Terms and Conditions

General

1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to change or modify any of the terms and conditions contained in this agreement.

This is an agreement between you and 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. regarding your use of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s services, products, computers, interactive information, communications, intellectual property and server management service, and supersedes all prior agreements. All such usage shall be subject to the terms and conditions and policies set out in this agreement as read with the terms and conditions applicable to the relevant product or service (collectively, “the / this Agreement”).

This Agreement applies to all accounts, sub-accounts, and any alternative account names associated with your principal account. The Account Holder is responsible for the use of each account in any way, whether used under any name or by any individual, and for ensuring full compliance with this Agreement by all users of that account.

In circumstances of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (“the CPA”) being applicable to this Agreement, the provisions of the CPA shall prevail should there be a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and the provisions of the CPA.

Backups

All 1-grid Managed Servers and any other 1-grid products that include backups are automatically backed up daily.

It is important to note that customers can restore up to the previous 7 days of backup data. Please note that 1-grid does not guarantee backups, and any critical data which you cannot afford to lose should have additional copies made that are stored locally. Any client that cancels or terminates their services with 1-grid will have all data removed from our servers after 7 days from the date of cancellation/termination.

Acceptable Use Policy

By using 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s services, you agree to adhere to our Policies and Procedures, including this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

General and Acceptable Use

You are expected to use 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s services with respect, courtesy, and responsibility, giving due regard to the rights of other users. We expect you to have a basic understanding of how the Internet functions, the types of uses which are generally acceptable, and the types of uses which are unacceptable. Common sense is regarded as the best guide for what is considered acceptable use.

Unacceptable Use

1. Illegality in any way or form including, but not limited to, activities such as unauthorised distribution or copying of copyrighted material, violation of export restrictions, harassment, fraud, trafficking in obscene material, child sexual abuse imagery or in any other way, drug dealing, and other illegal activities.
2. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s services and servers may be used strictly for lawful purposes. Storage, transmission or distribution of any material or part of it in violation of any applicable law or regulation is strictly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, material protected by copyright, trademark, trade secret or other intellectual property right used without proper authorisation, and material that is obscene, defamatory, constitutes a legal threat, or violates export control laws. Examples of unacceptable content or links: “pirated software”, “hacker programs or archives”, “Warez sites”, “IRC Bots”, “illegal MP3s” etc. 1-grid Pty Ltd strictly prohibits and opposes any propaganda for war, incitement of imminent violence or advocating hatred based on an identifiable group characteristic and that constitutes incitement to cause harm by any person.
3. Due to the nature of a shared web hosting environment, 1 grid Services (PTY) LTD. reserves the right to ask customers to upgrade or correct issues pertaining to their shared web hosting package, or to correct issues on their shared web hosting package, should it negatively affect the network or server performance for the majority of our customers.
4. The 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. shared web hosting platform is intended for hosting a website with relevant, appropriate and legal content and function for a personal or small home business without the concern of traffic overages. The use of the service should not be indicative for large scale enterprises or applications where a dedicated server would be more suited.
5. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. prohibits the use of the shared web hosting service disk space to be used for purposes other than its intended function: content hosting, personal and small enterprise email and relevant web files.
6. The use of dedicated or shared hosting services for hosting torrent boxes and/or running proxies is strictly forbidden. Servers continuously running a risk of supporting these types of services will be disabled and terminated from our network with immediate effect.
7. Posting of defamatory, scandalous, violent or private information about a person without their consent, intentionally inflicting pain or emotional distress, or violating trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights.
8. Any unacceptable use of the services constitutes a material breach of these Terms and Conditions of Use, and 1 grid (PTY) LTD. fully and solely reserves its rights in this regard.

Interpretation

The provisions of this Policy are not meant to be exhaustive, but are intended as guidelines. Generally, any behaviour that breaches or violates law, regulation, or the accepted norms of the Internet community, whether or not expressly mentioned in this Policy, is strictly prohibited. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right at all times to prohibit conduct that damage its reputation and goodwill in any way.

