Articles By Tara Donnelly
Sony Xperia Z review
Sony’s new flagship device has a lot to live up to, with the company proclaiming it to be the next step in innovation, comparable to its iconic Walkman brand. Sony are talking a big game in marketing the Xperia Z, and anything less than first-class performance and features are going to be seen as falling short.
UberTAXI app launches in Sydney
Uber is planning to 'shake up the taxi industry' by launching its own taxi booking service, in what it promises will 'make the worst aspects of catching a taxi awesome'. You may already be familiar with Uber, the luxury hire car app that launched in Sydney in November last year. The service allows users to book a classy private car and travel in style, instead of rolling the dice and hoping to get a taxi driver who knows where they're going and doesn't listen to talkback radio .
Vodafone Shutting Down 3 For Good
The end is nigh for Australian mobile provider 3, as Vodafone has finally announced its shut down date for the network. The 3 brand in Australia will officially be farewelled on the 30th of August, meaning any existing 3 customers will need to abandon ship before the network is switched off.
Telstra To Send Overseas Data Alerts
With bill shock from international roaming still affecting thousands of Australians each year, consumers have been frustrated with the lack of solutions offered by mobile providers. Now, Telstra has announced it will be taking action to minimise bill shock experienced by customers using their phone overseas.
Kogan Mobile Update
As we looked at in an earlier post, new prepaid offering Kogan Mobile has been heavily criticised over the past week. The telco has reportedly been refusing to renew service to customers who have used too much of what has been advertised as an ‘unlimited' voice calls and text message allowance. As a reaction to the backlash, it appears that Kogan has made a few updates to its website.
Has Kogan Mobile Misled Consumers?
Despite a much-publicised December launch, a promise to take on the big telcos and an initial influx of customer signups, new prepaid player Kogan Mobile is already facing a backlash. It's been revealed that the company has begun unexpectedly disconnecting the services of customers on its Unlimited Access plans for the apparent crime of using their phones too much. Customers who have received ‘error’ messages when attempting to recharge their prepaid service have been informed that they have breached the acceptable use policy of their plan, and have 90 days to find a new provider and port their phone number.
New Rules for Mobile & Broadband
Browsing for a new mobile phone or broadband plan? With the introduction of new guidelines from the Australian Communications and Media Authority, you may find it easier to understand and compare plans and providers - at least in theory. As part of the ACMA's revised Telecommunications Protections Code (TCP), all telecommunications providers are now required to include a two-page ‘Critical Information Summary’ to customers that clearly outlines the charges and inclusions of each plan.
Vodafone Continues Network Upgrades
After a less than ideal past couple of years, Vodafone Australia is pledging to turn things around in the next twelve months by investing a potential $1 billion in its mobile network. While the company has yet to reveal the exact cost of the proposed network improvements, it has spent $1.7 billion on network repairs and upgrades over the past two years. Vodafone Chief executive Bill Morrow has announced that 2013 will see the company spending more on its network than ever before in a single year, with a view to create stronger, better coverage and hopefully win back customers.
2012's Most Satisfied Customers
Roy Morgan Research, Australia’s best known market research company, has held its second annual Customer Satisfaction Awards in Melbourne this week, honouring the companies and organisations with the most consistently happy customers in 2012. The awards are the result of a survey of around 50,000 Australian consumers and 22,000 business decision makers over 2012. The survey ranked customer service and satisfaction by conducting personal interviews and distributing self-administered questionnaires.
Virgin Mobile Raises International Call Rates
Virgin Mobile announced yesterday it will be raising the cost of international calls for mobile customers – and judging by the reactions so far, customers aren't happy with the changes. The telco’s Big Cap, Big Plans and Fair Go plans will be affected by the changes, which will apply from February 28. Virgin Mobile contacted customers by email Monday and yesterday posted the announcement on the Virgin Mobile website’s community forum, causing some forum members to express their disappointment at the proposed changes.
