• Internet subscription services. - Subscribers need more control over there accounts  By John and Gemini Ai 

Subject: Urgent Need for Enhanced Consumer Control Over Internet Subscription Services

As a home office professional relying heavily on online tools, I'm experiencing significant challenges with managing my internet subscription services. My work demands consistent access to essential software like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, and Norton 360, resulting in approximately R6,000 in subscription costs over the past three months.

My primary issue lies in the lack of effective control and transparency over these recurring payments. Specifically:

• Unauthorized Charges and Difficulty Cancelling Subscriptions:

  • I frequently encounter unauthorized deductions from my bank account, despite having no recent service changes.

  • Cancelling unwanted or faulty subscriptions proves excessively difficult, even when the services are unusable or no longer needed.

  • For example, I've faced significant issues attempting to cancel subscriptions with Microsoft and Google, resulting in continued charges despite my attempts to terminate the services.

  • I have 3 Microsoft office accounts. I only need one. I am being charged R 260 per month for each account.  I cannot fix the problem because i cannot get access to my office accounts. 

• Ineffective Customer Support:

  • Customer support often directs me to self-help resources that are convoluted and ineffective.

  • Navigating complex online portals and endless "help" pages leads to a frustrating cycle of dead ends, without resolving the core issue.

  • I have been unable to access my Microsoft Account, and the help provided has been unhelpful.

• Bank Limitations:

  • Banks are often unable to halt recurring payments without explicit authorization from the service provider, creating a frustrating loop of responsibility.

The core problem is the lack of direct, user-friendly control over subscription management. Consumers should have:

• Simplified Cancellation Processes: A straightforward, no-questions-asked method for terminating subscriptions, without requiring extensive explanations or navigating complex menus.

• Clear and Transparent Billing: Detailed billing statements that explicitly outline all charges and subscription terms.

• Effective Customer Support: Accessible and responsive customer support that resolves issues promptly and efficiently, rather than relying solely on self-help resources.

• Centralized Subscription Management: A potential platform or tool that allows users to view and manage all their subscriptions in one place, regardless of the service provider.

The current system empowers service providers to continue charging consumers, even when services are unwanted or unusable. This creates a significant financial burden and erodes consumer trust.

I urge for immediate action to address these concerns and implement measures that prioritize consumer control and transparency in internet subscription services.  By John & Gemini Ai. 

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Access denied. It is important that internet users in KZN understand that our fiber lines and other means of communication are managed by Open Serve and they are vulnerable to hacking. It means that there are individuals and corrupt groups of individuals who manage what the public may view, read and say on the internet.