i end up with getting huge bills-- finally called TIO-- who took action and got call from Vodafone and got some resolution to it-- but now THERE NETWORK IS PAIN IN A..S
everytime calls drops and phone freezes, cant use data as its dead slow..
my usage never updates so dont know what credit i left with for billing period..
I MADE DECESION THAT WILL GO BACK TO OPTUS OR OTHER PROVIDER ONCE OUT OF CONTRACT.

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15041 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is FAIL MULTIPLIED BY INFINITY at 1 Feb 2011 08:51:50 AM
I LIVE IN SURBARBAN ADELIDE AND HAVE NO COVERAGE TODAY! MY PHONE CAN ONLY MAKE SOS CALLS! EVERY NOW & THEN MY COVERAGE COMES BACK BUT I CANT ACCESS THE INTERNET! WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW CAN THIS COMPANY GET AWAY WITH THIS SERVICE!

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15040 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is VERY at 1 Feb 2011 08:43:45 AM
I am so sick of the lack of coverage and service we get, my husband and i are both with vodafone, and cant wait to change, however unless we want to payout our contracts we are stuck till the end of the year.

It can take me up to 10 times to try and make a call as i repeatedly get the connection error on my phone, i can be sitting in the same place and watch my phone go from full service to no service, i can be sitting there watching my phone which has full service and all of a sudden receive a message that i have a missed call, as somone has tried to call me and been told i have my phone off.

Due to the lack of service, the calls dropping out, the connection errors etc my home phone bill has gone up as i now just use that instead, so i wonder if i will get any compensation from vodafone for that, NO.

I pay (& hubby is on a higher plan) heaps each months so that i can make the calls i need to make, but i am sick of the calls dropping out and having to make them again.

I have been with them for 10 years and the last few have been getting worse and worse, i can guarantee you that as soon as i can get out of the contract i will be taking mine and hubbys phone elsewhere.

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15038 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is epic fail! at 1 Feb 2011 08:04:47 AM
I am prepaid, I have had the service cutting out since nov 25th, my phone keeps cutting out saying 'connection error', people have been trying to call me and my phone has reception yet the caller gets the message saying I have my phone off?!?!?! Not good comparing I have a business to run! I am pregnant with mine and my Fiance's second child, it's a complicated pregnancy AND I have an extremely ill family member who I am Next Of Kin for! I spoke to Vodaphone multiple times, keep getting told there is nothing they can do, I have filmed my phone showing that I have waited minimum of 45 minutes each time, what can I do?
Courtney
1 Feb 2011 11:21:07 AM: Complain to the TIO. Details can be found in the 'How to complain' tab above. Good luck
1 Feb 2011 01:47:31 PM: if you are prepaid cant you switch companys?

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15037 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is No data.... at 1 Feb 2011 08:02:28 AM
1 Feb 2011 08:10:47 AM: does anyone know if this is South Australia only, or is it in the rest of the country as well?

if it's Australia wide I am SO HAPPY I left vodafone over the weekend!!!!
1 Feb 2011 09:13:41 AM: Vodafone lists network information on their website but it looks like they have no idea if there are problems: http://vodafone.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3730
1 Feb 2011 03:52:20 PM: Pretty much Australia Wide...The Vodafone Network in general.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15034 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is at 1 Feb 2011 07:29:34 AM
I have poor reception, I could understand if I lived in the country but I don't I live in Elizabeth Bay and work in The Rocks. We are not living in a 3rd world country, how does this happen and why wont they fix it.

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15030 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is shocking at 1 Feb 2011 05:57:27 AM
I've been with Voda for as long as I can remember never had a problem at all until Dec 10 when all of a sudden no service,searching,dropped calls,ten hr wait on sms ect. I went to Voda store got a new sim 3 times before I found out about this site. I finally got thru to the 1555 number after trying for weeks then giving up when 2 weeks ago my service was actually quite good, full reception on 3g, then of course it lasted bout 4 days then back to crap.Voda said yesterday they would check it out and I would have to wait 5-6 working days to see what happens. BUT a question I'm pre paid with a iphone 3gs that is locked to Voda but I bought outright Will they unlocked my phone if it's proven the reception is crap???

