Telstra confesses to overcharging $30-million for roaming data

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) says it has formally warned Telstra after the telco self-reported that it had overcharged 260,000 customers while they were travelling overseas.

Telstra claims to have charged a flag-fall fee multiple times for a single roaming data sessions. These amounts would have been small to each customer, but they add up to $30-million in inaccurate charges.

A customer first spotted the inaccuracy of their bill back in 2009. Though this was reported to Telstra, it took until 2012 for the telco to withdraw the flag-fall fee from its overseas data sessions.

ACMA has issued the formal warning to Telstra, pertaining to several infringements of the Telecommunications Codes of Practice. Telstra is working to compensate the customers it believes were affected.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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