Telstra Ending Google PlayStore Carrier Billing for ALL Prepaid Plans (Inc. Long Life, Simplicity)?

netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 17:49
Last edited 13/09/2017 - 19:58

Received an SMS from Telstra basically saying they are ending the ability to use Telstra credit for Google Play purchases for my Telstra Prepaid (currently on Long Life plan). Just wondering whether anyone else received the same SMS from Telstra.

The SMS indicates I won't be able to use my recharge credit for any Google Play purchase starting 13/09/2017. Essentially, I have about 1 day remaining to use the feature.

Had a quick chat with the 24x7 chat support. The support person told me it is not an official Telstra SMS, even though it looks like an official SMS from Telstra.

Also, only the SIM with active Google Play to Telstra carrier billing received this SMS so far.

Telstra have now revised the terms and conditions of their prepaid plans. It simply states unless stated otherwise in the offer, your inclusions can’t be used for Google Play purchases, rather than mentioning it for Prepaid Extra (the new plan name for Prepaid Plus) and Day2Day.

Some people on the really old Prepaid Freedom Plus plan have not yet received the SMS, but some have. The old prepaid freedom plus plan (no longer available) allows you to keep your credits and still have the bonuses if you recharge every month.

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Comments

  • loke on 11/09/2017 - 17:52
    +1

    Do you have any more information? such as dates? or a deadline?

    edit:
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2602974&p…

    wednesday via whirlpool forums, post in question said on Simplicity plan

    • netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 17:53

      Thanks… Same as my SMS..

  • scrimshaw on 11/09/2017 - 18:18

    ahhh crap. There goes my plan to buy Google Play music subscription with the $11 SIM's I bought.

    • idonotknowwhy on 12/09/2017 - 12:46
      +3

      Buy my apps. I'll put the price up to $11 for you :)

  • AlienC on 11/09/2017 - 18:24

    What is this Telstra Google play store credit hack?

    • ilikeradiohead on 12/09/2017 - 14:08

      It's grandfathered now, but essentially your $30 prepaid credit could be used in the google play store. So if you get a google play music sub for $12, you have $18 left to purchase other stuff. Since you're buying the credit anyway it's a pretty good deal.

      • AlienC on 12/09/2017 - 15:30

        Grandfathered means it's permanent now? Or gone away?

        • ilikeradiohead on 12/09/2017 - 15:52
          +1

          Not available for new customers (on Freedom plus at least), but people already on the plan can keep it.

        • AlienC on 12/09/2017 - 16:11

          @ilikeradiohead: ah damn.

  • Kangal on 11/09/2017 - 18:33
    -1

    No offence, but I thought the carrier-google market connection was neat.
    Reminded me of the time when Nokia's OVI services could charge to your mobile provider.

    But after hearing about so many irresponsible users (and their children) with Paid Apps and In-App purchases.
    Not to mention, the abundance of vulnerabilities that could charge you money.
    I think going back to a segregation may not be such a bad thing.

    • victorheaven on 12/09/2017 - 12:14
      +10

      Your point should be more directed to postpaid, and this is prepaid we are talking about.

  • Axelstrife on 11/09/2017 - 18:35

    will this affect my freedom plus prepaid?

    • netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 18:38
      -3

      Nope. Carrier billing has already been disabled for Freedom Plus back in early July.

      • Axelstrife on 11/09/2017 - 18:40

        I just bought a 20cent app on google play so i think you're wrong

        • netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 18:42

          Oh, you are on that old plan which allows you to officially double dip ($30 credit + all the bonuses per month). Dunno then. Mine ends tomorrow (longlife plan).

          You didn't receive any SMS?

        • Axelstrife on 11/09/2017 - 18:44

          @netsurfer: Nope no sms.

          Ill be pissed i have $114 credit i can use.

        • netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 18:46
          +1

          @Axelstrife: You recharge $30 every month right? Perhaps Telstra know you guys are loyal customers so you can still do it.

        • Axelstrife on 11/09/2017 - 18:51

          @netsurfer: $30 $40 depends if i want unlimited calls or not.
          ive never missed a recharge though.

        • netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 19:02
          +1

          @Axelstrife: Yeah, it is a great plan if you need lots of calls and data (and the recharge credit can be used for Google Play in full).

        • Punkboy on 11/09/2017 - 19:07

          @Axelstrife:
          I have $400 and received the SMS.

        • Axelstrife on 11/09/2017 - 19:10

          @Punkboy: freedom plus?

        • kipps on 11/09/2017 - 19:16

          @Axelstrife: I burnt through over $500 of credit on Google Play just this week. Hope it isn't ended.

        • Axelstrife on 11/09/2017 - 19:18
          +1

          @kipps: I just want to know so i can spend all mine and then look for a new carrier cause i wont be staying if they take this away.

          i even have a recharge for next month from the coles 20% off recharges deal waiting.

        • kipps on 11/09/2017 - 19:23

          @Axelstrife: well I'm on Freedom Plus and put a transaction through only yesterday just fine. Burn through it as it seems the door is shutting.

        • Punkboy on 11/09/2017 - 21:24

          @Axelstrife:
          Longlife.

  • Punkboy on 11/09/2017 - 19:06

    I received the same text today on my long life service :-(

    Any suggestions for an app binge?

    • kipps on 11/09/2017 - 19:17
      +5

      Woo Woo Wisdom on Google Play. Sends 55% of the sum purchased to your PayPal account.

      • ronnknee on 11/09/2017 - 19:24

        I tried doing $30 on a new SIM but it was unsuccessful, but it worked for $20. I suspect that registering the Telstra billing service used some credit. Now I'm trying to figure what to do with $9+ credit per SIM. Can I transfer it to another SIM with me2u, accumulate the credit and make a purchase via Woo Woo Wisdom?

        • kipps on 11/09/2017 - 19:27

          I've been using me2u from two iPhones into an Android simplicity account for consolidation, then buying using Woo Woo. Me2U limited to sending $10/day from each account.

        • ronnknee on 11/09/2017 - 19:30

          @kipps: Okay thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to know!

        • syousef on 13/09/2017 - 16:58

          You probably used some of your credit on data. Unless you use wifi, that'll happen.

      • Punkboy on 11/09/2017 - 21:35

        Thanks - any limits? Only tonight and tomorrow to go!

        • kipps on 11/09/2017 - 21:37

          None that I hit. I think I did a couple of hundred $ a day at times by putting SIM in Android and registering for Google Play direct.

  • netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 20:14

    It is quite unusual for Telstra to implement such change with short notice across a number of plans. Also, in the past, they have not altered old plans.

    • Normie on 12/09/2017 - 23:15
      +2

      They did alter the Call Credits Plan.

  • tassieeagle on 11/09/2017 - 21:36

    Haven't received any notification, I'm on the freedom plan on two phones.

  • netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 22:03
    +2

    Would be good if people on prepaid freedom plus still get to use it. For me, I guess I won't be purchasing Android apps as often as I used to and also there is no need to buy discounted prepaid starter kits anymore.

  • spychiatrist on 11/09/2017 - 22:23

    Yup, got an SMS today. Bummer.

  • Miksta on 11/09/2017 - 23:57
    +2

    Just came off Telstra 24x7 chat and this is what the consultant said:

    "is telstra ending google play store purchases for my telstra prepaid freedom plus plan or not?

    POOJA
    at 21:47, Sep 11:
    Yes. Your plan will be support google play store.

    me
    at 21:48, Sep 11:
    will that support end soon or continue as is ?

    POOJA
    at 21:49, Sep 11:
    It will continue."

    • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 00:06
      +1

      your plan is the grandfather one? so if i have unopened starter pack basically thats it game over i cant use for google store credit?

      • Miksta on 12/09/2017 - 12:26

        Yes I'm still on the old freedom plus plan.

        I don't think you will be able to use the google play credits anymore unless you activate on the simplicity plan…

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 12:30

          Email I received stated Telstra Billing on Simplicity ends today. Only grandfathered plans may still have a chance to keep using Telstra Billing.

          Updates on Whilpool link in first comment.