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15028 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is very at 31 Jan 2011 08:58:28 PM
I have found that on my device HTC Desire HD, I have to set network to GSM in order to get calls at my home location and some others, if set on Auto, calls go straight to voicemail :(

I am currently testing WCDMA only to see the impact of that

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15027 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is BAD and getting worse at 31 Jan 2011 08:27:07 PM
I knew i wasnt going to get great reception when i signed up but its jus getting worse, mms messages sent that never reach the recipient, dropped calls when im supposedly in high signal areas, 3G reception but never loads, long delays when trying to call someone someties takes minutes jus to start calling amd jus not getting any reception anymore, switching asap
31 Jan 2011 08:28:35 PM: Check out the how to complain link at the top of the page, follow all of the steps such as contacting vodafone first about your issue. If that doesn't work, escalate to the TIO, and they should be able to get you out of your contract penalty free.

Best Of Luck.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
8 Feb 2011 12:13:05 PM: I have just spent 40 minutes with the Vodafone techincal team to be told that they have to initiate an investigation in to the network in my area and that I have to give them 3 examples of my phone dropping out or never connecting. I gave them this & now they will only test the 3G network and come back to me in 5 business days, to which I won't have any service for this whole time, THEN I have to switch to the 2G network, try this for 24 hours, get 3 examples and then call back to get that investigation lodged also. This will then take another 5 working days, so all up half a month of no service before they will even contemplate cancelling my contract penalty free. IF, however, there is no network issues as they see it, then bad luck! There's nothing they can help me with.....

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15025 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Utter at 31 Jan 2011 07:34:29 PM
When I first joined over a year ago everything was rosy. Now I cannot access data in the CBD (lack of network capacity I feel) and calls drop out regularly. Signal strength can read 4/5 and I cannot connect.
31 Jan 2011 07:36:54 PM: Yep.....seems about par for the Vodafone course.

If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.

The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15024 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Pretty fail at 31 Jan 2011 07:03:47 PM
I call people and I get nothing at the other end. They don't get me calling them and it just hangs with nothing. This can happen 3 or 4 times before it connects and this can happen about 20% of calls that i make.

Data? I though my slow painful data stream was the norm until I used my friends iPhone 3gs on another network and it was loading pages within seconds. It can take anything from 90 secs to 4 mins plus to load a page on the internet. On a game like bejewelled blitz i might connect once a day if i'm lucky, get connection error or no network the rest of the time. Apps or itunes is a big no no it just takes too long... all this time my battery life is dying. If i need to get emails it takes about 3 or 4 mins to download my emails. generally i use my iphone as a glorified ipod and a txt machine, so disappointing.

The trouble is calling vodafone is a joke. Lara is a nightmare and if you do manage to get put through to the right people she then tells you there is an hours plus wait. I don't have an hour to waste, I don't have an hours battery life pretty much because of the rubbish signal that i get. I rung the other day to find out how much it would cost to get out of my contract, I have been with vodafone for 5 years, 3.5 on a contract and still have 10 months left of this one, I was asked 3 times why I wanted to leave. I told him 3 times that the reception and data availability is not acceptable he acted surprised all 3 times and clearly wasn't listening.

I don't know what happened. I never had a problem until i got my iphone and i know its not that. Its almost like they didn't upgrade the infrastructure to deal with the new technology. Brand is not enough these days. I will be leaving when it doesn't cost me $680
31 Jan 2011 07:13:40 PM: Check out the how to complain link at the top of the page, follow all of the steps such as contacting vodafone first about your issue. If that doesn't work, escalate to the TIO, and they should be able to get you out of your contract penalty free.

