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Vodafone Champions of Communications in Business? - I don't think so :(

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DotNetWebs

Every thread in this forum now has the following advert inserted in it:

"Vodafone champions of communications in business"... etc.

If this is the case perhaps they would like to address the problem that they have created with one of the flagship phones the Sony Experia X1.

I was very pleased with this phone until I realised that it was not possible to connect to the Internet and syncronise email etc via wi-fi (even though it is this is very simple to do on the non-branded X1)

Vodafone have confirmed they have modified the ROM to force their users to connect via Vodafone 3G/GPRS network - a potentially lucrative way to fleece their customers.

I have been a Vodafone customer for over 12 years, currenty have multilple devices, and have recommended many people to Vodafone over the years. I will not be using Vodafone again unless this issue is addressed.

Since Vodafone now seem to be sponsering this forum perhaps they would like to add their comment to this thread (one of many on this subject):

Vodafone Forces Gprs Dial Up & Not Wifi Browsing On X1 :mad:

Regards

Dotty
 
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Voda might be sponsoring the forum but i doubt they even know it exists.
The ads would be handled by an agency.
 
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are they sponsoring the forum or is it just affiliate banner ads running under the first post of each thread? theyre quite annoying anyway.
 
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Hi there DotNetWebs,

My name is LeeH and I work for the Vodafone eForum and would like you to get in touch so that we can help out.

Please register for a membership at the Vodafone eForum and post your query so that we can resolve your issue as soon as possible.

I look forward to seeing you on the forum.

Many thanks,

LeeH
Vodafone eForum Team
 
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Hello Lee

Manu thanks for your prompt response to my 'rant'.

I have registered on the Vodafone forum (as DotNetWebs) but am currently getting saying I do not have permission to post (even thought I have confirmed my account and re-logged in).

I had spent a lot of time reading through your forum prior to starting this thread in the hope of finding a solution to this problem.

It was one of the post in your forum from "Jay_Vodafone" that confirms that Vodafone deliberately set all Internet connections on this handset to use GPRS and ignore WiFi ("in order to enable the X1 to support [Vodafone] Live!")

I like many other posters on your forum (some who are talking about discussing this with Trading Standards) feel particularly cheated by this decision.

I currently use the X1 and a USB modem with a data contract. Obviously in UK locations with good signal coverage it is not a problem for us to connect via 3G/GPRS. However if am abroad in a hotel with free WiFi, you are forcing us to incur expensive roaming charges to make use of Internet applications - I hope you can understand our frustrations!

I will try and post on your forum again later but in the mean time here are the threads I have already found discussing this issue:

Sony Experia X1 - Prioritise Wifi Over 3g

Se Xperia X1 - Connet Via Wifi And Not Gprs...

Vodafone Forces Gprs Dial Up & Not Wifi Browsing On X1?, Why does Vodafone force Internet to use GPRS Contract & not Wifi?

X1 - New Software (r2aa007)

Thanks again for responding to the thread. I look forward to this issue being resolved and being able to recommend Vodafone again.

Regards

Dotty
 
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Hi Lee

I have tried several times to post on the Vodafone eForum but (in several different forum areas) but even though it shows me as logged in I continually get this message:

"Sorry, you do not have permission to start a topic in this forum"

Regards

Dotty
 
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Hi Dotty

I'm sorry you're having trouble posting. If you follow the steps when you click Contact Us at the top of the page (under the red banner) we will get you up and running.

I understand that this is a difficult situation for you. As you can see from Tom's post on thread topic number 17817 there isn't anything we can do to change this part of the phone for you. If you would like more information on Vodafone branding on forum topic number 10349

We always pass on any feedback we receive on products and services to the relevant teams so that it can be considered for future updates or devices. I will pass on your comments on this subject for you.

Kirsty_Vodafone
Vodafone Customer Services
eForum Team
 
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Kirsty_Vodafone said:
Hi Dotty

I'm sorry you're having trouble posting. If you follow the steps when you click Contact Us at the top of the page (under the red banner) we will get you up and running....
Click to expand...

Hello Kirsty

Many thanks for responding to this thread. If I have cause to use the Vodafone forum again I will do as you suggest.

For now though I am afraid you have answered my question by saying:
Kirsty_Vodafone said:
there isn't anything we can do to change this part of the phone for you. If you would like more information on Vodafone branding...
....
Click to expand...

That "branding" means I cannot use this phone as its manufacturer intended. It also means I am likely to incur unnecessary charges which will conveniently boost Vodafone's profits at the expense of it's customers.

I am not normally a 'moaner' I have praised Vodafone many times on this forum with this being a typical post:

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=147710

I am afraid that this policy means I will no longer recommend Vodafone and will be looking at alternative providers for both my handset and data service when my current contracts end.

Regards

Dotty
 
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paultnl said:
Just replace the ROM to a non branded one.
Full details here http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=436

Make sure you read and understand the instructions first.
Click to expand...

