Telstra No Longer Supporting "Carrier Billing" for Grandfather Telstra Prepaid (Dec 3 2017)

Vangelon on 11/11/2017 - 07:13
Last edited 11/11/2017 - 21:21

So it seems Telstra are phasing out carrier billing.

From the page:
"From 3 December 2017 you will not be able to subscribe to new digital content, apps or services from other companies through Premium SMS or Telstra Carrier Billing. This is because we're phasing out Premium Service subscriptions."

So it seems Telstra are phasing out carrier billing for Google Play, etc for prepaid customers.

——— CLARIFICATION!!! ———

I need to fix this after talking to a few people.

"Does the change affect all content?
No. If you have existing subscription services, or you add new subscriptions before 3 December, they will still appear on your Telstra bill or if you are a pre-paid customer, they will continue to be debited from your pre-paid account."

IT WILL ALSO NOT AFFECT ONCE OFF PURCHASES; FOR EXAMPLE - IN-GAME OR APPS THAT COST MONEY.

It will only affect NEW subscriptions AFTER December 3rd! So if you're not signed up to Netflix or the like yet, and are thinking about it, DO IT BEFORE DECEMBER 3rd!!

Sorry for the misleading information.

In saying that, bummer, because I was attempting to offload some vouchers I had to people who wanted Google Play credit and were on old grandfather plans that could use them, i.e. Freedom Plus, Encore, etc.

If anyone is willing to give me a hand, PM me, but just for general knowledge, I linked the FAQ / Crowd Support link above. RIP :(

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Comments

  • CyberMurning on 11/11/2017 - 07:19

    If anyone can lend me the sim card with grandfather plan with credit inside I would like to put it on my phone, buy stuff on google play and pay you back in cash at 50% rate

    • Vangelon on 11/11/2017 - 07:21

      PM me if someone does, don't think anything will be that trustworthy though, seems we're out of luck bud xD

      • CyberMurning on 11/11/2017 - 08:07

        only if they are family member or neighbour haha
        actually the process would be easy and quick.

        meet at cafe/pub, order a beer, pop in his/her sim to my mobile, start my game, click purchase item, he/she type in password, and done! take out sim card, i pay for the credit and beer of course!

        5 mins max

        im at sydney cbd 5 days a week

  • chairboi on 11/11/2017 - 07:27
    +2

    "Does the change affect all content?
    No. If you have existing subscription services, or you add new subscriptions before 3 December, they will still appear on your Telstra bill or if you are a pre-paid customer, they will continue to be debited from your pre-paid account."

    Wonder if that implies existing carrier billing setups on google play will remain too.

  • netbies on 11/11/2017 - 08:13

    Does that mean I will have to try to cash out as much as I can ASAP?

    • CyberMurning on 11/11/2017 - 08:47

      Yeah. Otherwise, Nada nil zero value Telstra will rob them away

    • kipps on 11/11/2017 - 10:48

      You could always continue to use the accrued credit for other things - ie, international roaming.

  • tassieeagle on 11/11/2017 - 08:19

    Hmm

  • bdl on 11/11/2017 - 08:44

    I'm wondering if this only affects auto renewing subscriptions, with once off purchases still ok. (Considering that the newer plans have "extra credit" that is advertised as being able to be used for Google Play purchases and also the Crowdsupport page quoted only refers to subscriptions being affected).

  • JimmyF on 11/11/2017 - 10:22

    In saying that, bummer, because I was attempting to offload some vouchers

    You left it too late

  • HardQuiz on 11/11/2017 - 10:33

    How do I buy google vouchers using my grandfathered Freedom + ?

    • CyberMurning on 11/11/2017 - 10:41

      Google voucher? What is that? Why vouchers if I can give you real deal cash in hand, in 10 mins, no tax? But we need to meet and use your sim card to purchase.

    • Vangelon on 11/11/2017 - 20:55

      You can't, unfortunately. The most you could do is gift Google Play Music subscription.

  • Fiximol on 11/11/2017 - 10:35
    +2

    This is so vague. They start by clearly differentiating post-paid (appear on your telstra bill) and pre-paid (debited from your pre-paid account) customers, but then in their large list of what will still be "charged to your telstra bill" there is no mention of "debited from your pre-paid account" so it means that the list would not apply to pre-paid customers (since they do not get a telstra bill) which is further reinforced by the fact that they specifically stated that the only thing you can no longer do (apart from pay for "subscriptions") is to make charity donations with your pre-paid account. From the reading of this thread I would say that the discontinuing of "subscriptions" (actually horribly vague and undefined in their post) is more a response to these scam complaints than trying to discontinue Google Play services for grandfathered plans (or it could be two birds with one stone).

