Can't cancel rolling 30 day mifi contract?

[ashbashmasher]

So I bought a mifi (r216) with a 30 day rolling contract because my ex was moving in to a new build house with no internet, and needed something to tide her over. She now has fibre bb. I want to cancel the rolling data plan, but keep the mifi box. When I phoned vodafone, they said I can't, and I have to return the dongle? What gives? I paid for the dongle seperately. I just want to cancel the data contract, with a view to sticking a pay as you go sim in it for when my home broadband goes down. I was assured by the vodafone store staff that I could cancel the contract with 30 days notice. Nothing was mentioned about having to return the dongle i've already paid for (and no longer have the box for!).

[Annie_N]

@ashbashmasher

How long have you actually had the device? If you're still within the first 30 days, then it may be a return rather than a cancellation, and you'd have to return the device. Once the 30 days are up, you should be able to give your 30 days' notice, and hold onto the device. There's some discussion here.

[Annie_N]

@ashbashmasher I've just seen your post on the other thread. Did you actually buy the device separately, or was it the "upfront cost" referred to in the 30-day plans described here?

[ashbashmasher]

Depends how you defined seperately I guess. He took the money for the device first off my debit card, and gave me the box containing the mifi dongle. Then we talked about data plans, and set up a direct debit for that. To me, that's seperate, although it did all happen talking to the same guy in one sitting. Either way, I feel a bit mislead. I guess I'll just have to try an cancel after the 30 days, and then end up paying another 30 days (although I'm sure they will stretch that into yet another month). Then when my 2 £50 a month phone contracts are up for renewal, I'll take my business elsewhere.

[ashbashmasher]

Ok, so after a long drawn out argument, I've managed to get it cancelled, but still have to pay for part of the line rental for the next month. Be aware...this is NOT a 30 day contract, you are tied into it for at least 60 days. Very misleading, and not at all what the guy in the store told me, and NOT is what is on my paper work. If I had the energy I would fight it some more, but instead, i'll just wait and take my custom elsewhere. Well done Vodafone, 2 fifty quid a month contracts will not be coming back to you, and I'll spread the word amongst friends and family.

[Tash]

@ashbashmasher I'm sorry to see the experience you've had when cancelling your Mobile Wi-Fi device.

So we can take a closer look into this for you, I've sent you a private message with details to contact our team directly. We'll then be in touch to discuss this further.

[ashbashmasher]

On the receipt, it says 'upfront charge £35', 'Equipment Value £0', 'Equipment subsidy £0'

To me, that means i've paid outright for the equipment.

[ashbashmasher]

Thanks for the reply. Got it on 28th August, so a week. I'm happy to wait till the 30 days are up, pay another month (if necessary, although I don't see why they can't put an end date on the contract now) and then cancel, but the vodafone customer service guy said that is not an option. Apparently I can't cancel the sim at all without returning the device, which I don't want to do. The only option he gave me was to revisit the store and talk the staff there, but given it took 30 minutes to even get seen, that's not something I'm able to do during the week. It should be so simple...cancel the rolling contract, send me a payg sim.