Dodo Internet

**bitingmidge** · 15th February 2007, 05:09 PM

For a little over five years, I've maintained a basic ($10) per month dial up plan with Dodo, without any reason to complain. I log on, they bill me, I pay. Or more likely I pay, they bill me more, I log on, but no matter!

Late last month, Dodo changed their dialup number, and in doing so, somehow cut us off. My daughter is the primary user of this account, and tried to phone the Customer service line.

After seven or eight unsuccessful attempts, she spoke to an operator, who could not hear her properly, so simply hung up.

The next day, after a significant number of attempts, she reached a recorded message, which asked her to dial in her telephone number and she would be contacted within 24 hours.

Two days later, again after many attempts, she managed to speak with a person who refused to help because I was the account holder, and she would contact me within 24 hours.

Four days after that, I sent a short, sharp email to the three addresses that looked appropriate requesting assistance. Then, two days later I sent another, then another, now up to five, and an express post letter of demand.

There is no method of cancelling the service over the internet, and Visa will not prevent them charging further amounts to my account.

On Monday, I suppose I'll be writing to the ACCC, Consumer Affairs and the telecommunications ombudsman.

At my current charge-out rate, I reckon I've spent a thousand dollars to try to cancel a ten dollar contract!

So what more can a girl do, other than to tell the world about this sorry affair?

If anyone is thinking of switching to Dodo Internet, may I kindly suggest that they first phone the helpline to determine just how helpful the service is!

Cheers,

P

**Gumby** · 15th February 2007, 05:41 PM

Aside from the crap service, I think it shows the problem with the regulations regarding automatic regular charges to a credit card.

I believe the owner of the card should be able to cancel any direct debits without question. If the service provider (internet or otherwise) has a claim after that, then it's a different issue and should be treated as such. just like any other unpaid account.

It can even continue happen AFTER you close the credit card account !

The banks have a lot to answer for in that regard.

**Grunt** · 15th February 2007, 05:54 PM

Go with Internode. I just moved house and was able to request the service online and when it said it was all ready to go, I rang them and was number 3 in the queue, after 10 minutes I spoke to someone in Adelaide and asked them if my account was the same before I switched off my service at the other house. Easy as.

The only problems I've had in nearly 4 years were Telstra issues.

**NewLou** · 15th February 2007, 06:01 PM

I'm also with Internode........................havent had a line dropout in 3 years top service top provider n pleanty a plans n goodies to suit your needs

I've just about had a stint with all of em N reckon this Mob are a cut above the rest!

Highly recommended!

REgards Lou

**DavidG** · 15th February 2007, 06:27 PM

Been with DoDo for ages (Can't remember when I started but way back)
Never had a problem.

Are you calling :

Queensland
Dialup Number: 0198-308-100

**Big Shed** · 15th February 2007, 06:49 PM

Our exchange was recently enabled for ADSL. I went with Internode and am very happy.
Before that I was with Dodo on their basic dial up account with $23.90 maximum/mth, whic always paid!.

I cancelled that account without any problems, by email with follow up phone call.

**dadpad** · 15th February 2007, 09:20 PM

I know a bloke (hes a client of swmbo) who is borderline mentally retarded. He was signed up for internet access over the phone. He doesnt have a computer. Short time later the phone company cut his phone off because of unpaid bills. He continued to get accounts for internet access.
SWIMBO intervened on his behalf and phoned the IP. no the IP could not stop billing him even if he gave all the correct paswords over the phone. They had to have a written request signed by the account holder and they would not refund the amounts already paid even though the poor bloke had never used the service!

Should be a law over the phone sign up = over the phone cancellation.

**Buzza** · 15th February 2007, 10:48 PM

I've been with DODO for a few years now, without problems. . . . until now.

They have never answered Emails nor phone calls, but a re-seller has told me they had problems with some damage done to restrict use and therefore, it would be hard to get online.

A quick look online and I find there are people with issues against DODO. Those issues are similar to yours and that's a worry. However, reading your problem again, I would say that VISA has to go as well if they feel that they can issue your money to whoever they choose when you have ordered them not to.

DODO would back down at the court room door on this issue I would think. Then again, I am no lawyer.

**Shedgirl** · 15th February 2007, 11:43 PM

What a coincidence! I spent ages yesterday trying to speak to someone at Dodo, as I have been trying to cancel an account for months. Either the number was engaged, or I got the recorded message telling me which no. to press for the service required, THEN got the engaged tone.
I also had an operator claiming she couldn't hear me and hanging up. They are still billing me. I sent a more than terse e-mail, demanding that they contact me as I was unable to contact them. No response so far. Tomorrow I'll send a letter.
I still get numerous phone calls from telemarketers on the Indian subcontinent, telling me that as I am obviously a satisfied Dodo customer, maybe I'd like to switch to their broadband service!!!! Fat chance!

When I told a friend about my experience she yelled, Me Too!!!! They were still billing her after eight months and numerous complaints.

Do not, I repeat do NOT even THINK of using Dodo. No wonder their namesake became extinct.

**Stuart** · 16th February 2007, 12:44 AM

check out www.whirlpool.net.au before choosing a provider. Dodo is definitely one that seems to have a lot of complaints!

**bitingmidge** · 16th February 2007, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by DavidG

Been with DoDo for ages (Can't remember when I started but way back)
Never had a problem.

Are you calling : Queensland Dialup Number: 0198-308-100

Yes David, that's when the problem started, no problems for five years before that!

As others have confirmed, the company is now operating a basic scam. Hook you until you want to pull the pin, then just keep billing you anyway.

I am wondering if I call Visa after each account is rendered and tell them it's an unauthorised payment, rather than trying to get them to cancel?

Cheers,

P

**JDarvall** · 16th February 2007, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by DavidG

Been with DoDo for ages (Can't remember when I started but way back)
Never had a problem.

Are you calling :

Queensland
Dialup Number: 0198-308-100

Lucky bugger.

I've had endless problems with them. The worst situation was when I was talking to some guy in another country....when he realised how hard the situation was to fix, he just hung up on me.

Can't wait till the contract runs out. I'd cancel now, but theres a $99 cancelation fee.

**Flowboy** · 16th February 2007, 08:14 AM

I'm still on PAYG dial up. I was spoilt in the US where ATT provided unlimited access and downloads for about A$35-40/month (dial up).
DoDo's ads really grate on me and I dislike the hard sell and constant exposure of very young blonde females.
I guess my opinion of most suppliers over here is WYSILTWYG with some hidden loadings just for the heck of it.

**DavidG** · 16th February 2007, 10:21 AM

I do not understand.

I sent DoDo an E-Mail yesterday afternoon re my account and received a reply this morning.
What is wrong with that.

**bitingmidge** · 16th February 2007, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by DavidG

I do not understand.

I sent DoDo an E-Mail yesterday afternoon re my account and received a reply this morning.
What is wrong with that.

Wow! David, what email address did you use?

I have sent emails every day since last Sunday to three Dodo addresses and have not had a response! I'll bet you were UPGRADING your service, not trying to have something fixed!

Anyway, it's now fixed I think.

I phoned the Telecommunications Ombudsman (1800 062 058) and lodged a formal complaint.

They gave me the secret Dodo number of the Dodo Dispute Resolution Team.

I phoned that number, got a recorded message that said my call would be answered within TEN MINUTES, and about four minutes later (yep, I was timing it) a nice young man called Chris fixed my problem. Well he tells me he did, so now I shouldn't get another bill from Dodo!

Thank-you Ombudsman, thank you Chris!

Cheers,

P

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