Optus issued warning over $8.9m bill overcharge

The communications watchdog has issued Optus a formal warning for overcharging thousands of mobile phone customers to the tune of nearly $9m.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found the telecommunications giant inaccurately billed some customers for the messaging services SurePage and SpinVox.

As a result, more than 237,000 customers were inaccurately charged a total of $8.9m between 2008-2012.

The problem turned out to have been caused by a technical error.

ACMA determined that Optus was in breach of the telecommunications code because it failed to identify and fix the problem as soon as possible.

ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said Optus engaged "constructively" with the investigation.

"We are now confident that Optus has rectified the billing inaccuracy and is reimbursing with interest all affected customers," Mr Chapman said.

Optus will reimburse those customers who were incorrectly overcharged.

Source: Canberra Times

Author: Natasha Lee, Approving editor: Emily Crane