Best Of Luck.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15023 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Very Fail at 31 Jan 2011 07:03:22 PM
No 3G service, iPhone is always searching for network, Crackling phone calls. Vodafone is going down hill in a big way.. Im switching to Optus ASAP.

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15012 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is at 31 Jan 2011 05:04:08 PM
31 Jan 2011 05:10:50 PM: Hi, your contact details will be edited out shortly as this is not the place to have a vodafone rep contact you. Nor do we allow contact details to be posted here.



Check out the 'How To Complain' link at the top of the page as between Vodafone and then no doubt the TIO, you should be able to get out of your contract penalty free. Make sure you follow all of the steps.



Best of luck and let us know how you go.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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15011 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is 100% at 31 Jan 2011 04:41:43 PM
fix the network you pieces of Sh%t !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
31 Jan 2011 05:34:09 PM: Well said
31 Jan 2011 07:23:56 PM: I think there is probably a consensus on that one!!!

If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.

The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

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15007 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is Absolutely Pathetic at 31 Jan 2011 03:06:19 PM
I lost coverage AGAIN from 4.00pm on Friday 28th Jan until 3.02am on Sunday 30th, after which time it continued to come and go. It's monday now, and I still don't have full reception. This company was semi-professional once but is absolutely AWFUL now!! For a few months I've been tolerating the shithouse coverage, my calls being cut off, text messages arriving 3 days late etc. but I have finally switched providers & will NEVER use Vodafail again.

After this latest "technical difficulty", I contacted the Vodafail "customer service" line and, surprisingly, I was placed on hold for a ridiculous amount of time, and then somehow I was disconnected when the girl I was speaking to tried to put me on hold while she "checked something".

I've attempted to contact the company by phone and email, - I'm always put on hold, or "accidentally" disconnected, and not one of my calls has been returned despite the recorded message assuring me I'd be contacted within 2 - 15 minutes.

I've visited retail stores in person; - staff were no help at all. In fact, I told a sales girl at the Albury store that my calls always seem to be cut off at precise times, such as 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 25 minutes, and I asked her if this was a deliberate action by Vodafail to force customers into making five or six calls to the same person, thereby using mass amounts of phone credit. I told her three other people I know each use Vodafail as their provider and each person has the same problem with calls dropping out. It was difficult to understand what she was saying while she was blowing bubbles with chewing gum, but she assured me it couldn't possibly be related to Vodafail's service. "Nah, it just wouldn't happen darl" is what she said. Classy. I think she expected me to be happy with her answer. Someone else I know received the same expert advice & assistance at this store, - absolutely useless staff who couldn't care less about customers.

This is definitely the WORST provider in the country, - not just the terrible phone reception & other service problems, but also the way Vodafail treats it's customers. As of Saturday I am no longer one of them, - joy!! I have excellent reception! And I can make calls that last longer than 10 minutes before being cut off! And I receive text messages a few seconds after they're sent! Best of all, I won't be paying this ridiculous company for such poor service. So long Vodafail, you pathetic excuse for a service provider!!!
31 Jan 2011 03:40:27 PM: You see! thats what I call...making a positive move.

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15006 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is awful at 31 Jan 2011 02:59:23 PM
my voda coverage has been non-existent all day -- "NO SERVICE". Voda SUCKS!

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15005 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is going down big time! at 31 Jan 2011 02:49:43 PM
vodafone sent me a txt msg stating that my contract can be cancelled and I can either wait for paperwork to come through or call them and cancel today....
so obviously i called them today to cancel it and the pappadum transfered me 3 times and said I can try do a few things to see if my reception gets better !! so i said no thankyou id like to cancel my plan as the txt msg states and then she puts me on hold then drops out !!! wtf !
31 Jan 2011 02:57:05 PM: We have all been pushed too far by vodacrap, and I personally have endured severe financial losses due to the failed network, but I certainly dont support you with your racist refference to "papadum". That person is doing their job, and Vodafone are dispicable regardless wether it is an indian, chinaman, or aussie working in that call centre. Vodafone is the culprit here, not the person in the call centre
31 Jan 2011 03:43:10 PM: At least she said (no THANK YOU) before being (CUT OFF).
31 Jan 2011 04:34:21 PM: So she's a polite racist?

