Optus now charges for free mobile phone calls

neil on 30/12/2008 - 10:33

http://apcmag.com/optus_threatens_customers_over_voip_calls.…

Optus dropped a nice present on its customers on Christmas by announcing that calling certain Australian mobile numbers would now be charged at international rates.

“All calls that re-route or divert to international numbers are charged at 29c per min + 27c flagfall," the text message read."

So all those mobile phone numbers that redirect to international calls will be charged.

Free Calls Ozwiki http://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/free_international_calls

Freedomcalls http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/6180

Aussiecall http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/4786

Makefreecalls http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/8133

General Discussion

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2008 - 21:55

    Yep as their growth starts to slow, then like Telstra they need to create new revenue, So while I think Telstra sucks (I'm also a shareholder) Optus now that their growth flattens out are going to be just as ruthless. The true Duopoly will start to work. Heaven help us if the government gives Optus the new broadband network (not that Telstra should have it either)

  • pauly on 31/12/2008 - 10:36
    +2

    Interesting read. I know I've left optus years ago for a reason. From my previous experience, their billing system constantly and conveniently produces errors to their favour. And I wouldn't even go into their customer service…

    If only people knew about pennytel's ANI/web call back service to mobiles on the TTYD plan and the money they'd save!!

    Nizi Bhandari, the CEO of freedomcalls.com.au, was furious to find his company’s VoIP access number affected by Optus. Bhandari explains that his business relies on customers ringing a standard Australian mobile number 0424 215 152 which then allows them to be connected to up to 70 countries at no charge above the normal rate they paid Optus to call a mobile.

    I thought that name nizi sounded familiar. What a coincidence! :)

    • HueyData on 31/12/2008 - 11:11

      Well recalled, pauly :)

    • scotty on 31/12/2008 - 19:49

      Good stuff! I think APC Mag might need to do a reference check over here at OzBargain before quoting a spammer on their online site :)

      The very business model for those "free" international calls is by exploiting those unlimited/cap mobile plans so I am not surprised that the telcoms will start to block them.

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