Vodafone, Consumer Council argue txt promo guidelines

RANOBA BAOA
SUVA
Vodafone Fiji has slammed Consumer Council of Fiji’s claims that the mobile company’s Hibiscus Festival texting promotion was not following Fiji Commerce Commission’s promotional guides.
Head of mCommerce & Corporate Affairs, Shailendra Prasad, said they are disappointed the council failed to clarify the issue with Vodafone first before going to the media.
Hence, Mr Prasad said it seemed the council was making deliberate attempts to disrepute Vodafone Fiji.
“These allegations when made in media create doubts in the minds of the consumer and create mistrust on an organisation with such high repute,” he said.
“The council seems to have been selective in sending the snapshot of the billboard and screenshot of the text message on the mobile phone to the media.
“But seems to have deliberately omitted forwarding copies of the print advertisements on the Dmax promotion which clearly lists all the conditions of the promotions which the council claims Vodafone has failed to provide.”
Consumer Council chief executive, Premila Kumar, raised concerns that Vodafone billboards and promotional text messages to consumers on its “Text DMA to 818” have not provided key consumer information that is required by the Self-Regulating Guidelines
The prize on offer in the promotion is an Isuzu DMAX 4-wheel drive twin cab where money is being raised for the Vodafone Hibiscus festival.
But Mr Prasad argued the conditions of the Hibiscus “Txt n Win” promotion are clearly stipulated in the print media in all full page advertisements and also available on the Vodafone and HEGI website.
Meanwhile, the Commerce Commission said it will respond on this matter after meeting the two parties.
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