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15002 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is extreme at 31 Jan 2011 01:30:38 PM
I'm really just after some advice...

Firstly, over the past month or so, I have been in contact with Vodafone and Crazy Johns (phone dealer who I got the contract through) mainly because I'm not happy with the privacy issues - which I feel is totally understandable on my part. Both Vodafone and Crazy Johns told me 2 different stories, and neither were willing to help when I mentioned what I believe to be a breach of contract on VF's behalf; therefore I want out of my contract. After the usual 15 calls going unanswered then going to the back of the queue, I finally get through to someone and the call drops out?! What the!?!?!? Yet another thing to complain about I guess! This particular conversation went to 3 different people without a resolution.

Secondly, I've recently been offered a job in an area where Vodafone don't have coverage. When asked what could happen with my contract in this instance, the Crazy Johns rep said it was my fault for moving away from the coverage and that they couldn't do anything. However, I am yet to raise this with Vodafone.

Really, I'm just after some advice on if anyone has had similar experiences, and what the outcome was? Also which angle do you think will get the best results (ie out of contract FOC. I currently have 5 months left on my contract.)

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15001 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is reception at 31 Jan 2011 01:09:39 PM
crappy reception, cuts out whenever it wants to, even while im in a conversation so i literally have to turn off and back on my phone for it to get the reception again. went through all the 10 day recovery stuff still doesnt work, got told after signing up with 3 that my area had a bad coverage to the 3 network, even though they tell me this they still wont cancel my contract and want me to pay a fee for disconecting with them up to $400 ?? iv contacted the company and still they keep ignoring my problem and serioulsy im sick of it! ots all bullshit. .

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15000 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Excessive! at 31 Jan 2011 11:38:29 AM
After having a mobile broadband contract with Vodafone since January 2009 the service has continued to get worse and worse, particularly over the past 6 months. It got to the stage where it would constantly drop out, sometimes not even connect, had terrible reception/coverage and was increasingly slow! I decided enough was enough, I shouldn't have to pay for this kind of service and believed that I should be allowed to cancel the contract free of charge considering I am not receiving the service described in the contract to any degree. After calling vodafone many times and getting transferring to many different people, having to tell each one my story again and again and getting no where I was completely fed up only to be promied call backs which never happened and being told a different thing by every person I spoke to. After yet another hour long phonecall I finally got through to the trouble shooting department who did a 'test' on the device and lodged a case and told me I would be contacted within 5 working days. I thought they would be able to tell how bad the connection etc is considering through the entire test it cnstatnly played up and the guy noted that. Well today was 5 working days and still no phone call so I called and got through to connections who told me that they found no faults what so ever with my device and that the area I live in has fantastic coverage...well that is not true what so ever and the problems still exist so I told them again no way am I paying the cancellation fee and I will be contacting the TIO, upon telling them this they told me I could have the next 3 months service free until March, when the network coverage will be better apparently. Infuriated by this I said no and hung up. I called back again and got on to someone different in Cancellations who after a few minutes offered me the same 3 months free service until March when the network is better (so again basically admitting their service is rubbish!) and also offered me cancellation free of charge! Woohoo I win! It just goes to show that it really does depend who you talk to as every person there tends to tell you a different thing. Never ever in my life will I have a thing to do with Vodafone

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14997 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is very! at 31 Jan 2011 11:25:27 AM
Poor Service, phone says it has coverage phone does not ring. In some built up areas phone disconects from network and need to restart the phone to force a connection. Oftern with 5 bars of service data will not work as the network appears to be jammed. Again very noticeible in busy areas around lunch times especially. SMS messages delivered a day late, voicemails delivered a few days late. This is unacceptable for me to run my business. I lose money every time I cannot receive a call. I am on a business plan yet I am not receiving a business class of service.

