http://www.optus.com.au
A correction from Optus regarding the comparative coverage of the Telstra and
Optus mobile networks
In a television advertisement broadcast from about 26 January 2014 until 18
February 2014, Optus represented that the difference between the Optus mobile
network and Telstra's mobile network is minimal and insignificant.
The Supreme Court of Victoria has found that by broadcasting the advertisement,
Optus engaged in conduct that is misleading and deceptive and made false
representations in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
In particular, the Court found that Optus falsely represented that:
1. the Optus mobile network and the Telstra mobile network cover 98.5% and
99.3% of the Australian landmass respectively, when in fact the Optus mobile
network covers about 1 million square kilometres, that is approximately 12.6%,
and the Telstra mobile network covers 2.356 million square kilometres, that is
approximately 30.6%, of the Australian landmass;
2. the geographic coverage of the Telstra mobile network is less than 1%
greater than the geographic coverage of the Optus mobile network, when in fact
the geographic coverage of the Telstra mobile network is significantly greater
than the geographic coverage of the Optus mobile network;and
3. the difference between the geographic coverage of the Telstra mobile network
and that of the Optus mobile network is minimal and insignificant, when in fact
the differences are material and substantial.
The Supreme Court has made orders restraining the further broadcast of the
advertisement.
It was not in dispute that the Optus mobile network reaches 98.5% of the
Australian population and the Telstra mobile network reaches 99.3% of the
Australian population.
The Court has also ordered Optus to write to all customers who entered, or may
enter, into a post-paid mobile plan from 26 January 2014 to 16 May 2014
(inclusive) informing them of the outcome of the Court proceeding, and advising
them that they are entitled to cancel their contract with Optus without any
early cancellation fee being payable.
This Corrective Advertisement has been paid for by Singtel Optus Pty Ltd and
placed by Court Order of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
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