Stay AWAY from Vodafone!!!!
If you have, or intend to buy, an iPhone, then stay away from Vodafone. They do NOT support SMS (txt messages) from iPhone.
I received my sim-card last week. I immediately made a test call. That worked fine. Then I sent an SMS as a test. That didn't go through. Hmm... Weird. I tried a couple more times, making sure I had coverage from Vodafone. Then I decided to give their service centre a call, using my Vodafone subscription (after all, I'd just bought 110 free minutes).
I was told that Vodafone was aware of the SMS problem with iPhone. They were looking into it and expected it to be solved soon. While speaking with the customer service rep., we made sure that the problem was not with the settings on my iPhone, ie. the message center number was correct. This was on Thursday.
Today it's Tuesday. I tried inserting my sim card into my iPhone today. Still no luck with the SMS. I gave the helpline another call. This time I was told that I should go back to where I bought the iPhone. Impossible, since I bought my phone in Singapore. Besides, it's not my iPhone that has a problem sending SMS, it's Vodafone that has a problem, making my iPhone send SMS. I have used my iPhone successfully for sending SMS with Qtel, SingTel (Singapore) and with Telia (Denmark). Hence, I'm pretty sure the problem is with Vodafone.
After being put on hold several times, I finally gave up and asked for a refund. This is where the real problem began. First the service rep. was very reluctant to even discuss the matter. When I asked to speak to his manager, I was put on hold again. Then I was told that the manager was unable to help me. Once more, I asked to speak with the manager. This time I was told that it was company policy to not transfer calls. I then asked if there was a place where I could physically go talk to a rep/manager. I was told that the head quarters are located in QSTP (or something to that effect). Supposedly, it's across from Qatar Foundation. I tried a final time to ask for the manager. On hold once more. Finally, the manager came on the line. I informed her of the problem and why I wanted a refund. She asked me if I had used any of the credit. Duhh... Of course I had. The first thing I did was to make a test call and then to make a test SMS - WOULDN'T YOU?? "Then sir, I cannot refund your money, as you've already used some of it". I told her it was like buying a cheese, find out it's gone bad, ask for a refund, have that request denied because you've already eaten part of the cheese. She did not see that point at all. She finally told me that she would have to speak with her manager and then she would give me a call back before 4:30 pm.
I went out to run some other errands. When I was done, I planned on swinging by the headquarter. I looked at the map and found out it was somewhere in Education City. Not sure that was correct, I decided to give another call to the helpline. A nice lady answered and I asked her for the address for the Vodafone headquarter in Qatar (since no stores were open yet). Before she would answer ANY questions, she insisted that I give her my full name, my I.D. Number and the last 4 digits of my credit card - for security purposes. I JUST ASKED A SIMPLE QUESTION. But ok, I give the info to her. When she has verified that I'm not a terrorist, she politely tells me that she cannot disclose the location of their headquarter. WHAT??? I thought I'd called Vodafone - NOT PENTAGON!! Then I asked her: "So could you confirm that you will not tell me where your headquarter in Qatar is located?", "Sir, that's not what I'm saying", "Ok, so you CAN tell me the location of your headquarters in Qatar?", "No sir, I'm not allowed to disclose that information". We could've continued like that for hours on end. I finally give up and ask for a manager. This time I was not allowed to speak with the manager. I give up and hang up - FRUSTRATED!!
I have some other business at Landmark Mall. I go there and while there, a friend of mine calls me up and tells me that there's a Vodafone store opened in that mall today. Cool. I go to the Vodafone store, straight past all the young girls, to the managers couch (yes, it was actually a couch). I then tell him that I would like a refund of both mine and my wife's account with Vodafone. I have to go through pretty much the same story, convincing him that I have indeed tried everything and that the problem is NOT with my iPhone. He, of course, has to make another call to HIS manager. While he's on the phone, I get a call from the previous manager (this is 4:28). This time, to my astonishment, I was told that based on my case, Vodafone would actually refund my full 220 QR. Whether it actually happens is another story, but for now, I will give Vodafone the benefit of the doubt.
