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ADSL South Africa - Good vs. Bad Advertising
It can be difficult to distinguise between good and bad advertising, especially when one has no or little knowledge pertaining to a relevant product/service. In addition, it doesn't help when advertisers take it upon themselves to 'hide' the bad stuff relating to their packages/offerings and focus mostly on the good stuff. This can however be expected, given the tendency of many to hide or to try and hide the bad stuff, especially if it can have undesirable effects (loss of income, etc.). Needless to say, it's no different with Broadband Service Providers and the packages/offerings they advertise.
What we mean with 'good advertising'...
When we write 'good advertising' we mean advertising that helps the consumer to make an informed decision. It's definitely not about advertising that is seen as 'good,' simply because it helps service providers to screw over as many consumers as possible in the shortest possible space of time. In addition, advertising do not necessarily have to be misleading to be bad.
Given the above, here's a list of stuff ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) deem as good or bad when it comes to the way Broadband Internet Service Providers advertise their packages/offerings on their websites.
Good Advertising
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes to see Broadband Internet service packages advertised with comprehensive info. We like this, because it definitely makes it easier to compare apples with apples and is also a sign that the relevant Broadband Service Provider can be trusted (although not always the case).
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Service Provider allows for the carry over of unused bandwidth. We like it, because the unused bandwidth is paid in full, and not allowing such transfer is a form of bandwidth theft after all.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when Broadband Service Providers give their subscribers at least 30 days notice before any negative price changes. We like this, because it not only helps with personal budgeting, but also gives the subscriber peace of mind (to a certain extent) that he/she will not be caught off-guard by sudden price increases.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Service Provider offers month-to-month contracts. We like this, because it tells the subscriber that the relevant Broadband Service Provider places a lot of trust in their ability to deliver a quality service. It makes it easy for the subscriber to get out of a contract when he/she is not satisfied with the service received.
On the other hand, it can be difficult and expensive if a dissatisfied subscriber wants to get out of a long-term contract (6-36 months). I t is therefore no surprise that ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) is strongly in favour of the abolishment of long-term contracts. We feel such a change will help to keep Broadband Service Providers on their toes, forcing them to improve and maintain the quality of their services or risk going out of business alltogether.
The above is the reason why we recommend time and time again that our fellow Average Joes should not lock themselves in long-term contracts.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Internet service subscriber is allowed to cancel his/her subscription without having to give notice 30 days in advance. We like this, because like with month-to-months contracts, it tells one that the relevant Broadband Service Provider places a lot of trust in their ability to deliver a quality service.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Service Provider offers technical support on a 24/7 basis. We like this, because it means chances are good, that they won't leave subscribers out in the cold when help is needed, especially after hours.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Service Provider offers more than one payment method, especially when credit cards are accepted. Despite the risks attached to making and receiving credit card payments, it remains a convenient way of transacting online.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Service Provider offers instant service activation, despite the fact that for most of the time the subscriber has to wait for a considerable amount of time to get for example an ADSL line installed/telephone line upgraded. We like the notion of instant service activation, despite the mentioned limitations, simply because it shows that the relevant Broadband Service Provider is not keen on wasting your or their time, but is rather serious about business.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Service Provider offers its Broadband Internet services on a pay-as-you-go basis. It gives subscribers the freedom to easily and cost-effectively move from one Broadband Service Provider to another without having to experience the lock-in effect of a long-term contract.
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) likes it when a Broadband Service Provider give subscribers the option to up or downgrade at any time, especially when there's no penalties for downgrading. This makes it easier and more affordable to switch to better packages.
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