Telco's unlucky 13 gets a bad reception

MANY thanks to Rhonda Sorensen for her letter (QT 9/01).

CALLED OUT: Optus have plans which include no extra charge for 13 numbers. Picture: Ingram Publishing

MANY thanks to Rhonda Sorensen for her letter (QT 9/01).

These 1300 numbers are a nice little earner for Telstra.

My bill was almost the same as Rhonda's. I rang them and waited and waited, as you do.

I inquired about the 1300 numbers. An operative said calling Telstra costs nothing but calling all other 1300 numbers incur the price of a local call. Also numbers beginning with 13, 132649 for example, are similarly charged. When I see that 13 number I usually use my wife's phone.

Optus have plans which include no extra charge for 13 numbers

Are people aware of this? Did you know that Telstra have no plans including 13. The reason as Rhonda stated is Telstra is double dipping. Did you know that say Optus have plans with 13 included. However, you may not get good reception whereas most people get good reception with Telstra.

My view of Telstra in a general sense is negative, like everybody else. I have battled with them for at least 10 years. I am semi-retired so I have the time to challenge their bills.

I have a history of some big wins. My record is $300. So given that I spent three hours on the phone to them it worked out that I was "earning" $100 an hour.

However, how could people who are working possibly spend such a long time on the phone?

Last week my bill was over twice my normal bill. In the end I found that had charged me $95 for a service call. I pointed out to them that no-one mentioned that I would be charged for the service call.

I stood my ground and eventually after one hour, Manila (there's another story) waived the charge.

Whenever you have similar problems, always ask the operator for their name' employee number and a receipt. Never take no for an answer.

DAVID HARRIS

Address withheld

Originally published as Telco's unlucky 13 gets a bad reception