So, in a sum up, don't subscribe to Vodafone if:
- You have and iPhone and want to use it for SMS. It will most likely not work.
- You think you will be able to buy an iPhone through Vodafone. They are NOT selling iPhone and there are no firm plans for when that will happen - if at all.
- You think that your 110 free minutes are in fact 110 free minutes. Yes, they are free minutes. BUT, only when you use them to call other Vodafone customers.
- You would like to use a provider with quality customer service. If you are a customer, they WILL ask you for your I.D. number, mothers maiden name, how many times you bought flowers for your wife - for security purposes, of course.
Finally, make up your own mind. But, you've been warned...!!
Hi Sumosake,
If your Iphone is still covered by the warranty period, you can visit Vodafone Service Center so they can take a look at your phone. Below are details:
The Vodafone Service Centre is located at Nasralla Commercial Centre, Al Khaleej Street (near Al Jaidah flyover).
Here is a link to the Google Maps location: http://bit.ly/aybfuJ
By phone: +974 4418999
By email: [email protected]
Since aquiring an Iphone from Vodafone last year it has been one issue after another. With my first Iphone it was certain Qtel numbers not receiving text messages, traded that phone in, was working fine until it decided not to connect to any service while outside of Doha.
Now I just received word an important text message I sent to Dubai was not received at all though I received the confirmed sound that it was delivered.
Is anyon else having thes issues and what can do to resolve? Its too bad becausee I love the Iphone features when its working properly but "no service" and crap-shoot text delivering is not acceptable.
Hi,
Do you have an issue I can help resolve?
Andy
As Speed says customer service is generally rotten here, well it sure is rotten as no one wants to take responsibility of solving ur issues.
"Ignorance is Bliss"
Hi Orya,
Thanks for the feedback.
The Vodafone Offices are in Qatar Science and Technology Park near Qatar Foundation in Al Gharrafa area, now you know.
What areas of our customer service do you not like? Why do you think the customer service team is confused? Is this recently or last year when you had your issue?
Thanks
Andy
Poor you!!!
The issue isn't really whether X Sim works with Y.
The issue is the confused customer service.
At least with good old Qtel - we know where their offices are.
And as Speed says customer service is generally rotten here.
hi Guys,
A lot of commects here! Just to be clear Vodafone DOES sell the iPhone, sms DOES work on it, Blackberry also works.
There was an issue with sms a year ago which only applied to iPhones that were unauthorised unlocked (jailbroken). The software that opened up the networks did something to the sms'.
Andy
Rain Savage
Using flex 220
300mb promo
youtube, itunes everthing you can think of it works well any website i want to go to.
Dont believe the hype i even send picture messages to other iphones and vice versa.
lol
I love using my iphone like its meant to be used includes GPS too......
“They say you can't live without love. Tell them oxygen is more important!.”
- G. House
have patience dude...there is not only Iphone in the world that everyone uses...there are certain conditions and you have to actually sign an agreement with multinational companies for enabling the services on their cellphone softwares..this is how all the companies earn...vodafone can't make their own software to support sms on iphones...it has to be done by iphone by updating their firmware.vodafone has not yet done their grand launch...its just for those impatient people who wants to buy special numbers as to them this is the only way to spend their money and not to help people in need....so wait for some time until vodafone settles down...they need a lil time.
i went to buy voda sim and store manager saw my iphone and mention that, for your info txting from iphone using voda network is currently unavailable. and cant say when it will be ok.
it was kind of him bringin up..
` c h i n g a A a l i n g `
i m away from that
shouldnt u be writting stay away from iphone
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My boss told me " you are fired"
I told him " boss i didnt hear the shot"
It's been solved it's working now!!! YAY! Hooray for iPhone and Vodafone! :-)
Try it, try it!
“They say you can't live without love. Tell them oxygen is more important!.”
- G. House
I have the same problem yesterday of not being able to send sms with Vodafone sim, but after following steps on this thread I can now send sms.
http://www.hackint0sh.org/forum/f204/77272.htm
Just have patience, the update on setting after following the steps will work after a couple of hours or maybe after a day. Don't ask me why because I don't have the answer. It will just happen.