    I have about $70 with Freedom Plus and I am going to ride it out.

    • Fiximol on 11/11/2017 - 13:00
      +1

      Having thought about this further I am even more inclined to believe this does not mean the end of Google play credits for grandfathered prepaid. I am certain they specified GooglePlay will only be charged via carrier billing for postpaid only because their current prepaid plans do not allow Google play carrier billing and not specifically singling out grandfathered peepaid plans. At least this is my reading.

    • Vangelon on 11/11/2017 - 20:58

      The thread you linked to was started over 2 years ago and only last posted in July this year. They have changed their ruleset since then, unfortunately, and will include prepaid.

      • Fiximol on 11/11/2017 - 21:25

        The thread might have started 2 years ago but the latest replies were from last month with the second last reply specifically saying that the issue with premium sms "scam" complaints was the reason they are discontinuing premium sms servicrs.

  • dazweeja on 11/11/2017 - 12:07
    +1

    That page seems to specifically refer to "Premium Service subscriptions". I'm also not convinced that saying the Google Play is unaffected for Postpaid customers, implies that it is for prepaid. Need more info.

    • tassieeagle on 11/11/2017 - 16:23

      Agree, very vague. Need more clarification from Telstra

  • Axelstrife on 11/11/2017 - 12:19
    +14

    Time to look for cheapest carrier, only stayed for google play billing.

  • JIMB0 on 11/11/2017 - 19:10
    +1

    Cashback apps killed it.

  • bundy23 on 11/11/2017 - 21:17
    +5

    I’m out. Without Telstra billing there’s no reason at all to stay at all.

  • Vangelon on 11/11/2017 - 21:19
    +2

    ——— CLARIFICATION!!! ———

    I need to fix this after talking to a few people.

    "Does the change affect all content?
    No. If you have existing subscription services, or you add new subscriptions before 3 December, they will still appear on your Telstra bill or if you are a pre-paid customer, they will continue to be debited from your pre-paid account."

    IT WILL ALSO NOT AFFECT ONCE OFF PURCHASES; FOR EXAMPLE - IN-GAME OR APPS THAT COST MONEY.

    It will only affect NEW subscriptions AFTER December 3rd! So if you're not signed up to Netflix or the like yet, and are thinking about it, DO IT BEFORE DECEMBER 3rd!!

    Sorry for the misleading information.

    • finbar on 11/11/2017 - 21:22
      +2

      Yeah some people are okay for the time being but looking at the big picture, its clear which direction Telstra is going with carrier billing.

    • eug on 12/11/2017 - 18:12
      +1

      IT WILL ALSO NOT AFFECT ONCE OFF PURCHASES; FOR EXAMPLE - IN-GAME OR APPS THAT COST MONEY.
      It will only affect NEW subscriptions AFTER December 3rd!

      So after Dec 3rd the credit can't be used for new subscriptions, but can still be used to buy apps? That's a strange decision.

      • Vangelon on 12/11/2017 - 21:07

        Agreed, but as many people suggested, it's Telstra trialing the waters before they completely remove this feature.

    • brentsbits on 30/11/2017 - 16:34
      +1

      Do you have confirmation that in app purchases and app purchases will still work after this time?

    • ESEMCE on 30/11/2017 - 20:54

      Where does this clarification come from?
      The SMS seems pretty cut and dried to me.. No Google Play Billing Period.
      You can use alternate methods of payment but not Telstra Credit, "however the current arrangement where a subscription for third party content is debited from your pre-paid balance, will end"

      The only thing that is staying is Billing for "third party mobile content subscriptions" whatever that means.
      Seems like people are reading that final quote to mean pre-existing Google Play Billing Subscriptions, but it's not what it says.
      Wonderful if it's to stay, but I think it's dead.

      • Zorololo on 30/11/2017 - 21:20

        I'm wondering if there are different conditions for prepaid and postpaid

        I'm on prepaid and yeah, the SMS seems pretty clear that only existing subscriptions will continue, no new purchases or subscriptions can be billed to Telstra.

        • ESEMCE on 30/11/2017 - 21:24

          There are.. Post Paid keep Google Play Billing.
          But they're actually paying the extra amount for whatever they buy on top of their monthly fee.
          Not double dipping like us by paying with "funny money".