System and Network Security

1. Violations of system or network security are prohibited, and may result in criminal and civil liability. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
   1. unauthorised access, use, probe, or scan of a system’s security or authentication measures, data or traffic;
   2. interference with service to any user, host or network including, without limitation, mail bombing, flooding, deliberate attempts to overload a system and broadcast attacks;
   3. forging of any TCP-IP packet header or any part of the header information in an email or a newsgroup posting; and
   4. employing posts or programs which consume excessive CPU time or storage space, permits the use of mail services, mail forwarding capabilities, POP accounts, or autoresponders other than for their own account; or resale of access to CGI scripts installed on our servers.

Spamming

1. Sending unsolicited mail messages, including, without limitation, commercial advertising and informational announcements, is expressly prohibited. A user shall not use another site’s mail server to relay mail without the express permission of the site or distributing, advertising or promoting products or software or services that have the primary purpose of encouraging or facilitating unsolicited commercial email or spam.
2. It is in violation of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s Policy for customers to use our servers to effect or participate in any way in any of the following activities:
   1. To post to any Usenet or other newsgroups, forums, email mailing lists or other similar groups or list articles which are off-topic according to the charter or other owner-published FAQ or description of the group or list;
   2. To send unsolicited mass emails, if such emails provoke complaints from the recipients;
   3. To engage in any of the foregoing activities using the service of another provider, but channelling such activities through a 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. provided server, or using a 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. provided server as a maildrop for responses;
   4. To falsify user information provided to 1 grid (PTY) LTD. or to other users of the service in connection with use of a 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. service.
3. We reserve the right to suspend a service due to spam activity. A reactivation charge will be applicable.

Determination of a Breach of This Policy

1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will be the sole arbiters and have a sole and complete discretion in determining what is seen as a violation of this Policy.

Consequences of Breach of This Policy

1. When 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. becomes aware of an alleged violation of its AUP (Acceptable Use Policy), 1 grid (PTY) LTD. will initiate an investigation (within 24-48 hours). During the investigation 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. may restrict your access in order to prevent further possible unauthorised activity. If you are found in violation of our SPAM Policy, 1 grid Services (PTY) LTD. may, at its sole discretion, restrict, suspend, or terminate your account and/or pursue other civil remedies. Also, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to pursue civil remedies for any costs associated with the investigation of a substantiated Policy violation. If such violation is a criminal offence, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will notify the appropriate law enforcement department of such violation.
2. 1 grid (PTY) LT.D does not issue service credits for any outages incurred through service disablement resulting from Policy violations.
3. You shall be held liable for any and all costs incurred by 1 grid Services (PTY) LTD. as a result of your violation of these terms and conditions. This is including, but is not limited to, attorney fees and costs resulting from Postmaster responses to complaints from and the cleanup of unsolicited commercial mailings and/or unauthorised bulk mailings and/or news server violations.
4. First violations will result in a Cleanup Fee of R1500 and your account will be reviewed for possible immediate termination.
5. A second violation will result in Cleanup Fee of R3500 and immediate termination of your account.
6. The Customer who violates this Policy agrees to also pay Investigation Fees of no more than R1500 per hour that 1 grid Services (PTY) LTD. personnel must spend to investigate any violations.

Modification

1. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. may at times, with reasonable notice to Customers, revise or amend its current Shared and Dedicated Hosting offerings relating to price, features, traffic allocations and disk sizes.
2. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any provision of this Policy at any time without notice.