Hey Funiculus Umbil--Vodafone Qatar isn't even selling Blackberry yet...what kind of major disaster have you had with a Blackberry from Vodafone in Qatar?
That is why I'm keeping both my old (but still reliable )Qtel and the new (but promising) Vodafone. We cannot expect excellence at first, but who knows?
When I got my own Vodaphone sim, it was made clear to me that the free minutes (in your case, 110 minutes) are only for Vodaphone to vodaphone calls.
But thanks for the warning, nonetheless.
another problem
If it is working for at least one person, they must have fixed it.
it definitely works, so if you're having trouble sending SMS with an iPhone on Vodafone, give them a call. enjoy, and good luck!
Allow me to correct you preception.... agreeded, the competetion is good, but its gonaa be on the service provision and NOT on the price.... the ICQatar who is the telecom regulatory body in Qater has fixed the price and the same to be followed. so unlike in other countries (esp in India) price war isnt anticipated notr might we be the end benif'ry. so hang on and pay the same price to qtel.. :-)
Just stick to Qtel network and wait for their marketing people on how they would address the issue of price and quality of service competition.
I am very sure that Qtel will not let Vodafone to enjoy offering lower rates on cell phones and international calls. Why? Business-wise, it is not good for them to have somebody like Voda getting a share of pie in the market.
Competition is good. It will awaken the other to provide good quality services. Good also that Voda is now present (although needs to smoothen the service, network, etc)
You see, Voda provided lower rates. Eventually Qtel will match or provide better rates. Voda will introduce again new improved rates...same thing is Qtel. Bottom line is, we people in Qatar will benefit in their competition. Let them offer the whole world!
As for me, i will stay in Qtel...iPhone? No, i have my Blackberry!
Jinkz: "First of all they never advertised their service support for iPhone, and second of all, everyone knows if your iPhone is not factory unlocked or jailbroken/unlock, it wouldn't work with any network here anyway."
True they never advertised their service support for iPhone. But, they never advertised their service for Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola, or any other mobile phone brand. Does that mean you can't expect any phones to work on their network? Come on...
My iPhone IS factory unlocked and has worked perfectly in 3 different countries, as stated above.
I'm glad you're happy about your phone, so am I. I'm just not happy about V-fone, when they don't deliver what can be expected.
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
...like new couples, they are just adjusting to one another :-)
FYI Vodafone is soon to be the main distributor of iPhone in Qatar.
Yes, SMS sending is currently a glitch for a V-sim in an iPhone but come on now, first of all they never advertised their service support for iPhone, and second of all, everyone knows if your iPhone is not factory unlocked or jailbroken/unlock, it wouldn't work with any network here anyway. This is a baseband modulation glitch, I mean hey, Q didn't have SMS when they launched mobile telecoms...MAN I've been in this place too long!
Just give them a break, they suffered more than enough breaking the telecoms monopoly in this country. Use another mobile unit, stop whining, and enjoy the 50dirhams international call anywhere in the world.
I have an iPhone and I LOVE it...you can't enjoy an iPhone if you can't make the most out of it and you depend on other people to make it work...I'm so proud to be a GEEK!
:-)
“They say you can't live without love. Tell them oxygen is more important!.”
- G. House
We had high hopes on Vodafone to do wonders!!!! but wait, it did make wonders by proving Qtel to be the best... thanks vodafone... cheers.
I totally agree with u Cargodog...We should also doubt the professionalism of their Qatar partner..who is their Qatar partner,,...???Q-Tel,....???
amnesia - Are you able to send SMS from an iPhone with a Vodafone sim in it ? If yes, then Vodafone may have fixed the technical issue.
Multiple people who tried this combination earlier could not.
1) The iPhone is NOT a supported device in QATAR
2) I use my iPhone with Vodafone and it's fine.
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Mr. Q's Blog - A Qatari's view on Qatar.
I don't like Vodafone in Australia so I am not interest to buy in here.
I don't like iPhone.
All SMS, MMS and internet setting are not user friendly.
You paid a lot of money and got headche with such unfriendly configuration.
Nokia is the best in any kind of configuration and very user friendly.
