Vodafone has angered many of its HTC Desire customers by pushing out an over-the-air update, according to a post on the Eurodroid blog.

Unfortunately, the update was not the Froyo (Android 2.2) update users were expecting, but a load of bloatware that adds Vodafone apps and force-modifies the users homescreen, among other unwanted changes. Since apps cant be installed to the SD card until the phones have the 2.2 OS installed, the new Voda apps install to the internal memory, using up valuable space.

The response from Vodafone Desire users has been predictably angry. Here’s what one had to say on the Vodafone support forum. 

“Basically Vodafone have hijacked our phones and imposed what they like onto them, changing the homepage, start up screen and taking up space on the internal memory with content I didnt ask for and dont want.

“Vodafone, please explain to us where in the T&Cs it specifically (sic) states you can change the content of a customers (sic) phone with no prior communication and give that customer no option to remove the additional content.

“This is an utterly appalling attitude from a company that is currently running ads about Vodafone VIP where they want to thank all their customers.

“Well you can say thanks to me by not screwing with my phone.”

Another business customer was unhappy about the bookmarks that have been installed on his employees phones, and in his post, said he would be cancelling hs contract. He wrote:

“OK, I wanted Froyo as much as anyone, and was cheesed off when this wasnt it – however I am only concerned about what has been pushed to my phone and what is in it.

“I now have a bunch of employees that have had apps installed on their phones without any information about why and what they are. These are business phones with business apps on, but now Vodafone have decided, with no warning, to add apps and change these handsets and settings (and it sounds like they might have added a few issues as a bonus) – this is not acceptable. The type of bookmark added is also very concerning!

“I have seen a few very reasonable request for information that have been dealt with in poorest way imaginable, but am not sure why.

“For my part this behaviour will ensure my company end all contracts with Vodafone as soon as we can – sadly some may be a while off, but it *will* happen. I know £12K a year isnt a lot to VF, but it is too much for me to pay to be treated like this – Id be out of business if I treated my customers this way.”

We’ve asked Vodafone for a reaction to the story. We’ll have their response as soon as we get it.