Reporting Network Abuse

Any party seeking to report any violations 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s Policy may contact via email:abuse@1-grid.com

Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

1. You agree that our entire liability, and your exclusive remedy, with respect to any Services provided under this Agreement and any violation of this Agreement is solely limited to the amount you paid for such Services. We and our contractors shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages resulting from the use or inability to use any of the Services or for the cost of procurement of substitute services.
2. We disclaim any and all loss or liability resulting from, but not limited to, loss or liability resulting from:
   1. access delays or access interruptions;
   2. data non-delivery or data mis-delivery;
   3. acts of God;
   4. the unauthorised use or misuse of your account identifier or password;
   5. errors, omissions, or misstatements in any and all information or services(s) provided under this Agreement;
   6. the interruption of your Service.
3. You agree that we will not be liable for any loss of registration and use of your domain name, or for interruption of business, or any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind (including lost profits) regardless of the form of action whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
4. Subject always to the provisions of the CPA, to the extent that it is applicable, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s services are provided on an as is, as available, basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. expressly disclaims any representation or warranty that the 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. services will be error-free, secure or uninterrupted.
5. No oral advice or written information given by 1 grid (PTY) LTD., its employees, licensors or the like, will create a warranty; nor may you rely on any such information or advice as if it were a warranty. The terms of this section will survive any termination of this Agreement.
6. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will use its best efforts to maintain a full-time Internet presence for the Account Holder. You hereby acknowledge that the network may, at various time intervals, be down due, but not restricted to, utility interruption, equipment failure, natural disaster, acts of God, or human error.
7. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

Responsibility for Content and Account Holder Indemnities

1. You agree to indemnify and hold 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. harmless from any and all Claims resulting from or connected with any activities conducted by you. You and 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will promptly notify the other upon receipt of any Claim or legal action arising out of activities conducted pursuant to this Agreement.
2. You agree not to store, transmit, link to, advertise or make available any images containing pornography through the Virtual Web Hosting service. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to refuse service if any of the content within, or any links from, your website is deemed illegal, misleading, or obscene, or is otherwise in breach of these terms or 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s then current Acceptable Use Policy, in the sole and absolute opinion of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.
3. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will not change passwords to any account without proof of identification, which is satisfactory to 1 grid (Pty) Ltd., which may include written authorisation with signature. In the event of any partnership break-up, divorce or other legal problems that includes you, you understand that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will remain neutral and may put the account on hold until the situation has been resolved. Under no circumstances will 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. be liable for any losses incurred by you during this time of determination of ownership, or otherwise. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. from any and all Claims arising from such ownership disputes.
4. You agree to indemnify and hold 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. and any other Account Holder harmless from any and all Claims resulting from your use of the services provided by 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.
5. You agree not to harm 1 grid (Pty) Ltd., its reputation, computer systems, programming and/or other persons using 1 grid Services (PTY) LTD.’s services.
6. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

Variation of Services

1. You agree that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. may establish certain limits concerning use of any 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. service offered on any 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. website including, without limitation, the maximum number of days that email messages will be retained by any 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. service, the maximum number of email messages that may be sent from or received by an account on any 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. service, the maximum size of an email message that may be sent from or received by an account on any 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. service, the maximum disk space that will be allotted on 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s servers on your behalf either cumulatively or for any particular service. You agree that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. has no responsibility or liability for the deletion, corruption or failure to store any messages or other content maintained or transmitted by any 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. service. You acknowledge that the features, parameters (for example, the amount of storage available to users) or existence of any 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. service may change at any time.
2. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to select the server for your website for best performance. You understand that the services provided by 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. are provided on a shared server. This means that one website cannot be permitted to overwhelm the server with heavy CPU usage, for example from the use of highly active CGI scripts or chat scripts. If your website overwhelms the server and causes complaints from other users, you have outgrown the realm of shared servers, and will need to relocate your website. If you refuse to comply with this Section, then 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. has the right to terminate the services provided to you without any refunds of the unused portion prepaid by you.

Non-transferability of Services

Your rights and privileges under this Agreement cannot be sold or transferred without the prior written consent of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.

Passwords

1. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password. In the event of a breach of security through your account, you will be liable for any unauthorised use of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. services, including any damages resulting there from, until you notify 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s customer service.
2. The responsibility of all passwords and other related sensitive information is assumed by you, should any additional fee’s arise from resource consumption due to poor credentials (such as, but not limited to blank passwords or “test” accounts) no fault shall be levied on 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.

