Vodafail protest leader calls for calm

The webmaster of a site devoted to highlighting problems with Vodafone's cellular network has met with the company's chief executive and called for fellow customers to be "calm and respectful" to Vodafone employees whilst the company addresses its problems.

Web developer Adam Brimo updated the Vodafail web site yesterday with a note informing fellow complainants that he had personally met with Vodafone Australia chief executive Nigel Dews but neither party was willing to share what was discussed.

Brimo told iTnews today that after meeting Dews, he has decided to opt against doing any further interviews with the media to drum up publicity for his cause.

Dews had previously apologised for ongoing instability in the network.

Instead Brimo has told fellow Vodafone customers to continue updating the Vodafail site with complaints.

"This morning I took your complaints and suggestions to Vodafone CEO Nigel Dews," Brimo wrote on his site. "He and his team are well aware of our issues and are focusing on how to solve them. It is now up to Vodafone to announce how and when your specific problems will be solved.

"Vodafone has clearly taken notice however this website will remain open until our main issues are resolved."

Brimo also urged fellow Vodafone customers to be "calm and respectful to Vodafone employees and each other.

- Read Vodafone's official explanation from its network problems
- Read Vodafone chief executive Nigel Dews' apology

Meanwhile, law firm Piper Alderman has rallied affected Vodafone customers to attempt a class action lawsuit against the company.

"Calls dropping out, reception issues, poor data performance – this is not what Vodafone customers signed up for. Vodafone, however, has continued to charge customers on its mobile plans, without providing the service it promised," the firm said in a note on its web site encouraging customers to join the action.

"Customers who signed up with Vodafone over the last three years may be entitled to compensation if they were misled into signing contracts or if Vodafone did not live up to its end of the bargain.

"We are investigating a class action against Vodafone to recover losses suffered by its customers over the last three years, plus interest."