Many thanks for this. That forum looks very useful.

The one thing that concerns me about replacing the ROM is that Vodafone have stated that it will invalidate the warranty (a new handset is around £500!).

Regards

Dotty
 
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DotNetWebs said:
Hello Kirsty

Many thanks for responding to this thread. If I have cause to use the Vodafone forum again I will do as you suggest.

For now though I am afraid you have answered my question by saying:


That "branding" means I cannot use this phone as its manufacturer intended. It also means I am likely to incur unnecessary charges which will conveniently boost Vodafone's profits at the expense of it's customers.

I am not normally a 'moaner' I have praised Vodafone many times on this forum with this being a typical post:

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=147710

I am afraid that this policy means I will no longer recommend Vodafone and will be looking at alternative providers for both my handset and data service when my current contracts end.

Regards

Dotty
Click to expand...

Have you had a chat with trading standards about it. Seems like a dodgy practice.

Re-flash the mobile with the manufactures own software rather than the hacked vodafone rom. If you bork it don't tell them you tried :)
 
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Gosh my little post has really started something

In fairness I do not think this issue is down to Vodafone but between Blackberry and Land Rover. Bad news as lots of Land Rover drivers must be Blackberry users. I have been in touch with Land Rover HO and they recommend buying a Parrot from Halfords although it is £100. I can see what it does but not sure if it will seamlessely use the great bluetooth facility on the Landrover steering wheel dial etc or be fiddly

Chris
 
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You'll find that most of the geriatric mobile companies castrate their bleeding edge phones so that they won't do what you want them to do but do only what they want them too.

The E and N series Nokias were built with a VoIP stack so that they could connect to the internet to make calls but this feature was disabled by several mobile operators - for obvious reasons.

If the company is funding the phone, they have a right to do this, but having done it they should not market the device as an N95 - it is no longer an N95 it's an N95-. It should have a big red label on it that says 'FCUKED'
 
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hm I am sure but probably not in this case as can't make calls on Vodafone network if numbers not names show in car. One solution would be to go to 02 and iphone so no benefit to Vodafone.

Chris
cjd said:
You'll find that most of the geriatric mobile companies castrate their bleeding edge phones so that they won't do what you want them to do but do only what they want them too.

The E and N series Nokias were built with a VoIP stack so that they could connect to the internet to make calls but this feature was disabled by several mobile operators - for obvious reasons.

If the company is funding the phone, they have a right to do this, but having done it they should not market the device as an N95 - it is no longer an N95 it's an N95-. It should have a big red label on it that says 'FCUKED'
Click to expand...
 
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The phone X1 is advertised as having wifi but you cant use this. This would be a good reason to break the contract.

On the same subject but with O2 this is what happened to me.

iPhone 3G. Was getting a lot of missed calls. Phone not ringing and going to answerphone. People not leaving messages and as a result I lost ALOT of business and money

Spoke to O2 who said there were no network problems, changed the phone TWICE. I actually managed to get hold of someone quite high up and once there she was very very good at trying to get me sorted out.

She even admitted it was a problem, well she had to as she was calling me on my mobile when I had a full signal whilst I was sitting on a land line next to her.

O2 did say that if i wanted to leave I could. But we were adamant it was just a fault with the phone, we had tried everything. (oh by the way the iPhone can't do two things at once)

So, went to local O2 shop who said they had never heard of the problem. By this time I was getting a lot of friends and colleagues saying they were getting the same issue, but they only noticed it after I told them about it and they were asking people who called them.

Got a new phone at the shop X1 and although a very nice phone it wasnt as good as the iPhone for ease of use and apps. And it takes FOREVER to charge.

THEN two weeks later, a friend of mine comes to me and says O2 have now admitted that the 3G in our area is screwed and they've turned to 2 or 2 masts as a result. He's turned it off on his iPhone (3G) and it's been fine since.

Now we did try this but it didn't have any effect at the time.

So, powered up my iPhone and turned off the 3G, guess what it now seems to work! BONUS

It was just annoying that for weeks O2 said there was nothing wrong with the network when I was saying there must be.

Anyway I now have a brand new, used for 2 weeks Xperia X1... Interested?
 
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mdj101 said:
The phone X1 is advertised as having wifi but you cant use this...
Click to expand...

Yes this is a direct quote from the X1 specification on the Vodafone website:

"Wi-Fi allows you to connect to the internet or other network without cables. To connect, you will need to be in range of a Wi-Fi hotspot - perhaps in a café, at work or in your home".

By their own admission this statement is patently untrue for this phone on the Vodafone network.

I think as Dwebs has suggested I will take this up with trading standards.

