Three weeks ago I wanted to upgrade to a phone with GPS. I had my eye on the HTC's, but asked to see all the phones with GPS. I decided to go for the HTC-S710 as it was also in this batch. I also wanted to step down from the 100 anytime minutes to a 100 off peak minute contract. For this I was advised that I can take the HTC-S710 at a once of fee of about R400. When all the paperwork was done, one of the other counter people informed us that the amount is about R1000 and not the R400 as indicated. All of this took some time and so I decided to stay on the 100 any time contract so I can get going. When the phone was handed to me I was informed that it has a 85 day exchange warranty for any product problem not related to physical damage or water. In the following week I tried setting up the internet and found out it had no GPS. Eventually we got the internet set up, but leaf locate still did not work. With in the following two weeks I learned that leaf locate is only a map download facility. There is no map guidance on this phone. I also purchased a micro SD card for the phone and then determined the slot is not working. Two weeks after I received the phone, I took it back with the complaints that the internet is not working and the SD card slot is faulty. They took the next hour in setting up my internet and then booked in the phone, because the SD slot is faulty. This repair would take four to six weeks. I had to leave so I just let it go. When inquiring about the exchange policy and in the following week I was told that there is only a seven day policy and the contract can not be reversed, because the phone packaging was opened. This means I got a phone for more than I wanted to pay monthly that hasn't got the functions I asked for. In other words, they are getting my money, so why would they care. I asked if they could reverse the contract and I live out my current contract for the remaining 3 months with the hope of new releases with my requirements, but this was declined. Like I said. They are getting my money, so why would they care. This is the service you can expect from Cell C in general as I get very little feedback from the customer services. The store where I signed the contract is in Menlyn Park shopping center, the Cell C shop next to Standardbank.

In January this year, I was contacted by a Cell C consultant to renew my contract and upgrade my phone. The consultant convinced me that the SAMSUNG J750 was an excellent choice. However, I noticed that the phone had poor reception and I received numerous complaints from people trying to contact me saying that my phone was always off.

I reported the matter to Cell C, and a person was sent out to evaluate the reception problem. I was told that there was definitely something wrong with the phone and needed to contact Cell C as he was not able to anything.

I contacted Cell C and was told that I should take my phone in to one of their stores and it will be sent through for an upgrade. I visited the Greenstone Hill branch on numerous occassions, however they were not able to do anything as they have no loan phones in stock. They did take down my details, however, months have gone by with no response. I have been sending regular emails to the customer services division and still nothing has been done. In the meantime I am sitting with a phone that I may only be able to use if it is able to pick up reception. In emergencies, my cellphone is not operational. whilst I am in the middle of a conversation, the phone cuts off and I am still expected to pay for my contract!!!

It's sad how even if you an outstanding amount, Cell C will still not remove your name from ITC “Cell C does not remove names on ITC, however we only update your status”. If you pay something, especially if it's a measly amount like R700, why cant they take your name off ITC. They have probably never had to struggle with getting finance.

It's a sad affair when a 'popular' company like Cell C really does not give a rats ass when their clients are going through a difficult time (even if they told them they would be late with payment).

I was contacted by an agent and with this I received the Cell phone without a SIM card, after 2 months I am billed but I have no service from CELL C. I have no help from them they refuse to listen to the complaint, I don't know what to do any more, I am paying for a service I don't have. I have a stack of correspondence from myself to them where they just don't have the decency to help.

CUSTOMERS MUST BECOME AWARE ABOUT CELL C 'S FRAUDULENT BILLING SYSTEM. CELL C CONTINUES TO BILL CLIENTS EVEN THOUGH CONTRACTS ARE CANCELLED. I CANCELLED MY CONTRACT AFER TWENTY FOUR MONTHS. I WAS BILLED FOR THE TWENTY FIFTH MONTH. THE STAFF ARE ALSO TRAINED TO DEFRAUD THEIR CLIENTS. INTEGRITY AND FAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES ARE NOT PART OF THIER CUSTOMER POLICY. PLAINLY CELL C IS IN BUSINESS THROUGH FRAUDULENT WAYS AND NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE COMPETIVE. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF FAIR. THEY MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DEFRAUD THEIR CLIENTS. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY JOY WITH THEM SINCE HAVING TWO CONTRACTS WITH THEM. MY OTHER CONTRACT WHICH WAS INSURED BY THEM WAS REPUDIATED, WHEN I HAD A CLAIM. THERE IS EVERY EVIDENCE THAT CELL C HAS NO INTEGRITY.

IT IS FRUSTRATING DEALING WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AS THERE IS NO SERVICE. WHY IS A COMPANY LIKE CELL C STILL ON THE MARKET. HOW DOES ONE REPORT THIS UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICE TO ENSURE THAT OTHER UNSUSPECTING CLIENTS ARE NOT TAKEN FOR A RIDE BY THIS COMPANY. THEY SEEM TO BE THRIVING IN THE MARKET ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE DEFRAUDING CLIENT. THEY WILL NEVER STAND A CHANCE WITH THEIR COMPETITORS AS THEY LACK PROFESSIONALISM AND HONESTY. THEY WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS LIKE VODACOM AND MTM. THEY THRIVE ON THE UNSUSPECTING.