‘Slap in the face:’ Telstra to increase mobile and broadband prices from May
Telstra customers will face higher bills from May 5; Prices on mobile, broadband and prepaid plans will rise just months after telcos announced $1.2 billion in profits.
Australia’s largest telecommunications company announced that monthly fees on its mobile phone basic and basic plans will increase by $4, while prices on its premium plan will remain the same.
Mobile plan customers will also pay an additional $4 for 25GB of data, bringing the monthly fee to $61.
Data plans and prepaid services will also increase by up to $5 per month.
Telstra consumer group director Brad Whitcomb said the increase would help the telco reinvest in the performance, reliability and security of Australia’s largest mobile network.
“We already have Australia’s largest mobile network, reaching more destinations in the country than any other mobile provider,” it said in a company blog.
“Our price changes help drive ongoing investment in our mobile network infrastructure, enabling innovation and enabling the launch of new features that expand connectivity options for customers.
“We are also offering new options for customers who need more support or have more basic mobile needs at affordable prices.
“We will be contacting affected customers directly in the coming weeks to explain what these changes mean for them.”
Last month Telstra warned consumers would face higher costs under the federal government’s proposal to increase spectrum license fees by more than $1 billion when they come up for renewal in 2028.
Australian Communications Consumer Action Network chief executive Carol Bennett said the increase was a “slap in the face” for millions of customers already affected by increases of around 14 per cent last year.
It encouraged consumers to shop around and look for affordable plans without a premium price tag.
“Just weeks ago Telstra made record profits and increased returns to shareholders,” he said.
“Regular customers are now being forced to pay higher prices for services that they increasingly say do not provide value for money.
“Due to the high cost of living, Telstra mobile customers should not be asked to endure price increases that exceed both inflation and society’s expectations.”