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14995 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is 10/10 at 31 Jan 2011 10:32:51 AM
I've had a Blackberry with vodafone for the past 2 years and reception had not been an issue at my Wollongong house previous. I've since upgraded to an iPhone 4 and low and behold - no reception! AT all!

I've had someone from customer service try to contact me on a number of occasions but the call drops out every time they try to contact me. Outrageous.
31 Jan 2011 10:45:53 AM: Iphone 4 has a reception problem NOOB everyone knows this fault and yet losers stil keep buying it!!
31 Jan 2011 11:21:04 AM: Agree there are known problems with the iphone and yet the NOOBS and losers at Vodafone keep selling them!!!
31 Jan 2011 03:11:09 PM: I recently got out of 2 vodafone contracts, went to Telstra, got an iphone 4 and calls are clear, internet is fast. Is the problem really the iphone 4 or is it Vodafones failed network?
My moneys on the problem being with vodafone, regardless of the handset

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14990 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is No coverage at 31 Jan 2011 08:18:29 AM
I am running a business and cannot get reception in the point cook area. And many other areas as well. I'm losing calls and people cannot txt me or I can't txt them.
I did have some luck with getting the contract terminated which was not due to lapse until October this year. I have always been happy with their service and their plans are great. They are certainly cheaper than relates who I hate!!! But I'm not left with a choice. I've had to leave vodafone to go to telstra!!
31 Jan 2011 12:11:49 PM: telstra has new busines plans 99 unlimited caps
or 79 cap with 750 incalls and unlimited text starting feb :)

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14985 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Pretty damn fail. at 31 Jan 2011 12:26:19 AM
After being told by staff at Vodafone Dee Why that coverage in Marrickville was excellent, and that I would get coverage "everywhere except the middle of Australia" I was pretty shocked to find that I had to stand in the backyard to make a call at all. Even then there were frequent dropouts, and the sound quality often rendered any attempt at conversation pointless. This is about 5 or 6km from Central Station!
I was also surprised to see their website 'coverage checker' that the whole of the Inner West is marked by a smiley face, indicating good coverage. It's been a long time since Law School, but doesn't the Trade Practices Act say something about this? After about 2 months on the $70 unlimited plan I am looking to terminate my contract ASAP.
I was hoping to give back the handset (HTC Desire HD), as I intend to sign up for Telstra's unlimited plan, which includes an iPhone. I can't really afford to pay $800 for a backup phone. Unfortunately I cracked the screen this week, so I assume I'm stuck with it.
Does anyone know whether I am legally obliged to pay for the phone, and if so, how much? Could I just pay for repairs, give back the handset, and call it quits? ANY KNOWLEDGABLE ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
I've waited on the phone for hours trying to contact Vodafone before being told to hang up and try again. Staff at Dee Why told me to switch to 2G in my home which: a)Doesn't work and b)Leaves a bad taste in the mouth because its not really what I paid for, is it? Its like buying a Porsche and then being told it works okay as long as you don't go over 40.They also said their towers would be updated mid-year and all would be well. After my experience with them so far, I don't believe this for a second.
The really amazing thing to me is not that Vodafone provide a rubbish service, it's that a major company can basically commit fraud to make sales, despite all our consumer protection laws, and rather than the directors getting hauled off to jail, they continue to rake in the dosh, while the best we can do is whine about it on a website.
Over all, a learning experience, and a total pain in the balls.
31 Jan 2011 04:38:51 AM: I had the same issue at Stanmore, had to go outside to make a call, was told by staff there was nothing I could do.

That was with Optus.
31 Jan 2011 09:24:29 PM: they say there towers will be upgraded soon no matter when u talk to them. its a lie

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14984 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is Cannoto call out even to Vodafone at 30 Jan 2011 11:52:38 PM
I try sms, can't sms and have to try 3-4 times. Tried calling even to another vodafone number. Can't send complain to Vodafone and this is what they did.

