Vodafone customers using roaming have been reporting problems and broken connections with the service since Christmas -- issues the operator puts down to network congestion and a lack of help from its supplier, Optus.
The operator told ZDNet Australia that the problems are a result of congestion of international signalling links -- essentially backhaul -- provided by Optus, which Vodafone attributes to the volume of international tourism to and from Australia.
"We've put in a request to get the capacity [from Optus] but we're not getting much joy at this stage ... they've not been particularly forthcoming," a Vodafone spokesperson said.
The operator could not put a figure on the number of customers affected but said around 10,000 of its roughly three million customers are currently roaming.
The Vodafone spokesperson did not expect affected customers to be compensated for the inconvenience.
The congestion issues should ease starting 2 January.
"It will be resolved once people come back from their overseas trips," Vodafone's spokesperson said. "After we get through the New Year, it will change the profile of the network."
The spokesperson denied the problems were a result of inadequate forecasting on Vodafone's behalf.
Vodafone claims the roaming problems will not be repeated once it upgrades its network to HSPA, the faster form of 3G. The operator announced in December that it intends to move to HSPA by Christmas 2008, giving users access to a theoretical maximum download speed of 3.6Mbps.
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paula
01/01/2008 10:13 AM
Vodaphone are also unable to provide adequate service for customers who are not roaming. I have been unable to SMS from Australia to overseas since Christmas Eve. Vodaphone support is inadequate even during slow periods so it is unlikely I'd get any joy there, even if I did feel like spending my holiday on hold. As for compensation, what a joke. Vodaphone is set up so that you only get to speak to the small guy, the big guy couldn't give a rats.
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helkef
01/01/2008 04:28 PM
I have massive problems calling my partner on Christmas day. Its a 2G to 2G call within the vicinity of Adelaide metropolitan area. My partner reported the same problem- he only able to make calls around 6pm. Lines constantly go unconnected and when I sent a MMS at 10am by partner received the picture the next day at 3am!!!! This is the first time it happened and needles to say it is slighly inconvenient. Imagine if it's an emergency call that you need to make to someone else. (not the emergency services)
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Miriam
03/01/2008 01:54 PM
Massive problems obtaining a signal on the NSW Central Coast - constant dropouts or "Searching for Network" messages! I now HATE Vodaphone, and will try to get out of my contract, if I can.
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Miriam
03/01/2008 02:00 PM
Massive problems obtaining a signal on the NSW Central Coast - constant dropouts or "Searching for Network" messages! I now HATE Vodaphone, and will try to get out of my contract, if I can.
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JennyK
03/01/2008 03:15 PM
Sent a txt msg 9:30pm on New Years Eve.....was received 4:00am New Years Day
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tara
06/01/2008 01:59 PM
Vodafone have troubles keeping up with demand. On New Years and Christmas day i couldn't call or text anyone. I will be changing to Optus.
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