Regards

Dotty
 
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Gosh wish all that would get my bluetooth working in the Freelander but unfortuately that is a lost cause. Think I will just swap sim cards between Blackberry which does not work and Nokia which does on long journeys.
Chris
 
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I have never used Blackberry before but am absolutely delighted with my Bold after a week to get used to it. The only issue is Bluetooth car compatibility but I understand they do catch up with this with software updates on new models eventually

Chris
 
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Thanks Chris! :)

I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been keeping up to date with the mobile phone technologies and things look a big bit complicated.

Vodafone have a deal where I can get unlimited internet, unlimited text messages, and 600 minutes a month for £35. But then their site advises me to add on the Blackberry Internet and Email package for a fiver a month. What is this, and why do I need it if I already have the unlimited internet?
 
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stugster said:
Thanks Chris! :)

I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been keeping up to date with the mobile phone technologies and things look a big bit complicated.

Vodafone have a deal where I can get unlimited internet, unlimited text messages, and 600 minutes a month for £35. But then their site advises me to add on the Blackberry Internet and Email package for a fiver a month. What is this, and why do I need it if I already have the unlimited internet?
Click to expand...

Sorry to be so obvious but I would ring them - I have found them to be very knowledgable and helpful - not trying to upsell you either. When I got the BB I reduced all my contracts significantly at their suggestion and got faster up link access too for less money. I agree coms are changing fast. Main thing about Bold is it doesnt matter what the message is sms, email, etc it all comes in seamlessly - love it.

By the way not working for Vodafone even though it might sound like it. They used to be a client years ago though.

Chris
 
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Welcome to Vodafone's Live Chat Service. A representative will be with you shortly.

You are now connected with Chris. You: Hi Chris, I'm looking at the Bold at the moment
Chris: Hello, you're chatting with Chris, one of Vodafone's online sales specialists, may I take your name please?
You: Stuart :)
You: the Blackberry Bold
You: it comes with Unlimited Internet
Chris: Stuart, I'll be delighted to help you.
You: what would I need the additional Blackberry Internet and Email service for?
Chris: Yes, it does come with Unlimited Internet.
Chris: I can choose a price plan which will have Blackberry Internet and Email service already on it.
You: Yes, but if the plan I'm looking at already has Internet on it, why would I need the "Blackberry Internet and Email"?
Chris: How much do you spend every month on your mobile?
You: That's irrelevant.
Chris: So that I can check the best price plan for you.
You: But that's not my question.
Chris: How much minutes and texts would you like?
You: What?!
Chris: Ok, Thats fine.
You: Are you reading what I'm typing?
Chris: No, Im not
You: Would you be able to tell me, if I'm looking at getting a plan that includes Unlimited Internet.... Why I would need the Blackberry Internet and Email?
Chris: Yes, We do have a price plan which will give you Blackberry Internet and Email service.
You: Yes, I know you do.
You: But my question is this: If the plan already comes with Unlimited Internet. Why would I need the Blackberry Internet and Email as an additional option?
Chris: Would you like me to send you the link which will help you choose the best price plan with Blackberry unlimited Internet and email.
You: Are you a human being?
You: Or a bot?
Chris: I'm a live person.
You: so why are you ignoring my question?
Chris: I'm really sorry if you thought that I'm ignoring your question.
You: Could you answer it then?
Chris: Yes.
You: If the plan I'm about to purchase already comes with Unlimited Internet. Why would I need the Blackberry Internet and Email as an additional option?
Chris: No, its the same thing.
You: Ok. Thank you.
 
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Aw, bless........
 
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Thanks for the dialogue - most entertaining and unfortunately not untypical - oh dear
Chris
 
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Hi stugster :)

I'm sorry for the confusion here.

Vodafone offer an Unlimited Mobile Internet bundle. This is either built in or can be added to any tariff.

A BlackBerry requires paying extra for a subscription to the BlackBerry service. Without this none of the BlackBerry services will work such as internet, email and messenger.

I'm glad I could clear this up for you. Let me know if there is anything else I can hlep with.

:cool:

Kirsty_Vodafone
Vodafone Customer Services
eForum Team
 
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Kirsty,

I spoke to someone on the phone yesterday who said the only service that wouldn't be available was the Push email service.

Can you confirm that this was also a load of rubbish?

Who should I believe?
 
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Hi stugster

Sorry my apologies

The only way we can guarantee that the internet will work is with the BlackBerry service. The newest BlackBerrys (8900 Curve, Storm and Bold) are able to access the internet without the BlackBerry add-on. Older BlackBerrys should not.

Without the BlackBerry service on your account you will not be able to use email or BlackBerry Messenger or any other BlackBerry service.

As I am unable to link on this forum I can't show you exactly what is included. However if you go to our website and search for BIS it will give you full details of what the BlackBerry service will allow you to do.

:cool:

Kirsty_Vodafone
Vodafone Customer Services
eForum Team
 
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Hi stugster

If you are going to be accessing your email server by logging in on a webpage then this will work without any problems on the Bold.

:cool:

Kirsty_Vodafone
Vodafone Customer Services
eForum Team
 
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