They sent an email to me with the crap statement about how their coverage is 94% of the population and then set the status to SOLVED.

Question Reference #110130-000282
Product Level 1: Network Info
Product Level 2: Coverage
Date Created: 30/01/2011 08:13 PM
Last Updated: 30/01/2011 08:13 PM
Status: Solved

How can it be solved? Never had this problem with Optus or Telstra. Vodafone only want to collect $$ and not bother about solving their network issue.

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14983 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is totally at 30 Jan 2011 09:47:16 PM
incompetent at running a network & incompetent at running a business

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14981 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is ridculously failing loyal customers at 30 Jan 2011 08:44:31 PM
I have been a vodafone customer for 10 years. The last 2 years my coverage has slowly but surely reduced throughout australia and europe, when I make a phone call I have to re-call the person I'm talking to 3-4 times to complete one conversation and been on hold each time I've called vodafone to complain for over an 1hour only to be transferred to someone in india who can't speak or understand me!!It's disgusting and I believe loyal customers should not have to put up with this blatant lack of commitment and obvious grab for increased dollars for company execs!

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14978 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is in a word S*** at 30 Jan 2011 08:17:45 PM
Going into 5 months of very poor service reception most of Mel CBD,and most of the outer suburbs as i work all over the state and can gage the level of signal etc,where i live no signal most of time.just so RUBBISH.am now in the process of cancel of contract with them.GO Telstra.

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14977 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is at 30 Jan 2011 08:00:19 PM
I hate speaking to 'Lara' - tried every topic I could think of, but none of them took me through to a person on the line, I miss the people on the other end of the line at 3!
Reception is lousy and now my apps aren't working on the HTC - 'network failure'. Not happy.

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14976 Someone from NSW thinks vodafone is Vodafail Reception at 30 Jan 2011 07:55:52 PM
i travel all around the country and i have been with vodafail for years and lately their reception even when sitting underneath a repeater still no service so i recently a couple of days ago switched all my phones and kids phones to telstra very happy with telstra and it has only been a couple of days full service 100% of the time even in the country areas

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14975 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is unreliable mnobile broadband connection at 30 Jan 2011 07:38:39 PM
I purchased a one year prepaid mobile broadband usb connection which I activated 22nd August 2010.
Since then I have been unable to regularly use my plan because of lousy reception. I alternate between the 4215 and 4216 Post Codes.
I've been so frustrated by Vodafone's lack of customer response that I put it in the too hard basket and went about my business with my other broadband connection which is on my landline with DoDo. (no major issues with DoDo)
I have only recently been made aware of this site (Vodafail)and consequently have decided to pursue Vodafone again for answers. I feel they disregard the pain felt by their customers and don't fulfill their corporate responsibility. I wish their was a way for me to get a refund. Perhaps someone else on this site may know how I can obtain a refund.
Thank you
PG
30 Jan 2011 07:46:27 PM: Check out the How To Complain link at the top of the page. If you are looking to get a refund or out of your Contract (penalty free) it contains the information you need.

Follow all of the steps, such as contacting Vodafone first, but you will no doubt end up at the TIO who will then be able to assist you (assuming Vodafone don't).

Best of luck, and let us know how you go.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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14971 Someone from WA thinks vodafone is long delay in sending sms and 'network busy' all the time at 30 Jan 2011 06:28:22 PM
i switched from optus to vodafone because optus didn't have the phone i wanted. now i'm regretting that decision because i'm always unable to make calls as it keeps telling me 'network busy' even when it's not peak hours!

and also, it always takes about 5 minutes for an sms to be sent as it just sits in my outbox forever! even cellular service providers in 3rd world countries are better than this!
30 Jan 2011 06:29:16 PM: Check out my reply to your post below.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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14964 Someone from ACT thinks vodafone is Learning to grin and bear it: Vodafone's bad month at 30 Jan 2011 05:23:37 PM
very interesting reading in the media coverage section regarding The Optus networks almost identical problems, this is actually the second time round for me on this stuff!