Assignment of IP Addresses

1 grid (Pty) Ltd. assigns you an Internet Protocol address in connection with your use of the 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. services, the right to use that Internet Protocol address will remain with and belong only to 1 grid (Pty) Ltd., and you will have no right to use that Internet Protocol address except as allowed by 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. in its sole and absolute discretion.

General Provisions

1. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. with respect to the 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. services and supersedes all prior agreements between you and 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to amend this Agreement from time to time. Any new version of the Agreement will be displayed on our Website together with the date on which it will become effective, which will never be less than 30 (thirty) days after the date on which it is first published. It is your obligation to visit our web site on a regular basis in order to determine whether any amendments have been made. Any use by you of the 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. services after the effective date of any such amendment, shall be deemed to constitute acceptance by you of such amendment.
2. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any provision or right.
3. In the event that a portion of this Agreement is held unenforceable, the unenforceable portion will be construed in accordance with applicable law as nearly as possible to reflect the original intentions of the parties, and the remainder of the provisions will remain in full force and effect. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.
4. Save where otherwise provided for in this Agreement, if you:
   1. fail to pay any amount payable under this Agreement within 10 days after receipt of written demand requiring such payment; or
   2. commit a breach of any provision (other than a payment obligation) of this Agreement and, if such breach is capable of remedy, fail to remedy such breach within thirty days after receipt of written demand requiring you to do so;
   3. are placed under liquidation, judicial management, business rescue proceedings or any similar disability, whether provisionally or finally and whether voluntarily or compulsorily;
   4. commit any act which if committed by a natural person would constitute an act of insolvency;
   5. become insolvent;
   6. compromise or attempt to compromise generally with any of your creditors;
   7. have a final judgment taken against you which is not satisfied within 30 days after the granting of such judgment;
   8. you have acted (or failed to act, when action is required) in a criminal manner or in violation of any law or regulation; or in a manner that may be considered offensive or abusive to 1-grid (Pty) Ltd (including 1-grid’s reputation or goodwill) or its staff;
   9. you have failed to provide any information or assistance that 1-grid (Pty) Ltd has requested from you;
   10. your use of the Service has or may negatively impact any other 1-grid (Pty) Ltd customers.
5. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. shall be entitled, without prejudice to any of its other rights under this Agreement and/or in law and by giving written notice, to immediately cancel this Agreement or to claim immediate specific performance of all of your obligations whether or not due for performance, in either event without prejudice to 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s right to claim damages.
6. The interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed according the laws of the Republic of South Africa (excluding its choice of law rules).
7. You consent to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.
8. The 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. services are provided from Cape Town, South Africa, and this Agreement is deemed to have been entered into at Cape Town.
9. Notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered either by personal delivery, fax or by email. If delivered by mail, notices shall be sent by any express mail service; or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with all postage and charges prepaid, and shall be deemed to have been received on the 5th Business day after posting. Emails and faxes shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day they are sent if sent before 16h00 on that day or on the next Business Day thereafter is sent after 16h00 on a Business Day or if sent on a non-business Day.

Billing Terms of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.

General

1. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will provide you with an itemised bill or invoice on request or where this is specified as part of the services provided to you.
2. Accounts are due 7 days before the date reflected on the invoice presented by 1 grid (Pty) Ltd (“Due Date”). Where 1 grid (Pty) Ltd has been authorised by you to collect funds on your behalf, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd reserves the right to do so within seven days before the due date. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd retains the right to impose, subject to a notice period of 7 Business Days, a credit limit on any of its customers as and when it sees fit.
3. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. products and services are not pro-rated.
4. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will provide a service to you, as chosen by you, for the period of time (“the Term”) corresponding with the payment plan specific to you or as otherwise specified in the product’s terms and conditions relating to the particular product or service supplied by 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. This contract will be automatically renewed at the end of the Term and each successive renewal term, unless terminated.