    • tomclancy on 12/09/2017 - 09:59
      +2

      I hope POOJA knows what they are talking about. What are the chances??? LOL

      • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 10:32
        +7

        looking from the name, OO chances

      • zzymurgy on 13/09/2017 - 16:39
        +2

        No, no. POOJA is just what Miksta writes at the end of every sentence instead of LOL. What a weirdo.

  • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 06:58
    +1

    It's the end of the world as we know it!

    Received the message on Simplicity SIM yesterday. Not received on SIM that was not set up for Telstra Billing. That's normal for Telstra notifications (see whirlpool link in first comment)

    Set up that activated but unused SIM (bought 2 years ago for $1) & successfully used $30 credit on Play. Still has $5 credit transferred from another $1 SIM to use… Like others on Whirlpool have suggested - may be updating free apps to paid. Or creditme2u $4 to SIM I just activated & spend 75c on Play.

    Had 1 $30 Starter Pack left (bought recently for $10) to use on PrePaid Plus then change plan to Simplicity to use included $30 credit on Play. Since that loophole was shut down, there was no great use for the SIM.

    So just activated on Longlife then changed plan to Simplicity (for cheaper calls & 6 months) to use $30 credit today on Play. Set up Telstra Billing & $30 spent on Play.

    So easy 2 x $16.50 due in PayPal account thanks to Woo Woo Wisdom on Play ;-)

    Bye Telstra 👋

    • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 10:24

      whoops i thought 12/9 is deadline but actually i have one more day today to use them. damn should activated the starter packs last night.

      • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 10:29

        Must be used today. Activated SIM at 6am today, used $30 credit on Play 30 minutes later😁

        • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 10:31

          i believe you have activated many before -, what is the average processing time from activating till complete?

        • tomclancy on 12/09/2017 - 10:46

          @dragonindespair: 30-60 minutes if not porting your old number

        • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 11:01

          @tomclancy: hmmm when i got home it will be 6pm.
          should i take risk to get 2 sim packs activated (not porting) and completed before midnight?

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 11:07

          @dragonindespair:
          Minutes this morning. A rare issue meant was delayed for hours one time - system wide issue. Many may be activating today! So activate asap.

          Don't wait for notice of activation. If on phone with new SIM in, phone #100# (free call) to check if credit is active. Of course Telstra only just got around to texting that number was active now - 5 hours later than actually activated😠

          Activated so many $1 $30 Starter Packs each 28-30 days for years.

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 11:09
          +1

          @tomclancy:
          As I only wanted credit for Play purchase & didn't want to lose it, I didn't bother porting this time. So many variables as I wanted to port a Telstra number back to Telstra. Today was not the day to do that!

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 11:10

          @dragonindespair:
          Go on😀
          What else are Telstra Starter Packs for - phone calls? Many better offers now. Am using last $1 Kogan 16GB SIM, then $1 Ovo SIMs for next 2 months.

  • anonym on 12/09/2017 - 10:38
    +1

    wonder how much money telstra is going to lose if everyone begins binge spending their credit and then porting away to another provider.

    • Fobsessive on 12/09/2017 - 17:58
      +3

      Nothing compared to their grand scheme

  • BargainBenno on 12/09/2017 - 10:46

    I have 15 $30 SIM Starter Kits that I have yet to activate but use these for the Google Play Credit. Is there a limit on the number of activations I can do today? Can I do say 10? or is it a max of 5 per person?

    • tomclancy on 12/09/2017 - 10:50
      +5

      No hard limits on sim activations HOWEVER your Google Play account will be flagged as "risky" after you spend via Telstra Carrier billing 4 times in quick succession. Google Play will then give you an error and not let any further Telstra payments go through until you wait out a 48 hour period. So to spend them all today you will probably have to setup multiple Google Play accounts as well.

      • anonym on 12/09/2017 - 11:05

        Yesterday I made 12 Google Play purchases in about an hour, all paid for using my accumulated recharge credit. Chief among them was a $89.99 Game of Thrones book collection. Did not encounter any payment errors whatsoever.

        • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 11:21

          yesterday made 4x consecutive game in app purchases no issue

        • tomclancy on 12/09/2017 - 12:10
          +6

          Sorry I wasn't clear. 4 x Telstra carrier billing charges on different sim cards. i.e. churning through multiple Telstra sims to use the credit up on the same Google Play account

        • realfancyman on 12/09/2017 - 17:16
          +2

          @tomclancy: I can confirm this is correct. Bloody annoying, didn't use to do this

      • illumination on 12/09/2017 - 21:25

        Do you know if you do 3x on day 1, then a 4th on day 2 - that wouldn't trigger it right? Seeing as the fourth is not added in quick succession?

        And I don't suppose removing payment method and adding a new one (e.g. a 5th SIM) would help either?

        • tomclancy on 13/09/2017 - 00:16

          Do you know if you do 3x on day 1, then a 4th on day 2 - that wouldn't trigger it right? Seeing as the fourth is not added in quick succession?

          No idea to be honest. I haven't tried. If I were to guess I would think the rule might be "up to 4 different sims in any 48 hour period"

          And I don't suppose removing payment method and adding a new one (e.g. a 5th SIM) would help either?

          Yeah, definitely not. I tried removing all of the Telstra billing payment methods in Google Wallet many times and it didn't help. When I googled the specific error it was clear there was a 48 hour waiting period. Which, after I waited it out, then the next payments went through without a problem.

    • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 10:56

      15???? wow you are hardcore ..

      • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 11:19
        +1

        I had over 20 bought for $1 each in Woolies & Coles deals about 2 years back. Took credit off the final one last night.

        • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 11:20

          amazing.. i got only 2 from that $1 woolworth deal

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 11:21

          @dragonindespair:
          Timing, planning & luck are important in deals😁 (And a lot of shopping in those multiple deals to qualify for $1 SIMs.)

          Luck in just running out before Telstra pulled the plug like this, & luck in getting those $11 Starter Packs cancelled on Sunday!

        • BargainBenno on 12/09/2017 - 11:24

          @Infidel: Yes I have had so much trouble getting the Telstra Billing to work on Google Play . Probably a blessing that it is being removed. I wonder if this change is due to the Telstra launching the 'Belong' mobile service shortly which will be a 'cheap' Telstra service.

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 11:32
          +1

          @BargainBenno:
          Didn't know about the 'Belong' mobile service. Never had issues with Telstra Billing.

          Telstra made many changes in Plans mid this year.
          Earlier, Credit for use on Play & creditme2u transfers were stopped on the popular PrePaid Plus. So credit was pretty useless on that plan. Then credit became Bonus Credit which did not transfer (to Longlife or Simplicity) if changing plans to use that credit for transfer to other SIMs or Play purchases. BeyondTalk plan disappeared & a $2/d plan was introduced…

          I just spent many hours editing the Telstra Starter Pack Wiki days ago & it needs a major change again!

          After many years on Telstra I think this is now over for me. Unless I need occasional rural access to services, there seems little advantage for my needs.

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 13:31

          @dragonindespair:
          There were many Woolies & Coles spend $30 get $30 Telstra Starter Packs for $1 deals back then. Bought about 4 sims with $120 shopping in each weekly deal. Luckily plenty of SIMs were available in my area.

          Learnt Coles restock at end of week's sale, so late on last day on sale I would buy. Left week for others to buy up before I bought

        • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 13:35

          @Infidel: ah, we dont shop groceries as much as you :)
          struggle to spend $50 for 3 consecutive weeks

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 13:37

          @dragonindespair:
          It can be difficult. Just finished 4 weekly $50 spends with Coles for $50 in points - it was difficult, cupboard is full & fridge stocked up as on own at moment. Luckily my favourite items were on special & bought 24 yummy mangoes 😁

        • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 13:38

          @Infidel: stock up toilet tissues and that $0.99 tissue boxes

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 13:40

          @dragonindespair:
          Too many already for me, but that's the idea. Bought a years worth to get those $1 SIMs. Alcohol is not available at supermarkets in QLD - which otherwise can pad out the receipt for many.

      • realfancyman on 12/09/2017 - 17:18
        +1

        lol activated 22 2 weeks ago. and that google rule is bloody annoying!

  • BargainBenno on 12/09/2017 - 11:01

    Yes well I dont have an android phone and I got these when they were like $5 and $10 in the sales last Xmas. I have to borrow a friends Android Phone to use the credit with Google Play.