Learning to grin and bear it: Vodafone's bad month

capacity issues with Iphone and Android devices being on networks is a big and obvious problem!

All thats happening is thats it's Voda's turn right now, they'll get it fixed just like Optus did.

I encourage everyone to please read this article, maybe have a re-think about the fact that this can happen on other networks, it's a mobile phone thing, not a provider thing!

indecently moved from the Optus network in 2008 cause of the exact same problems, went to Vodafone and it was great, now its crap so gonna go back to Optus cause they have fixed it all now, but when i finish there gonna prolly go back to Vodafone case they'll have it fixed by then, and i did much prefer Vodafone until all these problems happened.
30 Jan 2011 05:51:52 PM: Vodafone clearly didn't plan ahead to allow for smartphones such as the iPhone and Android phones. This is a far more serious problem than what Optus went through and never was Optus in such a poor state like Vodafone are now.

For reference sake the NextG network has never suffered from this problem, the difference between the NextG network and Vodafone is that the NextG network can plan ahead and is already improving a flawless network. Yet Vodafone wait until customers are leaving left right and centre and then they start to look at what is wrong.

What is funny is that Vodafone continue to charge their customers for a service that is not working for the majority and worse than that they are signing new people up all of the time making the problem even worse.

They really need to fix their network and whilst they claim they are doing that it is far too little far too late. I would guess this is costing Vodafone a fortune with the amount of people leaving them and additionally going through the TIO (which costs vodafone even more money).
30 Jan 2011 05:56:44 PM: your so right it was all in my imagination not having service for 4 months and paying for it having Optus tell me this is a normal part of 3G, your right i totally dreamed all that
30 Jan 2011 05:59:27 PM: if you read the article it clearly states and is certainly on the public record that Vodafone has been investing big money in their networks as do Optus and Telstra.

Did you read it?
30 Jan 2011 06:22:55 PM: Regardless of whether Vodafone say they are investing money or not the poster at 30 Jan 2011 07:51:52 PM: has quite rightly pointed out it is too little too late. The damage to the reputation and credibility of Vodafone has been done. Had Vodafone identified and confessed at an earlier time that there were significant network performance issues instead of blaming those network issues on, the user, the mobile phone, the sim card and the numerous other scapegoats, all of the total PR disaster and customer experience disaster could have been avoided.
I see little to be gained on a circular argument, when the question has been asked and answered previously on many occasions.
30 Jan 2011 06:43:25 PM: @ OP is that why Nigel Dews made a public apology to customers? Incidentally more than a month ago.

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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14960 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Crap coverage at 30 Jan 2011 02:08:02 PM
My phone constantly drops out, so I use more credit as I have to re-ring the person. It tells me people are not available when their phones are switched on. I have to try recalling the number a number of times before it finally connects. Some blacks spot you get no coverage. Just out of Brisbane all the way to Pallamallawa and for 4 days + most of the way home NO COVERAGE at any time.
I have had to cancel my credit card due to Vodafones poor privacy. They now want my new credit card details so I can unluck my phone, because they cannot hold up there end of the deal. Absolute rubbish. I would rather throw my phone at a brick wall.

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14957 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is 0 bars in my house at 30 Jan 2011 12:20:50 PM
i live in hawthorn 15km from the cbd and my reception is terrible. i have between 0 and 3 bars.
30 Jan 2011 12:35:43 PM: If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.

The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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14953 Someone from SA thinks vodafone is 9/10 at 30 Jan 2011 10:50:10 AM
Hi all,
I have recently heard back from Vodafone after complaining to the TIO due to coverage issues.
They have agreed to let me out of my contract 18 months early without having to pay cancellation fee. I suggest if your unhappy like i was that you contact the TIO about your situation.
I only have to pay $38.18 for not returning the handset, as i sold my old one as i thought it was the phone that was the problem at that stage... wrong!

