Vodacom
Inability to suspend contract

I would like to express my deep dissatisfaction for the rigidness of the contracts that are enterred into with Vodacom and their unwillingness to facilitate special requests.

I was recently presented with an opportunity to fulfill a 6 month secondment overseas, starting in January. Upon inquiry as to whether I would be able to suspend, or pause, the final 6 months of my contract for the duration of my secondment, and continue when I return, I experienced the following:

1) there is no option to suspend a contract. I am not paying off the phone, as I purchased it with cash. So effectively I will be charged R4200 (700 x 6) without enjoying 1 free minute, SMS, or mb of data without costing Vodacom a cent. If other cellular providers, gyms and golf clubs can make arrangements to suspend contracts, I don't see how Vodacom cannot.
2) without any indication of being unwilling to pay, I was informed brashly by the consultant at the call centre that I will be liable for ALL payments and need to ensure I make a plan to prevent being handed over to the legal department.

Instead of renewing my contract on my return, I will be taking my business to a cell provider who is more accommodating.

Company: Vodacom
Country: South Africa
City: Contracts department

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