    • lostn on 13/09/2017 - 23:14

      What use are these apps without an Android phone? What are you going to use them on?

      • dazweeja on 14/09/2017 - 11:50

        You can buy movies, books, VPN, Dropbox, Office, Netflix subscriptions… the list goes on.

        • lostn on 14/09/2017 - 17:51

          For use in Android or anywhere?

          You've had them since last xmas and didn't use them, so I have to question whether you would have used these things you listed anyway.

        • illumination on 14/09/2017 - 22:50
          +1

          @lostn: Wasn't dazweeja. Was BargainBenno.

        • lostn on 15/09/2017 - 08:34
          +1

          @illumination: Same question then. Different questionee.

  • Elnato on 12/09/2017 - 13:03

    Does anybody know the time period that the activations work in, hoping to do one at around 4ish, would it be activated today?

    • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 13:07

      read comments above…

      • Elnato on 12/09/2017 - 13:32

        I have and they don't answer it that why I'm asking wanting to know when they stop activating numbers (time of day) not the date

        • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 13:35

          sorry

        • INFIDEL on 12/09/2017 - 13:46

          Answered question of time taken to activate asked by dragonindespair above.

          Time taken to activate - it depends as many might be wanting activation tonight. Telstra state up to 4 hours! So 4pm sounds fine for simple activation.

          Hours of Activation: Online activation is 24-7. Chat or phone should be any time. Porting answer above is slower & usually business hours (to get done today) stated in activation process. May be ok at 4pm, but it's risky if want to use credit tonight.

          Best to do asap!

  • lgacb08 on 12/09/2017 - 15:05

    Anyone know how to purchase plex ở lifetime subscription using you Google b billing? I dug through the menu with no success

    • alwaysupforabargain on 13/09/2017 - 18:43

      I believe the Plex app doesn't have the lifetime pass using in app purchases; you can only have a single month or a single year subscription through the in app purchase.

      • Nikopol on 13/09/2017 - 19:04

        And 100 cap

  • khell on 12/09/2017 - 15:31
    +7

    I'm on Freedom Plus grandfathered and I still haven't received notice. Praying!!

    • nismo on 13/09/2017 - 12:46
      +5

      Pft - I'm on Prepaid Cap Encore so basically I'm your GREAT Grandfather! ;-p

      • fruit on 13/09/2017 - 23:21

        What's the benefit of that?

        • nismo on 14/09/2017 - 11:47

          Other than still having access to Carrier Billing? And being slightly less scared than Freedom Plus users of losing it? Not much.

          We do have 30 days per recharge versus 28 on F+ (as far as I recall)

  • zixtee on 12/09/2017 - 15:36

    I am looking for the cheapest phone which I can buy today to utilize the Google Play Credit.

    Does anyone know if I can use Telstra Tempo to use my credit.

    https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/product/telstra-prepa…

    • lostn on 13/09/2017 - 23:16

      Be careful with that. A cheap phone will have a weak or old processor and many apps won't run on it.

      Any Google Play app that isn't supported on your device can't be downloaded to that device. It will not even appear when you search the store.

      If you go to the store on PC, and select that device, it will say "app not supported on this device" and won't let you purchase it.

      My question for you is, what was the point? Why did you buy packs for Google credit that you can't even use because you don't have a compatible device?

      • lysp on 14/09/2017 - 10:58

        Movies, music, subscriptions.

        As long as the play store works that's all that matters and the poster might be fine with just a 2nd hand cheapie off ebay.

        • lostn on 14/09/2017 - 17:52

          Movies, music, subscriptions.

          How was he planning on purchasing them? He's had time but not purchased a device to peruse of the credit.

  • eksman on 12/09/2017 - 16:01
    +1

    Also on grandfather freedom plus here. Haven't received any sms yet.
    If they really take away the google play feature, there is no reason at all to remain loyal to telstra.

  • CyberMurning on 12/09/2017 - 16:40
    -1

    GUYS
    https://www.telstra.com.au/chatnow/landing

    the chat staff keep saying we can still use credit for google store.
    please use the above link and double triple checks?

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