Telstra bill hike discriminatory toward senior customers
Seniors rights group National Seniors has criticised Telstra for it’s monthly paper bill increase.
Older Australians who do not use the internet are being unfairly penalized with Telstra's monthly paper bill increase
The telco giant announced an increase for people opting to receive a paper bill rather than the digital option.
According to National Seniors older Australians who do not use the internet are being unfairly penalized with the monthly paper bill increase from $2 to $3.20.
National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill says the increase is discriminatory toward vulnerable sections of the community, particularly older Australians.
“The fee hike blatantly penalises those who do not have the internet or do not know how to use the internet, and those who prefer to do business the traditional way by receiving their bills on paper and paying them in person,” Mr O’Neill says.
“In isolation, such a small charge would not be difficult to absorb but these administrative charges and surcharges are becoming increasingly common on a whole range of services.”
Mr O’Neill says while pensioners and health care card holders were exempt from the increase, the surcharge shouldn’t be there in the first place.
“Customer service standards are dropping – is it unreasonable to expect a paper bill in the post without having to be charged $3.20?
“For folk who are working, it's less of an issue but if you're reliant on a low income, a few dollars really adds up.”
Mr O’Neill says National Seniors are concerned about a wider trend of essential services going online, leaving some members of the community at a disadvantage.
“As more companies and government services switch to online services, seniors are most at risk of being left behind in the digital divide.”