It's a tricky one. Vodafone will rightfully argue that their SMS system works on all handsets sold in Qatar by Vodafone, and since they are a 'service' provider, and their 'service' works (on their handsets) then it's not really their problem. But... most reasonable people would expect that an SMS service would work on any GSM phone.
There's always a risk if you're an early adopter, as you've now found out.
And to everyone saying "you should have known better" or "what can you expect when they have just started". I shouldn't have known better. How could I know that a company would start up, charging full price for half service? Shouldn't that have been posted somewhere in their ad-campaign? When you buy any computer software that is not completely ready, but ready enough for the first test with the general public, you can purchase a BETA-version. This is, typically, a discounted version of the program. Most likely it will work fine, but you can expect some problems with it. Fine... Then you know about it in advance. Not like this SCAM that Vodafone is calling "phone service".
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
The one: Of course my complaint is valid. Just because the product is not sold in Qatar, doesn't mean it shouldn't work here. It's a phone, not a spaceship!! So, if you buy, say, a tv in another country (one that is not sold in Qatar, but still a mainstream tv) and purchase Mosaic from Qtel and you find out you can't watch what you've paid for, you think that would be ok and you shouldn't complain? Mind you, in this example, nowhere did Qtel tell you that their services would work for any other product but yours. You would still think it would be fair? I doubt it...
Jack Mohan: The problem is NOT due to my iPhone. It's a Vodafone problem. I have used the same iPhone with SingTel in Singapore, Qtel in Qatar and Telia in Denmark without ANY problems. So, magically, my iPhone has developed a case of Anti-Vodafonitis. Possible, but VERY unlikely...
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
It would be funny if it weren't so sad! Think of all the time and running around in the heat you had to do just to find out it ain't gonna work! Sorry.
Mandi
go to ictQATAR and raise your complain against Vodafone, visit www.ict.gov.qa .
Cargodog...your problem arose due to iphone.....maybe you can check if the sim is working with other phone company. If it doesnt then go in for claim with that phone rather than iphone.
I also admit Vodafone's level of service is as good (bad) as the level of service of anything in Qatar/GCC.....utter crap (blame it on NOC/sponsorship system).
Cargodog, your complaint is not valid because the Iphone is not sold in Qatar, so if it don’t work properly with a supplier it is not there problem (in this case Vodafone). It is plain logic.
By the way, thier is no such mallu-land..only india land.
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Life is short...300 meter before roundabout!
i thought their marshian!.i ask a simple question both of you gave me a idiotic answer!..now i learn my lesson..i will google it next time.
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Life is short...300 meter before roundabout!
Mallu Land very close to DisneyLand....:)
Richi in America
have patience guys and wait for the great competitions of these rivals
Where is Mallus land?
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Life is short...300 meter before roundabout!
ye i kno. what i'm telling is i too use Voda and i aint got any probs with that till now. i can send and receive sms.. if any one wants to test, giv ur number i ll send yu 100 sms and show.. ;-)
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tEaCh Me RuLeS, i'Ll TeAcH hOw To BrEaK iT ..
rMs..!!
rMs....Nokia & Samsung they can refund...but they can decline on IPhone.
....Thats the problem with Apple ....giving headaches for its own users!
Cargodog when I say AT&T...it implies the Telephone co that Apple enters into contract with.
Very plainly...... right now iphone is not supposed to be used with vodafone "Qatar". You can use it but you wont get the entire range of services.
I am not american, I am a Mallu, ok ....you wouldnt even know where Mallu-land is....so forget it ;-)
Anyway I like your viewpoint of Americans...lol
Talking about "Control" ...I hate Apple products because it tries to control the product too much......only to give problems to Apple lovers".
sms doesnt work with nokia and samsung as well? funny..
lol jack !
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tEaCh Me RuLeS, i'Ll TeAcH hOw To BrEaK iT ..
rMs..!!
Forget about Iphone, with me I tried with Samsung & Nokia also alongwith Iphone but sms doesnt work. Sometimes I can receive but sending .... is a big headache.
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CONFUSE ............ if you cannot convince!
.....their experience will help clients who will join at later stage....hopefully.
