Bill shock measures now affect all telcos

As of today, all Australian telcos will be required to alert users within 48 when they've used 50%, 85% or 100% of their phone, text or data allowances. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone already send users such alerts, but many small operates do not.

By Alex Choros

As of today, all Australian telcos will be required to alert users within 48 when they've used 50%, 85% or 100% of their phone, text or data allowances. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone already send users such alerts, but many small operates do not.

This change is designed to help customers avoid "bill shock", the large excess charges a user is hit with when they exceed their monthly allowance. In addition to these notifications, the code has heightened advertising regulations, limiting usage of the words "free" and "unlimited".

Source: 9 News