No Shock: Telstra Stops Big Bill Shockers

Ever come close to a heart attack when your monthly bill comes through?

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Well Telstra has moved to become quasi-cardiologists by ensuring monthly mobile bills are less of a health hazard or “bill shock” by slowing data speeds when allowances are exceeded and not charging for excess.

This anti-shock program also includes point of sale summaries or ‘my offer’ which explains the have and have-nots of a mobile plan along with all fees and charges.

Bills that can be emailed allowing users receive them earlier and call centres for enquiries open round the clock.

The carrier’s existing system which alerts users via SMS when they hit 80 -100 percent of their allowance will also be upgraded, Telstra confirmed.

Customers who have surpassed allowance can top-up from their handsets to resume full-speed services. So, the next time speeds slow its probably not poor coverage, you’ve just spent too much time on Facebook.

To this end, the telco is also promising to introduce more competitive bundles and pricing plans as smartphone users numbers soar.

Telstra is also looking to improve overseas mobile data services and is to provide cost information on data usage while roaming via text alerts.

The nifty idea is to be launched today by Telstra chief financial officer John Stanhope who is speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce in Sydney today, and changes launched by the end of this year, Telstra said.

Stanhope said this new service was part of a wider program to improve user satisfaction, part of the $1 billion Telstra new grand plan to revamp its image as customer service king.

 “Our customers deserve to be able to enjoy the full capabilities of their Telstra post-paid mobiles without fear of a large, unexpected bill,” Mr Stanhope said.

“Australians were embracing data-hungry smartphones in record numbers and Telstra recognised it could better protect its customers from surprise bills,” he added.

Other extras will include:

·    Telstra technician customer visits on the weekend.

·    A dedicated team to help residential customers move house.

·    Free calls to Telstra’s main customer support and sales lines.