Teething technical issues are always tend to happen initially like 'DU' in UAE.
Its amazing how much btter Qtel have gotten since Vodafone arrived. Vodafone will be 300% better once they are established.
Full service is not even live yet so what do you expect.
we must give VODAFONE some time to adjust in GCC market. I think its their first operation in GCC so it will take time to satisfy their GCC customers.
.
I'm sure after few months, it will leave QTEL way behind in all aspects. AFTER ALL , ITS VODAFONE
BARWA BANK - future has a bank
jackmohan: Technically, that is a moron comment!!! You must be american, since you obviously seem to think that everything about the configuration of iPhone is controlled by AT&T. What about all the other 100+ countries where iPphone is sold and AT&T doesn't exist. iPhone is not designed specifically for AT&T. PERIOD!!! Therefore, if that's your best argument, I SHOULD get a refund.
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
double post
iPhone is configured to work only with the wireless services provided by AT&T.
iPhone is not configured to work with vodafone "QATAR"
So technically you should not be getting refund.
Q-Tel is here in qatar for quite long time. And you guys really had a professional experience with them ?
Personally i say 'NO' !! And complaining about a new operator which has launched couple of months back ! phew*
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tEaCh Me RuLeS, i'Ll TeAcH hOw To BrEaK iT ..
rMs..!!
I also complain, but that is about driving system (as in always). So, pls. do something about it too:)
nicaq, people in Qatar like to complain... We always find something...
before, people complain of monopoly from Qtel, now that Vodafone is here, no satisfaction yet? What is exactly the intention here?
u cry or lol, nothing will change, life goes on.. we are now used to poor customer service, if someone gives good customer service in Qatar then we will be in a state of shock or someone would wake us up.....
"I have not come across any professional company in Doha". Me not either, Lol. Or should I cry?
I have not come across any professional company in Doha till date .... you name any multinational or local Co. incl. banks they all just sucks in customer services...
Yes I am very much comparing the market with UAE :-)
You can't teach experience...
Earlier Q-TEL now Vodafone
vodafone pushed to the markets too early without being ready to serve customers.
unfortunately the planning of vodafone-qa is exposed to all, the first 1000 promotion was a disaster, the rapport with initial customers was regrettable, network issues, inexperienced CC who are not trained enough to have knowledge about the product they are answering for, many many issues...
vodafone-qa seriously needs to work with customers, specially the first customers, whom they just dumped even though they paid from their pockets just to help vodafone to get success but, poor planning, poor marketing, poor study of qatari markets is leading to dissatisfaction and anger amongst the customers.
wow Cargodog... poor you :):)
as for me, I don;t use an IPhone,but I didn't like the way they treat their clients.. Problems might happen, and then what? to go through all this hell over and over?? no thanks... I am fine with "Q"..
even though my hub got 3 numbers with them...three col numbers, one after another..
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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small compared to what lies within us."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
The problem has been confirmed, cannot send SMS from an iPhone with a Vodafone sim (110 plan) in it.
I am sure QTEL is not to be competed against. It is the magic Q
I'm sure vodafone-qa is not the same as the otother vodafones, it's just a beginning franchise... Or they're being pushed to the market too fast.
What they're doing is not professional enough...
Thanks to almighty!!!I did not buy it..
Best-Qatar: I beg to differ. You say "This is a lesson for all, don't rush and buy something and then complain." I say "don't charge your customers for a service you can't provide".
I agree, it would be a good idea to wait a while and see. That's what I normally do with anything that's completely new. But Vodafone is not exactly new to the industry - they're only new to Qatar. But I honestly expected them to be a lot professional than what I've experienced so far - both in terms of their product and their customer service. Actually, not their customer service. After all, it IS a British company.
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
another story of Doha ... :o)
Lesson learned in Dubai.
never ever join a new provider straight away. Look at others suffer.
In Qatar, I will not switch if the company does not carry a Q.
Plus,
NEVER EVER buy the blackberry from Vodaphone... it is a major disaster!!!
These are the initial teething problems. Wait for some more time. This is a lesson for all, don't rush and buy something and then complain.
Doha runaround??!!@@ :)
here we go again,,,,,