  • OzFrugie on 12/11/2017 - 00:50
    +1

    Can you still purchase google play music subscription gift card with telstra freedom plus carrier billing after 3 December?

    • Vangelon on 12/11/2017 - 03:59

      Good question. If I find the answer I'll reply.

  • tassieeagle on 21/11/2017 - 14:17

    Is there a list of subscriptions we can sign up to somewhere?

    • Vangelon on 21/11/2017 - 19:42
      +1

      Not sure :( I know there's Netflix, Google Drive, Google Play Music, VPN services and Antivirus services.

      • Zorololo on 30/11/2017 - 21:39

        Microsoft Office 365 also works. $9 a month

  • L0zBargain on 22/11/2017 - 15:30

    Sad news! Has anyone been able to subscribe to netflix recently?

    I've had no luck in getting this to accept google play credit as a payment.

    I need to get this on before 3rd December!! haha

    • L0zBargain on 22/11/2017 - 22:47

      Nevermind, read through the WP thread.

      You need to VPN to Singapore or Hong Kong to get the google play subscription credit working on Netflix

    • Zorololo on 30/11/2017 - 21:25

      You have to use a VPN and create a brand new Netflix account via the app.

      • wippy on 30/11/2017 - 22:05

        How does the VPN help? I'm trying to work out how to sign up

        • Zorololo on 30/11/2017 - 23:41
          +1

          Dunno, I guess the app is set to not offer pay by carrier in Australia but it is available to do that overseas. The VPN I used put me in Singapore like the steps in Whirlpool thread. It does look to have worked but won't truly know till the end of the month.

        • wippy on 30/11/2017 - 23:44

          @ndt: thanks mate….

  • pmb on 30/11/2017 - 15:19
    +1
    Merged from Testra Pre-Paid Account - No More Google Play Purchases

    The day is finally here, finally here to leave telstra. Just got the text message.

    This was the only thing holding me as a customer….

    Looks like any new subs via google play is finished. Existing third party mobile content will apparently still be honoured…

    https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Accounts-Plans/Premiu…

    • MaxiPower on 30/11/2017 - 15:20

      Hi. From 3 December 2017, you'll no longer be able to make purchases in Google Play using your pre-paid account. You'll still be able to purchase Google Play content using alternative payment methods, however the current arrangement where a subscription for third-party content is debited from your pre-paid balance, will end. If you attempt to set up carrier billing in Google Play from 3 December 2017, you will receive an error message. This change does not affect any existing third party mobile content
      subscriptions you currently have charged to your Telstra Pre-Paid account. For more info on the changes visit: Telstra.com/premiumsmschanges

      I currently have over $1100 in credit which I could use.

      • miicah on 30/11/2017 - 15:41

        RIP

      • endlesstrail on 30/11/2017 - 16:03

        RIP. I think there's a spending limit of $500 for pre-paid accounts and $100 for post-paid accounts.

      • tryagain on 30/11/2017 - 17:10
        +1

        Words of wisdom

    • chaoman01 on 30/11/2017 - 16:16
      +2

      Mhmm, time to find a new prepaid plan. Where are people planning to move?

  • nismo on 30/11/2017 - 15:21
    +1

    I just received a text that from Telstra advising:

    Hi. From 3 December 2017, you'll no longer be able to make purchases in Google Play using your pre-paid account. You'll still be able to purchase Google Play content using alternative payment methods, however the current arrangement where a subscription for third-party content is debited from your pre-paid balance, will end. If you attempt to set up carrier billing in Google Play from 3 December 2017, you will receive an error message. This change does not affect any existing third party mobile content
    subscriptions you currently have charged to your Telstra Pre-Paid account. For more info on the changes visit: Telstra.com/premiumsmschanges

    I'm on the great-grandfathered "Pre-Paid Cap Encore"

    Sad news

    • tin tin on 30/11/2017 - 15:24

      Same, I was going to paste it here too. On Freedom pre-paid. So does it mean I won't be able to pay for apps etc, but if I start a subscription before then it should continue?

      • nismo on 30/11/2017 - 15:24

        I think it means we're screwed, after Dec 3rd.

      • pmb on 30/11/2017 - 15:32
        +1

        That is how I understand it.
        If you have a subscription, it will keep taking the cash from your pre-paid monies.
        I guess though that give it another few months and they will probably stop that too.

    • alishaikh on 30/11/2017 - 15:28

      I am too on Cap Encore. I recently started using my accumulated Credit for my Netflix subscription. As i understand it will not work from 3rd Dec.

