ID :
9931
Fri, 06/13/2008 - 10:19
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/9931
The shortlink copeid
Telstra attacks Optus over iPhone claims
(AAP) - Telstra has threatened legal action against rival Optus, claiming the Singapore-owned telco has made misleading comments about the Apple iPhone's compatibility with its new network.
Optus this week announced it would launch the long-awaited third-generation iPhone
in Australia on July 11.
"With Optus, more iPhone users can enjoy 3G services as we expand our network to 96
per cent of the population by December 2008 and 98 per cent by December 2009," Optus
chief executive Paul O'Sullivan said in a statement.
But Telstra said such claims were misleading because the iPhone was not compatible
with the 900 megahertz Optus network to which Mr O'Sullivan was referring.
Telstra lawyer Jennifer Crichton faxed a warning to Optus' legal department on
Thursday.
"Telstra is concerned that Optus may represent to customers that they can enjoy a
range of 3G features and services with Optus using a 3G device and that they will be
able to access those services in more places as Optus expands its network," the fax
reads.
"However, in fact those features and services will not be available if the 3G device
is incompatible with Optus' 3G 900MHz network.
"Telstra considers that any such representation amounts to misleading or deceptive
conduct, or be likely to mislead and deceive consumers in breach of section 52 of
the Trade Practices Act (TPA) 1974 ... or otherwise amounts to a false
representation in breach of section 53 of the TPA in relation to the quality of the
service.
"Telstra will continue to monitor Optus' claims in relation to use of 3G devices on
its 3G 900 MHZ network, and will not hesitate to take such action as is
appropriate."
Telstra spokesman Peter Taylor said Mr O'Sullivan's comments were like "someone
claiming they can get cable TV without a cable".
"It's important that consumers understand when they are choosing their mobiles that
some of these new phones simply won't work properly on other frequencies like 900,"
Mr Taylor said.
The iPhone is compatible with Telstra's 850MHz NextG network but the telco has not
revealed what its plans for the phone are.
Comment is being sought from Optus.
Optus this week announced it would launch the long-awaited third-generation iPhone
in Australia on July 11.
"With Optus, more iPhone users can enjoy 3G services as we expand our network to 96
per cent of the population by December 2008 and 98 per cent by December 2009," Optus
chief executive Paul O'Sullivan said in a statement.
But Telstra said such claims were misleading because the iPhone was not compatible
with the 900 megahertz Optus network to which Mr O'Sullivan was referring.
Telstra lawyer Jennifer Crichton faxed a warning to Optus' legal department on
Thursday.
"Telstra is concerned that Optus may represent to customers that they can enjoy a
range of 3G features and services with Optus using a 3G device and that they will be
able to access those services in more places as Optus expands its network," the fax
reads.
"However, in fact those features and services will not be available if the 3G device
is incompatible with Optus' 3G 900MHz network.
"Telstra considers that any such representation amounts to misleading or deceptive
conduct, or be likely to mislead and deceive consumers in breach of section 52 of
the Trade Practices Act (TPA) 1974 ... or otherwise amounts to a false
representation in breach of section 53 of the TPA in relation to the quality of the
service.
"Telstra will continue to monitor Optus' claims in relation to use of 3G devices on
its 3G 900 MHZ network, and will not hesitate to take such action as is
appropriate."
Telstra spokesman Peter Taylor said Mr O'Sullivan's comments were like "someone
claiming they can get cable TV without a cable".
"It's important that consumers understand when they are choosing their mobiles that
some of these new phones simply won't work properly on other frequencies like 900,"
Mr Taylor said.
The iPhone is compatible with Telstra's 850MHz NextG network but the telco has not
revealed what its plans for the phone are.
Comment is being sought from Optus.
