Vodafone has ramped up its long-running Network Guarantee and will now refund all payments to customers who cancel their contracts within the first month.
Under the terms of the new guarantee, anyone signing up for a new postpaid contract plan end the contract within the first 30 days, no questions asked and Vodafone will refund any fees charged. If there is a phone included in the contract, they also need to return the handset within 10 days after cancelling the contract to receive this refund.
Previously, customers could cancel the contract and return the phone, but they would be required to pay any fees charged up to the point of cancellation. Now, customers will only need to pay for things outside of the plan inclusions, like PAYG overseas calls, and calls and SMS to premium service numbers.
Guarantee on a stronger network
Vodafone’s Network Guarantee is a one-of-a-kind plan feature in Australia and something we would love to see the other major carriers include in the future.
Originally designed as a way to reintroduce people to the Vodafone network after the infamous Vodafail incident from several years back.The Guarantee meant that people looking for a better value plan, but who may have been unsure about the Vodafone network, could try out the network and see for themselves.
Now, five years after the Guarantee was established, it could be argued that it is less important now. Vodafone’s network has improved significantly in this time, a fact that was clearly illustrated recently by an independent report from wireless mapping company OpenSignal.
Still, it is a welcome safety net, and one that all of the telcos should be required to offer. Given that there are so many variables in network performance and availability, and that it is often impossible for the telcos to fix these problems for new customers, a risk-free exit option should be built into all phone plan contracts.
Joseph Hanlon
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