The Irish Mitsubishi FTO Owners Club

Does anyone know for sure what the story is if you want to get a network unlock code (NAC) from Vodafone?

I've been back and forth with them and they're refusing to give it to me...

They're saying you have to have topped up by €127 in the last six months although in the shop they're telling me the length of time is irrelevant

I know I could get it unlocked in town for €10 but it's more principal at this point

Bernard wrote:Does anyone know for sure what the story is if you want to get a network unlock code (NAC) from Vodafone?

I've been back and forth with them and they're refusing to give it to me...

They're saying you have to have topped up by €127 in the last six months although in the shop they're telling me the length of time is irrelevant

I know I could get it unlocked in town for €10 but it's more principal at this point

story bernard. what phone is it. my cousin works in vodafone's main warehouse and he can unlock phones anytime. if you give me the make of the phone i could probably get it unlocked for you

tell them that you will be in Romania next days and you need quick the unlocking code to use your phone there.


unlocked a few 02 phones like that

Paul, you have PM, thanks.

Seb, I've been into the shop, phoned them and emailed, I don't think they'll believe the Romania thing at this stage... sound though.

The 127 is to do with the price they have payied to get you the price you payied for the handset. Hence why sim free prices are so much more expensive.

Get somone on vodafone bill pay to ring and ask

d_dan wrote:The 127 is to do with the price they have payied to get you the price you payied for the handset. Hence why sim free prices are so much more expensive.

Get somone on vodafone bill pay to ring and ask

I had no problen with the €127 thing, it's just the six months that caught me.
Of course there's nothing in their T&C about it, but that didn't seem to matter.

"Certain network termination charges may apply in the event that the Customer wishes to use the Equipment on another mobile network and the amount of Call credit applied to the Customer's Account up to the date of termination is less than the amount specified by Vodafone from time to time."

I've decided to dig my heels in and complain to the communications regulator.

I got a mail back from them today:

My understanding was that there was no timeframe involved; merely that you should achieve the required top-up amount. However, this is not a regulated matter and a company may set it’s only requirements in the terms and conditions. Given that the terms seem to be vague on this matter, I suggest proceeding with a formal complaint so that we might address your concerns with Vodafone.



ComReg can become involved in the resolution of individual cases only when the customer has first lodged a formal complaint with the operator in question.

To lodge a formal complaint, I advise you to proceed as outlined below:



• Contact Vodafone complaints on 1850 208787

• say you have been advised by ComReg to lodge a formal complaint (use those exact words),

• say you want a complaint reference number and the name of the person you are speaking to.

• give details of complaint



If the company does not respond to the complaint within 10 working days, you can contact ComReg with the complaint reference number/name, and we will then contact them on your behalf.

It might all still amount to nothing but it's worth having a go

I'm completely with you here, and say take it as far as you can/have to. I hate the way big companies with that if they put you off with enough paperwork and timewasting you'll just give up.
I had similar problem with the a certain airline (not sure if I should give the name or not, but won't for the moment), when trying to claim for expenses incurred after my flight from the US was delayed by over 40 hours, and even when I did get the flight, had to rent a car and drive from Dublin to my final destination, Shannon. I made a claim, and in the original later, warned I'd have no hesitation contacting the aviation regulation authority (not sure of the exact name now, but had it for the letter to show I ment business), if I didn't get a satisfactory response.
After nearly 5 months of hearing nothing other than that they had received the claim and were processing it, I contacted the authority and told them the story. They advised they could deal with it at this point, or to have one last go and send a second letter to the airline, telling them I was taking this to the regulator. I took the latter choice, and within a couple of weeks, I had my cheque.
It probably wasn't a huge amount of money for some, but it was to me, and more about the principle of the matter.
Sorry for my rant, but I just don't like how these companies are very prompt when getting money from customers, and then treat them like **** when they're not getting it their own way.
You go them them Bernard!

No joy!
Comreg got onto Vodafone but were unable to do anything because it's a "contractual matter".

I rang VF back with my pay monthly (broadband) account and they had no problem giving me the unlock code.
I know I could have done that before but I'm stubborn
Anyway, they sent me the wrong code, now they're telling me I have to post them the phone

It's time to give up I think, just get it unlocked in town.
Vodafone 1, Bernard nil.

You can get access to a lot of the unlock algorithms online fairly easily, especially for Nokias. Also there are some cheap online unlocking services if you don't have the time to locate the software and do it yourself.

Slightly off topic but I have a phone (again VODAFONE) that was lost, after getting a replacement the old one turned up but was barred from the network (I reported it lost). I have tried to get it unlocked with no sucess. Anyone know a way around this.

I know O2 can unblock a phone, they ask a long series of questions first.
I'd have thought vodafone was the same...