Bloody Ihug's trap

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Johnmen

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Topic # 15233 10-Aug-2007 21:58

I just received an email from Ihug saying they have made changes to the Braodband 3 ADSL plan (unlimited), here is the quoted one:

...making our broadband 3 fair use policy easier to understand. And that's just what we've done...
...if someone uses more than 20GB a month, their speed will be reduced to 64kbps for the rest of that month...

And I have just signed up with Ihug for broadband and home phone for ONE month! I feel like being cheated by Ihug as before that change, the condition of broadband 3 is barely acceptable (throttled if your gone over 3G every 3 day) and I cannot find any other sort of unlimited plan from other ISPs.

Now what? I have been effectively forced to a 20GB LIMITED plan, and still paying $60.00 a month for it.

NZ Herald just posted a picture of Telecom's exchange at Ponsonby currently having Ihug and Orcon's own gear fitted in, and local loop unbundling is on its way. However, one essential thing will never change when it comes to business, the motive of squeezing every single cent from our consumer.

freitasm

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Reply # 81961 10-Aug-2007 22:21

You can read other comments on this here... And yes, it sounds bad...

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grant_k

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Reply # 81962 10-Aug-2007 22:21

This has already been discussed at GREAT length here:

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=49&TopicId=15067

It's fair to say that iHUG has angered a lot of people by changing the rules suddenly with very little warning.

Oblivian

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Reply # 81963 10-Aug-2007 22:33

Yet rather ironicly...

Backhaul overage charges eliminated

14 February 2007 - Following a review of UBS backhaul arrangements in conjunction with industry consultation, Telecom Wholesale has removed the 4Gb and 10Gb data allowances for UBS as well as eliminating any overage charges for UBS backhaul.

http://www.telecom.co.nz/content/0,8748,203848-204220,00.html

paradoxsm

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Reply # 81965 10-Aug-2007 23:15

iSlug are quite known for that trick, Something I notice iSlug do is change plans for all existing customers at no notice, even for those in contract.

It's NOT a general practice employed by any other ISP or Telco company.

Examples?

Woosh allowed it's existing customers on unlimited to remain for two years. (yes, even woosh!)
Telecom allows people on 60's plus or Homeline economy to remain.
Telecom allows users still on Golarge to remain there.
Slingshot have left my Coded access toll plan with the caps even though it's no longer available.
My 025 could have stayed on the 6PM - 8AM off peak plan until network closure 7 years later.
Bellsouths offpeak advantage remained for many years later.
There are many users still on the early 027 plans with "Telecom talk time"

But iSlug? NO!

(You really should look at better internet anyway)

freitasm

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Reply # 81966 10-Aug-2007 23:32

You know the rules... No calling company names in these forums.

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paradoxsm

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Reply # 81990 11-Aug-2007 12:07

Awww :-(

How about a rule of "You are allowed to bag only the 3 worst companies and call them anything you like" :-P

liquidbeats

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Reply # 82561 15-Aug-2007 22:07

Hi there forum peeps, I have read this and the other thread regarding IHUGs plan 3 changes and im just wanting to know if theres anyway of getting out of my contract without paying $199, Im in the same boat as alot of Ihug customers - I saw the unlimited(ish) plan and jumped on it as I didnt mind being choked if I had dl lotsa stuff over the last few days.......I signed in to an 18 month contract and have only been with them for just over a month - and they go and pretty much change the whole struture of the plan. I wrote a complaint email the day I recieved notification of the changes - but only got the standard 'you can change to one of our larger plans' responses, which doesnt really help.

Can anyone shed some light on this from maybe a consumers garuntees act or similiar point of view.

Any advise / help is much appreciated.

cheers

Scotty

Oblivian

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Reply # 82562 15-Aug-2007 23:23

http://www.ihug.co.nz/about/legal/Residential%20TC.pdf

Looking at the T&C. Nope.

liquidbeats

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 82571 16-Aug-2007 08:15

Thanks for the reply, I have also read the t's & c's but Im sure there must be something in the consumers garuntees act regarding change of service whilst in a contract......I have tried to find out by searching on the net but havent really come across much info on it.

Oblivian

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Reply # 82579 16-Aug-2007 09:22

Think you will find the usual 'we have a right to change these terms with a notice period' gives them free reign as long as they do notfiy.

liquidbeats

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Reply # 82587 16-Aug-2007 10:13

I have done a bit more reading up on this and it seems that you are able to get out of contracts if a company has been misleading about service - so my argument now is why do a massive promotion and coax consumers into signing up for 18 months - knowing that you about to change the plan?? I certainly feel mislead.

I have now emailed the commerce commision regarding ihugs dodgy ways.

I will post up any response i get from them and also Ihug.

Again if anyone else can add to this, it would be really helpful.

richms

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Reply # 82736 17-Aug-2007 17:17

Oblivian: Think you will find the usual 'we have a right to change these terms with a notice period' gives them free reign as long as they do notfiy.

No it doesn't, tell them you are disconnecting because they have changed it. Dispute the disconnection charge, you can quickly take up more of their time, and if you say that they have violated the contract and you will be taking legal advice on what remedies you have then that charge will be reversed oh-so quickly.

Contract law is an art in itself, and there is an out from almost anything.

Richard rich.ms

timestyles

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Reply # 82743 17-Aug-2007 17:59

I have now emailed the commerce commision regarding ihugs dodgy ways.

I think you'll find that the Ministry of consumer affairs are the people to deal with. That said, say that you'll take them to the disputes tribunal. It would be interesting to see what their reaction would be if one person won a DT case against them. They may be too scared of the reaction, and would waive the disconnection fee. 20GB is nowhere unlimited, I feel for you buddy.

liquidbeats

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Reply # 82962 20-Aug-2007 12:37

Hey guys just an update on this......I requested a call from a manager at the Ihug call centre, which happened with in about 30 mins - explained that I wasnt happy with the Plan change and that I didnt think it was fair that I wasnt notified about this when signing up - also saying I had been in contact with the commerce commision and that they agreed that this was misleading. The manager completely agreed and has now waived the $199 disconnection fee.

I am now looking at other Isp.....any word on Orcon as they have a semi decent deal ($79.95 for basic homeline and 20gb cap)