Effect of Non-payment

1. In the event of non-payment of an invoice by the stipulated Due Date, without prejudice to any other rights that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. has in terms of this Agreement or in law, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to hold you liable for the total amount due pursuant to such invoice.
2. Interest of 2% per month may be charged on all overdue accounts.
3. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. may halt or completely stop the supply of new services to you and/or terminate current services held by you if payment of any invoice is not made by the Due Date, or if an application for business rescue proceedings or liquidation is filed by or against the customer, or if the customer goes out of business or announces intention to do so.
4. If the supply of new services is stopped or the existing services are terminated in accordance with section 6, the full outstanding balance becomes due and payable immediately.
5. If you pay the amount due in full, you may have your existing services re-activated and also purchase new services.
6. If you neglect to pay the amount due in full, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will submit the full overdue amount for Collections. In the event of the account being handed over to an outside collection agency, any costs incurred as such will be for your own account.
7. In the event of suspension due to non-payment, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reserves the right to place a “non-payment” page on your domain. Furthermore, the DNS of your domain will remain unchanged until full payment for the outstanding balance on your account has been received.
8. Please note that admin fees apply in the event that your account is suspended due to non-payments.
9. If the preferred method of payment used by you is EFT, it will be your sole responsibility to ensure your payments are made using the correct beneficiary reference as indicated on all invoicing. Failure to comply may result in an incorrect allocation of your payment which may cause service disruption as a result of the account being suspended due to non-payment.

Domain Rescue Fees

1. Should a local domain, i.e. CO.ZA or .ORG.ZA, expire but fall within the stipulated grace period, a “Domain Rescue” fee will be applicable after successfully retaining the domain after the expiration thereof.
2. Should a local domain, i.e. CO.ZA or .ORG.ZA, expire and fall outside the stipulated grace period, a “Domain Rescue” will also be applicable upon the domain successfully being retained after the expiration thereof.
3. Should an international domain expire but fall within the stipulated grace period, a “Domain Rescue” fee will apply if the domain is retained after the expiration thereof. In cases where we are charged over and above the prescribed minimum fee by the Registrar, these fees will be carried over to the customer.
4. Should an international domain expire but fall outside of the stipulated grace period, a “Domain Rescue” fee will also apply if the domain is retained after the expiration thereof. In cases where we are charged over and above the prescribed minimum fee by the Registrar, these fees will be carried over to the customer.

Payment Methods and Fees

1. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. accepts the following payment methods. Debit Order, Credit Card (MasterCard, VISA and AMEX.), EFT and Instant EFT. We recommend that you make payment via Credit Card or Debit Order. This way you stand less chance of forgetting to make your monthly payments. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. runs debit orders once a week.
2. A processing fee (incl. VAT) is charged on all returned debit orders.
3. The merchant outlet country at the time of presenting payment options to the cardholder is the Republic of South Africa and the transaction currency is South African Rand (ZAR).

Refunds

1. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will only refund a customer in the event of their account having a credit balance.
2. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will process authorised refunds to customers every Wednesday.

Cancellations

1. Note that by default we operate on an end-of-term basis and, should you cancel a service, the service will be terminated at the end of your current billing period.
2. Domains are eligible to automatically renew for an extra one-year term upon expiry. Renewal notifications will be sent out prior to the renewal, and cancellations may be done before the renewal date.
3. Users may not cancel a service and sign up for the same service again in order to make use of a new customer discount. In the event a user attempts to do this, the discount will be reversed.

Downgrades

Definition:
“A downgrade occurs when changing your current package to a package with a lower cost.”

Example:
Changing from a Linux Large account at R199 to a Linux Medium account at R79 would be considered a downgrade.

We require notification of downgrades on or before the 20th of each month, in order for the downgrade to take effect from the first day of the next month. If you do not provide this notice, you will be charged rate for the existing package in the following month

Dispute Resolution

General Dispute Resolution

1. The parties shall attempt to resolve all disputes arising out of this Agreement in the spirit of cooperation and with a problem-solving mind set, without formal proceedings and in agreement with the various dispute resolution procedures provided.
2. In the event of the dispute not being resolved, please follow the general complaint procedure as stipulated by ICASA for all complaints accept Billing disputes.
   
