forced to new network :S

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › forced to new network :S

Jerry123456

88 posts

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#37315 10-Jul-2009 17:29

Hi there, my apologies if this has been covered - I did a quick search but couldn't find anything related (and I could easily have used the wrong keywords so bare with me!)

At the moment I have a HTC "Okta" (I believe they are HTC Vogues overseas though) with a plan on the older network. Telecom called me stating they have found a plan that better suits me, which is good of them, but I have to move to the new 3g network. Therefore I'm having to replace my phone.

The caller offered me an R6 (I think) so I asked if this was the equivalent to my current phone. Once he realised what my current phone was there was a "ummmm ... ahhhhh ... if you could please check the telecom website for a suitable phone for your needs and we will call you in a weeks time to talk further"

So i guess my question is, has anyone else had the same cold calling done to them forcing them to the new network and a new phone and if so did you get a choice of the phone you wanted that was the same worth as your old (curent) phone. Or maybe work out a deal with them for a better phone (I would pay the difference type thing)

I'm wanting to get a feeling if I should be prepared to fight and them wanting to downgrade me without reason or are they quite realistic with their offers.

Any help is hugely appreciated!
Thanks,
Jeremy

freitasm

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#233803 10-Jul-2009 17:34

I haven't heard of this. The CDMA network is not to be closed until 2012 and Telecom is not pushing people out of it.

Coiuld it be a reseller - not Telecom? I am not sure if reseller receive a commision on migrations, but could be that they are pushing it because of this?

In any way, check the plans. I found out that moving to XT network I would be paying far less than before - and since I didn't want a subsidy for a new handset I got a no term plan.

However - moving to XT Network is free, and you shouldn't have to pay for a SIM card. If this "offer" comes with any strings attached (pay for SIM card, pay a fee to move to XT, etc) then you better go to a store and do it there.

Jerry123456

88 posts

Master Geek

#233808 10-Jul-2009 17:54

Hmmm yep it was quite a strange conversation. I asked if there was any way I could keep my phone and old contract but I got a definite "no you can't" reply.

It could well have been a communication break down between me and the representative though I guess.

When/if he calls back I will get that cleared up and try to get some sort of deal like:
-- Replacement phone worth the same cost of my Okta touch
-- Try to keep it open plan so I can leave at anytime without repercussions (What are the set backs of leaving a contract early with Telecom?) as the 2degrees people looks promising.

The second is probably a bit far-fetched but worth a crack :)

I also read here http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=39&topicid=32997

Monthly rental plan still within contract period
If you are an existing Telecom mobile customer who is still within contract beyond the launch of the new network, you will get a free handset worth up to $149 RRP from the new range when you sign up to any 24 month plan on XT Network when it launches. This offer will be redeemable from the launch of the new network until 30 September 2009.

But that looks like it is a choice to move over to the new network... So yep I'm confused

Looking at equivalents on telecom.co.nz to the Okta I think I'm only interested in the Blackberry Bold 9000 and HTC S523 although the HTC is windowsMobile standard and Blackberry might be forced in to the dataPlans they provide on other carriers :S

grrr

Mattnzl

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#233810 10-Jul-2009 18:00

I think MF could be on the right track - I keep getting calls at work from people who claim to be from Telecom or Vodafone who have a "much better deal", but when pressed for more info it turns out they are from Digital Mobile or the like.

askelon

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#233812 10-Jul-2009 18:12

I had the hard pressure from a salesman ringing me yesterday trying to get me to switch. I kept telling him I'd think about it and he constantly stated it was a one time deal and he was doing me a major favour - turned out the plan was just a standard XT plan.. I ended up telling him if I want to change I'll go into a store..

Aaroona

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#233814 10-Jul-2009 18:18

Mattnzl: from Digital Mobile or the like.

This i find confusing.

Are they allowed to ring up and say "its Vodafone"

Since all they are, are authorised dealers, not actually Vodafone?

When Iget a call from my local shop, they say "Hello this is [name] from Vodafone (some say First/Digital Mobile [can't remember which one it is] Whangaparaoa" or something similar (even though they're actually First/Digital Mobile). But they say Whangaparaoa which immediately tells me it's just the store I signed up with, not actually Vodafone.

If that makes sense..

Might re-read that in 10 minutes and make changes if i see something that doesnt sound right

freitasm

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#233816 10-Jul-2009 18:21

Jerry123456: Hmmm yep it was quite a strange conversation. I asked if there was any way I could keep my phone and old contract but I got a definite "no you can't" reply.

Yes, you can. You don't have to move to XT Network now. The CDMA network is operational until 2012.

If anyone offers you a better deal, don't take. If you want a good deal, look for the plans, choose one and go to a store to sign up. As I said it should be free, no fees to move on. I've done that last week.

Don't give anything to anyone over the phone. It could be real, or a scam. Just do it in store. But you don't have to move to XT Network now.

tonyhughes

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#233820 10-Jul-2009 18:33

It will be a dealer or a rep who gets commission only if you agree to go on a plan.

If they are telling you that you cannot keep your current phone and plan, tell them to go take a flying leap - they are lying to you.

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Jerry123456

88 posts

Master Geek

#233821 10-Jul-2009 18:40

Wow, thanks for the replies everyone. I am now looking forward to them calling and seeing what they say or offer. I'll report back if/when this happens :)

I'll be holding fast with what I've got for sure

Thanks again,
Jeremy

freitasm

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#233827 10-Jul-2009 18:50

Jerry123456: I'll be holding fast with what I've got for sure

Don't take it wrong - you might benefit of changing. I did after finding I'd be paying much less with the new plans (especially because of $6 SMS and $18 Data options). But you don't have to change. You change if you want to.

And if you want to change you don't have to sign a term contract. If you want the subsidy to buy a new handset then you have to sign a term, otherwise you are free - like myself.

In either way, visiting a store is a good move. Never do these kind of things over the phone - specially when someone calls you, not the other way around.

honem

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#233859 10-Jul-2009 20:05

freitasm:
Yes, you can. You don't have to move to XT Network now. The CDMA network is operational until 2012.

Wow good to know thanks mate.

My mobile still on a go one bill mates rates plan with no landline on the account due to a computer stuff up. I'm still waiting for them to notice me :D

Meh if they don't tell me I can't be on my old plan I miight consider switching. I doubt they'll contact me tho :D

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NealR

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#233876 10-Jul-2009 20:51

Jeremy

If you are unhappy with the conduct of the person who called you the feel free to email me the details and I'll pass it on.

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CaptCam

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#234353 12-Jul-2009 14:57

As a MobileGeek within the walls, am keen (as per NealR) to be able to track down random 'upgrade now for a better deal' callers. 2012 is the end date for CDMA so anyone with the want or desire to keep their OKTA Touch or whatever alive and going till then is more than welcome to do so.

Telecom manages their dealers carefully, each has an assigned customer base and poaching isn't encouraged so speak up if you feel pressured etc.

There currently is no 'direct' replacement for the Touch (full touch screen Windows 6 or higher device) in the range and likely replacements may be a while off - so sit back and relax but update those of us able to manage the mavericks if this continues.