"Sorry": Free Fetch Mini set-top boxes for Optus Sport subscribers

Optus is trying to say sorry for the technical issues that plagued streaming coverage of the FIFA World Cup by offering free Fetch Mini set-top boxes to affected Optus Sport Premium subscribers.

Well, technically they're free for 12 months, after which Optus will bill you $20 per month. You can cancel whenever you want however, without paying any exit fees. 

If you're an Optus Sport subscriber who experienced streaming issues between June 14 and June 18, you'll need to head into a physical Optus retail store before closing time on this Friday (June 22) to accept your apology. Tell the staff the email address you used to register for Optus Sport, and once verified, you'll walk away with a free Fetch Mini. It's probably worth calling your store of choice first to ensure they have stock.

Subscribers using the Optus Sport app on mobile platforms (and Chromecast) were reportedly the most affected by Optus' issues. Customers watching through a Fetch set-top box claimed to have a smoother time, and Optus says the Mini should provide a "better experience".

A Fetch Mini set-top box will normally set you back $169 outright. Optus says that affected customers who take up the offer will have 12 months of free access to Optus Sport, in addition to Fetch's out-of-the-box services.

You can read more about the offer here.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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