      • tin tin on 30/11/2017 - 15:31

        So even hundreds of dollars of credit would be useless from 3rd Dec right? So spend all beforehand?

        Sounds like the party is over :(

        • alishaikh on 30/11/2017 - 15:38
          +1

          I read the Telsta message again. Also the thread header has a clarification in it which states that existing subscriptions will be continue to work. This means existing Netflix subscriptions will continue to be debited from my Pre-paid Account Balance.

        • nismo on 30/11/2017 - 16:30

          @alishaikh:

          I'm not sure how you could misunderstand this statement:

          however the current arrangement where a subscription for third-party content is debited from your pre-paid balance, will end.

        • miicah on 30/11/2017 - 17:21

          @nismo: That is incorrect, any existing subscriptions will continue to work.

        • nismo on 30/11/2017 - 17:57
          +2

          @miicah:
          Sorry, you're right, it also says

          This change does not affect any existing third party mobile content
          subscriptions you currently have charged to your Telstra Pre-Paid account.

          I'm gonna sign up for Google music asap!

    • Pigey on 30/11/2017 - 16:03

      I got it, and my wife didn't. Does that mean only people who received the text can't use carrier billing? Or will it apply to all Prepaid?

      • nismo on 30/11/2017 - 17:51

        I imagine you'll get the text soon. If you're on the same plan as myself or your wife, you will have the same problem..

  • MaxiPower on 30/11/2017 - 15:33

    So anybody know if this guy is still active?
    T-Cashback
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/227021

    I looked at this app a month ago, but they were not taking new customers.

    • frazel on 30/11/2017 - 16:22

      Yes I use him. It's good

    • L0zBargain on 01/12/2017 - 10:32

      Wow, never heard about this. My typical luck. Always miss out on deals or find out to late!

      Amazing to think you can get real money back on the double dip!

      Oh well, Redtube, play music and basically all you can buy apps has served me well.

  • Axelstrife on 30/11/2017 - 16:05
    +1

    Since it states existing subscriptions will still work.

    I'm wondering does that mean I'll still get $30 credit with each recharge but that money will only work with existing sub? or will I not get the $30 anymore with my normal $3₩ red.

    • miicah on 30/11/2017 - 17:21

      Yeah I think that's right. So if you have any credit right now over $30, I would go and buy a bunch of apps or rent some movies.

      • Axelstrife on 30/11/2017 - 17:38

        That sucks ill also buy a aldi mobile sim and be ready switch

  • rcgy on 30/11/2017 - 16:11

    So my current Google Play Music subscription is fine, since it started before December 3rd?

    • Zorololo on 30/11/2017 - 20:16

      Its up for debate as it's not really a google subscription, it's a reoccurring payment linked to your Telstra account/bill. At least that's how it is for me, it doesn't show in my subscriptions.

      • miicah on 01/12/2017 - 15:58
        +2

        Mine shows in subscriptions in the Google Play app.

  • belongsinforums on 30/11/2017 - 16:12
    +2

    Got this today

    • ry34 on 30/11/2017 - 16:16

      me too…

  • belongsinforums on 30/11/2017 - 16:12

    Hi. From 3 December 2017, you'll no longer be able to make purchases in Google Play using your pre-paid account. You'll still be able to purchase Google Play content using alternative payment methods, however the current arrangement where a subscription for third-party content is debited from your pre-paid balance, will end. If you attempt to set up carrier billing in Google Play from 3 December 2017, you will receive an error message. This change does not affect any existing third party mobile content subscriptions you currently have charged to your Telstra Pre-Paid account. To
    apologise for any inconvenience, we've added a 10GB data pack to your account valid for 28 days. For more info on the changes visit: Telstra.com/premiumsmschanges

  • Waffles on 30/11/2017 - 16:17

    Just got the SMS… I'm confused.

    There are 3 things by my understanding -

    1. Existing subscriptions that are getting charged each month (i.e. lastpass, magazines, newspaper apps etc)
    2. New subscriptions that I choose to sign up for (i.e. lastpass, magazines, newspaper apps etc)
    3. All other apps, books, movies, in app purchases.

    So as of Dec 3 only item 2 will stop working on prepaid. Is that right?

    • endlesstrail on 30/11/2017 - 16:20

      From my understanding, Items 2 and 3 will stop working.

      • Waffles on 30/11/2017 - 16:24

        EDIT: Thanks, yes I see that now… it's worded strangely

        Ok, another question, for the subscriptions will the money keep loading up each recharge or will it just keep subtracting till it can't afford them anymore?