I hope you all make some progress as i did.
30 Jan 2011 12:39:53 PM: Excellent!!

Result!!!

Well done you, party at your place tonight!!!

Which other provider are you going to?

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
30 Jan 2011 02:41:55 PM: I am still deciding between telstra or optus. Probabaly Telstra i would say as i have land line and internet through them.

Not wrong about the result! i was completely shocked!!! Its definately party time for sure!
30 Jan 2011 06:29:05 PM: Is it your shout?

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14951 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is Takeover fail at 30 Jan 2011 10:43:50 AM
We live in North Lakes and left Vodafail as they do not offer regular coverage. Three was really good, roaming to Telstra when their coverage was unacceptable. Despite this being in the contract, when Vodafail took over they reneged and roamed only to their network, which only offers regular coverage in the shopping centre where all the sales offices are. When I complained to Three the techs called back and and tried to fix the problem then they ended up having to escalate to Vodafails' technical team. Vodafails' response was that they were aware of the problem. They dont intend to do anything about it, but they are aware of the problem.
30 Jan 2011 12:48:09 PM: Hmmmmmmmm.........that is not good!

Always happens to me as well, the nearer I get to a Vodafone shop the stronger the signal is.........very odd indeed!!

If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.

The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team

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14949 Someone from VIC thinks vodafone is No Reception at 30 Jan 2011 09:59:35 AM
I havent had reception from 28/1/11 till 30/1/11 any were in Albury/Wodonga Vodafone have only offered me $30 as a "good will gesture" does that seem reasonable for not havinng any phone reception for almost 3 days i dont think so considering that i dont have a land line and rely on my moble phone for everything.
30 Jan 2011 01:08:55 PM: I once worked in Albury/Wodonga nice part of the world you live in!



$30 may be the going rate (I really do not know) but more importantly when will there be normal service?



May be worth thinking about the future......



If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.



The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.



Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team
3 Feb 2011 08:23:26 PM: MMM well after 4 calls to customer service, i emailed the TIO, got a sms from vodafone the next day saying they have let me out of my contract,if i send them back my handset, so 2 days later i ported out. thanks for the site and the link toi the TIO

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14948 Someone from QLD thinks vodafone is frustrating at 30 Jan 2011 09:27:41 AM
I had been with Vodafone prepaid in the past for years with no issues, i left for about 6 months then came back to a plan in late december, the issues since then have been never ending, reception for 1, i work in brisbane city, about 50% of the time i get vodafone reception, the rest i roam onto telstra, sometimes i just get no reception at all in the city, i live only 8km from brisbane city and often at home i get no reception at all, or its again under roaming, the issue being, when you roam, the charges are 90cents per minute out of my cap, not free vodafone to vodafone like it should be! this is why i went back to vodafone, so that my partner and i stopped getting big bills!

Next, I cant get my account balance through website, the vodafone access point, , the 1512 number, the only way was calling vodafone and waiting an hour, and as of yesterday they couldn't tell me what cap credit i had left and how much data i had either, first bill i knew would have 2 x monthly charges, but where i signed up for half price, they input it as $10 per month off, i now apparently have a recurring credit to make up the difference but my first bill was still not half price x 2 months! i am also incredibly underwhelmed at the speed of internet access vodafone have at the moment, i usually just wait till i get home as its less painful!
30 Jan 2011 01:11:46 PM: I think the number may be 1555 that you have to call.

Did you get the reps name, ID and call reference number? Always wise to as there have been reports of calls not apparently being recorded. The reps will give them to you but you normally have to ask!


Vodafail.com needs your waiting times to illustrate the unacceptable and excessive waiting times experienced from Customer Care.

Please use the On Hold Again? located at the top of the page to record your experience.

If you have tried to contact Customer Care without success or not to your satisfaction the next step is to contact the TIO.

The details may be found on the tab How To Complain located at the top of the page.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!!

Vodafail.com Moderation Team