   You are required to direct a general complaint tosupport@1-grid.com. The complaint is required to be accompanied by the following;
   • Your full particulars and contact details;
   • Your relationship with 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. and any customer reference which may be applicable;
   • A statement of the reason or reasons for the complaint with enough detail to allow us to assess these; and
   • Any relevant evidence or documentation you wish to submit in support of your complaint.
   • Under the ICASA Code of Conduct Regulations 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. is required to:
   • Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 3 Business Days; and
   • Determine an outcome for the complaint and communicate this to you within 14 Business Days.

Referral of Complaints to ICASA

1. If you are not happy with the outcome of the Complaint, you have the right to escalate it to ICASA. If ICASA are not able to resolve the matter it may be referred to the ICASA Complaints and Compliance Committee for adjudication.
2. Please note that under the ICASA Code of Conduct Regulations 2008 you must give us an opportunity to resolve the matter within the 14-day period before you have the right to escalate your complaint to ICASA.
3. ICASA can be contacted in the following ways:
   1. email:consumer@icasa.org.za
   2. to find contact details of ICASA in your area, please visit: https://www.icasa.org.za/pages/contact-us
4. Any dispute, which cannot be so resolved, shall be subject to binding arbitration upon the written demand of either party. Arbitration shall take place in South Africa. Should any legal action permissible under this Agreement be instituted to enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in particular the right to collect money due on unpaid invoices, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred at both the trial and appellate levels. The terms of this Section will survive any termination of this Agreement.

Billing Dispute Resolution

Purpose of this Procedure

1. This Procedure sets out the obligations of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. and the Customer in resolving a Billing Dispute, including the manner in which Billing Disputes should be lodged and how it will be handled thereafter.
2. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s Billing Dispute Handling Procedure is intended to service both the Customer and 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s interests by setting out clear rules and procedures to be used where Billing Disputes Occur.
3. Definitions
   • “Billing Dispute” means an instance where a Customer states in good faith that their bill contains incorrect charges, payments or adjustments.
   • “Billing Dispute Notice” means a notice submitted by the Customer in terms of this Procedure.
   • “Billing Disputes Procedure” and “this Procedure” mean this Billing Dispute Procedure for the initiation and resolution of Billing Disputes.
   • “Billing Enquiry” means the situation where the Customer seeks information or clarification relating to an Invoice including, without limitation, seeking clarification of charges or sources of usage. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a Billing Dispute.
   • “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a public holiday observed as such in the Republic of South Africa;
   • “Complaint” means an expression of dissatisfaction or grievance made by a Customer, but does not include a request for information. A Complaint is not a Billing Dispute.

General

1. Any charge recorded on an Invoice (the subject of a Billing Dispute) which is not submitted in accordance with this Procedure is payable in full to 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. by the Due Date of the Invoice.
2. For the avoidance of doubt the parties acknowledge and agree that:
   1. An amount that is not in dispute (“Undisputed Amount”) cannot be withheld for any reason (including, without limitation, when that amount is on an invoice together with a Disputed Amount).
   2. Only Billing Disputes can trigger the Billing Dispute Handling Procedure (and the potential right to withhold payment of Disputed Amounts from 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. as set out below).
   3. Billing Enquiries and Complaints are not Billing Disputes and do not trigger the Billing Dispute Procedure. Billing Enquiries should be directed tobilling@1-grid.com– while Complaints are dealt with under the 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. Complaints Handling Procedure.
3. Please note that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will not entertain any Billing Dispute based on unauthorised use of the services or on unauthorised use of the services by a third party, it being your responsibility to safeguard access to the services which you receive and to use them in the manner set out in the terms and conditions applicable thereto.