        • endlesstrail on 30/11/2017 - 17:11

          That is still unknown. My guess is the subscriptions will keep deducting from the Telstra Credits until it cannot be deducted any further. If you continue with a Telstra Pre-paid plan, I suppose you'll still accumulate Credits which can be used for data pack purchases and in your case, subscriptions.

  • wippy on 30/11/2017 - 16:35

    how do I set up Netflix on android to pay via Telstra pay???? (is it possible??)

    what other subscription should I sign up to before 3/12???

    HELP :)

    • alwaysupforabargain on 30/11/2017 - 20:05
      +1

      I did it recently. Had to cancel my existing subscription, wait till the end of the billing cycle and then sign up again through the app and select Google Play Billing.

      • wippy on 30/11/2017 - 20:08

        I created a new user but didn't show me google play billing as an option…. Is it because I'm signing up as a new user with the 1 month free access?

        • alwaysupforabargain on 30/11/2017 - 20:09
          +1

          Not sure about that. I did it all on the one account. But if you sign up through the app, it should give you the option to pay using google play credit.

        • wippy on 30/11/2017 - 20:19

          @alwaysupforabargain: thanks for responding… not working for me. :(

        • Zorololo on 30/11/2017 - 21:32
          +1

          Looks like it might be cause we're in Australia. Using a Vpn and creating a new account worked for me.

        • wippy on 30/11/2017 - 22:10

          @ndt: VPN to where? Wouldn't I then be subscribing to that country's Netflix paying their currency?

        • Zorololo on 30/11/2017 - 23:43
          +1

          @wippy:

          Singapore. I've turned off the VPN and am using the au app, seems fine.

        • wippy on 01/12/2017 - 04:23

          @ndt: you are a legend…. still not quite sure what I did (I followed your instruction but it didn't work but then I turned off the vpn after being on the VPN, then somehow it worked)….. thanks mate…. :)

        • alishaikh on 01/12/2017 - 10:39

          Uninstall your netflix app from phone. install again fresh. create a brand new user (unused email before). sign up on the netflix newly installed app. it will you google play payment option.

          Cheers.

    • ESEMCE on 30/11/2017 - 21:39
      +1

      Office365 is a good one.

      NBA might be an option to subscribe to.
      You can buy years and years worth of Lastpass Premium.
      Send Google Play Music Gift cards to yourself,

  • ajh on 30/11/2017 - 16:43
    Merged from Telstra Prepaid Freedom Plus Google Play Credit Finishing

    This is a sad day for me. Finally the Google Play credit is ending :(

    "Hi. From 3 December 2017, you'll no longer be able to make purchases in Google Play using your pre-paid account. You'll still be able to purchase Google Play content using alternative payment methods, however the current arrangement where a subscription for third-party content is debited from your pre-paid balance, will end. If you attempt to set up carrier billing in Google Play from 3 December 2017, you will receive an error message. This change does not affect any existing third party mobile content subscriptions you currently have charged to your Telstra Pre-Paid account. To
    apologise for any inconvenience, we've added a 10GB data pack to your account valid for 28 days. For more info on the changes visit: Telstra.com/premiumsmschanges"

    • tonyamazing on 30/11/2017 - 17:07

      I've received the exact same message :(

  • staryknight on 30/11/2017 - 16:44

    I just got the same SMS. So besides existing subscriptions or ones you set up before Dec 3rd, you cant use prepaid credit for anything else I'm assuming? The message states subscriptions, but does purchasing one off content counted as subscriptions?

    • uppitt on 30/11/2017 - 17:04

      "you'll no longer be able to make purchases in Google Play using your pre-paid account"

      so effectively, no new purchases from the 3rd. The only thing that will remain is existing subscriptions.

  • RX7 on 30/11/2017 - 16:53
    +3

    For anyone who uses Woo Woo Wisdom, I have spoken with their support and they're currently looking into a solution so fingers crossed for anyone on the grandfathered prepaid plans can still get cashback with unused recharge credit. I will post more from them once I get updates on their progress.

    • RX7 on 02/12/2017 - 16:42

      Looks like the app has been updated to support subscriptions now. I suggest anyone who uses this app to subscribe before midnight and keep your fingers crossed that it means we can still use the cashback.

  • uppitt on 30/11/2017 - 17:02

    received the SMS today as well.

  • menamparampan on 30/11/2017 - 17:06
    +1

    Really a sad day for me, my wife and my friends.

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