iPhone 4 and 4S

[jstobin1]

I had been a Vodafone customer for over 20 years, but would now like your management to know the reasons why I have gone with an alternative network. I recently purchased an iPad to use on the coach to work intending to use its larger screen instead of my iPhone simply because it's easier to read. This would not have used any more data than I already use. Despite several phone calls to 191, including requesting my PAC code, I was give the excuse that tethered data is different and therefore must be charged for separately. Well it's still noughts and ones and it's only different because you CHOOSE to charge for it differently when tethered from an iPhone. I therefore tried an alternative carriers' sim in my phone, and found that the network speed has generally been much faster, coverage everywhere I need it. Also, the allowances for minutes and texts much more generous, and data unlimited with tethering included. Result, no brainier, I've left Vodafone. All Vodafone had to do to keep me, was let me tether within my existing data allowance, but no, it was patronisingly explained to me that tethered data was different. JT

[Nabs]

Hi jstobin1,

Tethering is now included on all plans with a data allowance.

I can only assume you were on an old plan that didnt allow tethering as standard. The tethering pack for these old plans was chargable at an additional £5 a month. Note these plans predate the general availability of handset tethering hence it was never a feature needed before.

[DaveCD]

Hi jstobin1

Thank you for your post and it is great to see you.

I am sad to see you feel this way and sorry to see you felt you had to leave as we aim to assist everyone regardless of the query.

Nabs is spot on here and we would have been happy to take a look at the options availab;e and also to check the network for any known issues so we could see if we could improve the speed.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to post.

Many Thanks

DaveCD

eForum Team

[Bugs1012]

i was waiting for my contract to run out so i could move to another provider but i just called customer services and they say that i am now on a free tethering plan.  great news... shame i had to be so unhappy for so long and find out by accident.

[daveyc]

So having read this thread I emailed customer services asking them to add tethering as I'd now heard there was no £5 monthly charge on any plan with a data allowance. Email back says I will still be charged £5/month.

I'm on a plan with a 500MB data alowance so shouldn't I get tethering included as mentioned above?

[jeffkinn]

If your contract was taken out before June 2011 tethering will still be chargeable. It is only more recent contracts that are free from tethering charges I'm afraid.

[daveyc]

Ok thanks for the info. Contract start was 20/05/2011 - unlucky!

[jstobin1]

Missing the point I'm afraid. The problem was that Vodafone offer either: Old price plan where tethering is extra, or, New price plan where tethering is included but you get less data than before and have to pay extra to get the same data allowance. As I said, this is simply an excuse to extract more money from customers. JT

[Bugs1012]

I just received my latest bill to see that I have been charged for tethering, despite my earlier post where I said I had spoken to them and tethering was free on my contract.

I called customer services who of course said 'no you do not have free tethering' and 'we have no record of you calling us about it in May'.

I've been told so many different answers about my account over the last year i shouldnt be surprised.

If you're reading this and thinking about joining Vodafone, please don't.  Worst company i have ever dealt with.

Will be throwing a party when my contract runs out.