Customer’s Obligations to first use this Procedure

1. As a current or prior Customer of 1 grid, you agree to allow 1 grid to attempt settlement of any Billing Dispute for 14 Business Days before raising a dispute with any third party, credit card company or bank. 1 grid requires and you agree that it be the first option in Billing Disputes. Should 1 grid receive a chargeback or other reversed charge from a third party, Credit Card Company or bank on your behalf before 1 grid has been given a chance to resolve the issue, 1 grid has the right to collect on the rendered services and any fees associated with those disputes.
2. Not all Billing Disputes may be settled to a customer’s satisfaction. Once this Procedure has been exhausted, a Customer may use any third party, Credit Card Company or bank in an attempt to settle the dispute. However, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. still retains the right to collect on any rendered services or fees that are due. Should 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. be unable to reverse any disputed amounts with a third party, Credit Card Company or bank, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will submit the full delinquent amount for Collections.

Time period within which Billing Disputes can be initiated

A Billing Dispute Notice may be lodged in the required manner until the passing of 60 days from the date of the relevant invoice.

Circumstances under which payment of a Disputed Amount may be withheld

You may only withhold payment of a Disputed Amount where 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. receives a valid Billing Dispute Notice relating to such Disputed Amount at least 5 Business Days prior to the Due Date indicated on the relevant invoice.

Billing Dispute Notice

1. A Billing Dispute can only be validly initiated through the submission of a valid Billing Dispute Notice using theCustomer Zone.
   1. Invoice number and date;
   2. The amount in dispute (“the Disputed Amount”);
   3. The amount not in dispute (“the Undisputed Amount”);
   4. The full details of the dispute; and
   5. Any relevant evidence or documentation you want to submit to support your complaint.

Response to Billing Dispute Notice

1. Under the ICASA Code of Conduct Regulations 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. is required to acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 3 Business Days.
2. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. shall provide a response to the Billing Dispute Notice within 14 Business Days, which response shall take one of the following forms:
   1. A rejection of the Billing Dispute Notice on the basis that:
   1. The Billing Dispute Notice was not received by 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. within 60 days from the date of the relevant invoice;
   2. The Billing Dispute Notice does not contain all of the information set out in clause 11 of this Billing Dispute Procedure or was not submitted in accordance with section 10.
   3. The Customer has not made payment in accordance with (and does not have A right to withhold payment) in terms of sections 61, 62.1 and 67 of this Procedure;
   4. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. has confirmation from the Customer that the dispute which is the subject of the Billing Dispute Notice has been resolved;
   5. The Customer is disputing the charges on the basis that the Customer did not authorise the particular use of the services by another person; or
   6. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. reasonably believes that the Customer does not have a bona fide dispute in relation to the charges.
   2. A request for information or documentation from the Customer lodging the Billing Dispute Notice which is reasonably required to assist 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. in making a determination in the matter. The Customer shall provide such information or documentation as soon as possible and the running of the 14 Business Day period referred to below shall be suspended until such time as it has been received by 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.
   3. A determination of the Billing Dispute and the reasons for such determination.

Referral to Senior Management

1. If you are not satisfied with 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s response under section 84 of the Billing Dispute Procedure then you must notify (“SM Request”) 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. within 3 Business Days of receiving 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s response that you want the matter referred to Senior Management (“SM”). Subject to you complying with this clause 72 of the Billing Dispute Procedure, both parties agree:
   1. To ensure that SM meet to resolve the dispute within 7 Business Days of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. receiving the SM Request but in any event not later than 14 Business Days after the lodging of the Billing Dispute Notice.
   2. Any decision of SM will be final and binding on both parties.
   3. Both parties acknowledge and agree that if 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. does not receive a Notification from you in accordance with this clause 72 then the Billing Dispute will be deemed to have been resolved in accordance with the response provided under section 72 and 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will have no further obligations in relation to the Billing Dispute.

Resolution, Agreement or Determination

1. If stipulated under 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s response under section 84 or where SM agree on a resolution or reach a decision under section 85 that you must make payment of a Disputed Amount, you must within 5 Business Days of the date of the determination pay the Disputed Amount.
2. If stipulated under 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s response under section 85 or where SM agree on a resolution or reach a decision under section 85 that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. must withdraw the disputed charge or refund a disputed charge previously paid, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. must as soon as practicable:
   1. If stipulated under 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s response under section 84 or where SM agree on a resolution or reach a decision under section 85 that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. must withdraw the disputed charge or refund a disputed charge previously paid, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. must as soon as practicable:
   2. Credit any Disputed Amount already paid by you.
3. Where a resolution or determination is made in accordance with clauses 74.1 or 74.2 then, subject to either party meeting the payment obligations specified in such resolution or determination, the Billing Dispute will be deemed to be resolved and 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will have no further obligations in relation to the Billing Dispute.

