'Glitch' knocks out Telstra iPad registrations

Telstra will extend its 2GB bonus data plan for iPad 3G microSIM prepaid subscribers following a "computer glitch" that crippled its registration system yesterday, the day before the telco's bonus 2GB offer was due to expire.

As part of its introductory special to iPad early adopters, Telstra gave an extra 2GB of data in the first month to its prepaid subscribers but those registering their appliances just before the deadline were met with delays and time-outs on the contact centre line.

Telstra operators advised callers for most of yesterday of waits from "two to four hours". An operator said the network was operational for a short time in the middle of the day before crashing again. Connections resumed in the late afternoon.

Although it wouldn't specify the cause of the registration outage, the telco said it wasn't related to another Telstra network fault that affected 20,000 businesses and NBN Co in Victoria and NSW for up to two and a half hours at about the same time.

"Due to a computer glitch we are currently experiencing problems with activating prepaid mobile broadband products," a Telstra spokesman said.

"The issue is intermittent and we are successfully processing some activations."

Telstra said those who couldn't register their accounts should call back to leave their details for the contact centre to return their calls.

"We want to assure customers ringing Telstra to activate their prepaid microSIM for iPad Kits to take advantage of our 2GB bonus data offer that they won't miss out," the spokesman said.

"Due to strong interest from customers, Telstra will be extending its 2GB bonus data offer. From 1 July all customers who activate a Telstra prepaid microSIM for Apple iPad Kit will get 3GB of included data to use in Australia for 30 days.

"This includes customers who purchased their starter kit prior to 1 July but are yet to activate them."