Vodafone and 3 to offer “dedicated iPad 3G plans” at launch

agami (New user):

I hate contracts. I wish the government legislated them out.
If a telco wants me to engage in a mutually beneficial relationship for 12+ months they should provide a compelling service offering, not a "deserters will be punished severely" pre-nup.

For instance, I have several DSL accounts with Netspace and have been a customer for many years, not because of a contract (which I waive by paying the upfront installation cost), but rather because they've continually provided me with the all round offering I'm looking for. They continually eliminate the reason for me to move to another provider.

Tin (Regular user):

Quoting agami:
I hate contracts. I wish the government legislated them out.


I don't mind contracts when there's an incentive. Unfortunately telcos are not providing that... Why are plans the same price regardless of whether you're paying off the handset or not? Beyond a "free" handset, what is the benefit to a consumer for the contract? El Zero is what!

I think contracts that contain no consumer benefit should be ruled out by the ACCC. Contracts should still be allowed for when there's a benefit though (and inversely, where there's a provable additional cost to the telco), such as a discounted price, or a handset included.

Raindog (User):

Quoting Tin:
I don't mind contracts when there's an incentive.

There a quite a few incentives, I'd hate to be paying pre-paid rates for my monthly bill. And the contracts do even out the cost of the bi-annual new flaky handset, the (ahem)free wireless dongle or the DSL connection & modem costs.


Quoting Tin:
Contracts should still be allowed for when there's a benefit though ............., such as a discounted price, or a handset included.

Nothing wrong with contracts they provide certainty of terms for an agreed period which in theory should advantage both parties.
Where ACCC, TIO and Trade practices attention could help is in regard to some of the gotcha terms and deceptive language and offers associated with plan sales. My $1000 worth of calls is a nonsense when 20 min equals a $13.21 it could just as easily be $500 worth of calls at $7.61 for 20 minutes.

A bit less of the free and some stern actions on Telcos levying outrageous excess charges on clearly inadequate plans would resolve a hell of a lot of disputes.
You cannot expect the world for under $20/month and it should be illegal for any plan to decisively suggest you can get it.