Effect of this Procedure on continued service provision

1. 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. will not disconnect a service provided to you which is the subject of a Billing Dispute or take adverse collection procedures or impose late payment penalties or charges while attempting to resolve a Billing Dispute lodged in terms of this Procedure and until such time as 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. has reached a determination and communicated this to you.
2. We reserve the right, however, to take such measures immediately:
   1. Where a determination of the Billing Dispute has been made and communicated to you; or
   2. Where you have indicated that you are unable to pay your invoice or bill or have filed or are the subject of any application to court for sequestration or liquidation or otherwise seek to reach a formal arrangement with your creditors.
   3. Subject only to the above, the rights and obligations of each party under the Billing Dispute Procedure continue pending resolution of a Billing Dispute invoked under this Billing Dispute Procedure. For the avoidance of doubt this includes that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. shall continue to have the right to terminate or suspend the service in accordance with 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s rights under the Agreement that you have with 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.
3. Subject only to the above, the rights and obligations of each party under the Billing Dispute Procedure continue pending resolution of a Billing Dispute invoked under this Billing Dispute Procedure. For the avoidance of doubt this includes that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. shall continue to have the right to terminate or suspend the service in accordance with 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s rights under the Agreement that you have with 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.

Confidentiality

Neither party shall use any information obtained from the other party during the course of any process invoked under this Procedure for any purpose other than the resolution of the particular Billing Dispute.

Overage Disputes

1. Should you wish to dispute an overage charge, you may do so by following the Billing Dispute Procedure and requesting an overage investigation.
2. Should, however, the overages be accurate (within a 5% margin) a once-off charge of R150.00 per domain/server will be applied to your account.

Request for Reconciliation or Historical Information/Reporting

1. Should you want a reconciliation done on your account, you may request one by following the Billing Dispute Procedure.
2. However, should the reconciliation prove the account to be accurate (within a 5% margin), a once-off charge of R150.00 per reconciliation will be applied to your account. Should you request historical information that is made available to you on a monthly basis via the Customer Zone, your Hosting control panel or any of the management interfaces provided to you, a once off administration charge of R150.00 per request will be applied to your account.

Referral of Billing Disputes to ICASA

1. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the complaint, you have the right to escalate it to ICASA. If ICASA cannot resolve the matter, it may be referred to the ICASA Complaints and Compliance Committee for adjudication.
2. ICASA can be contacted in the following ways:
   1. telephone (011) 566 3000,
   2. fax (011) 444 1919 or
   3. email:consumer@icasa.org.za.

Use of Account Holder information

Use of Account Holder information for promotional purposes

1 grid (Pty) Ltd. may include your name and contact information in directories of 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s service subscribers for the purpose of promoting the use of the services by potential customers. However, 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. is not authorised to print your name, trademarks or other identifying personal information in any other advertising or promotional materials without your prior written consent.

Use of Account Holder consumer credit information

The Parties record that 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. intends to disclose information to third parties (including registered credit bureaux) concerning your payment history and account status, and you hereby consent to 1 grid (Pty) Ltd., compiling and retaining any consumer credit information and confidential information about you for the purposes of filing 1 grid (Pty) Ltd.’s customers’ consumer credit information with third parties, including credit bureaux such as Compuscan; and you have consented to 1 grid (Pty) Ltd. providing a credit bureau with this data. The credit bureaux are further authorised to upload the data to its database and share it with its subscribers as allowed for in terms of legislation.

Domain Registration Agreement

By accepting these terms and conditions during your application you confirm that you have read and agreed to the domain registration agreement of our third-party domain partner, foundhere.