Its like pulling teeth

As I reported in this article, Nokia have released V2.0 firmware for the N97. Those of us on Vodafone branded handsets are still stuck on V1.2 firmware so we tripped over to their forum in an attempt to obtain any information on when it would be released and if so, would it contain the SIP functionality or not.

The first request was totally ignored, so I posted a rather more pithy question a week later referring to my earlier posting and requesting an answer. I received the same platitudinous response that other posters, requesting the release date, were getting. They even have the nerve to end these responses with mis-placed emoticons guaranteed to put the requester's back up.

On Monday, The Gadget Show showed a very useful item (Warning: Sponsor's ads before item) on how you could deal with support lines that a) use expensive numbers, b) have complex menu systems, and c) keep you on hold for ages, thus making lots of money out of you whilst eventually, when you get to someone, not giving you any kind of useful answer at all. Included in that item were a number of useful web sites which were :

- Say no to 0870.com This site will allow you to find a geographical number you can use and pay reasonable rates from either your landline or your mobile phone.

- Get Human.com This site shows you what buttons to press on the menu systems to get yourself put through to a human in the quickest possible time.

- CEO's Email Address If all else fails, its time to call in the big guns and get the CEO's attention bought to your frustation.

Given the complete lack of sensible response from Vodafone's staff on this issue, to either myself or anyone else that has asked a question, I think its about time to write a suitably worded email.



Update: It took just a few minutes for the mods on the Vodafone Forum to pull my article.