Optus launch iPhone billing app

Optus have launched a free iPhone application that will enable customers to view, pay or recharge their account using their iPhone.

The application, named My Account [iTunes link], allows post-paid customers to use their credit card to pay for their account.

It will also allow pre-paid customers to recharge their account via credit card or a recharge voucher, an Optus spokesperson said.

Regular use of such a tool enables post paid customers to avoid unexpected "bill shock", an area of concern for the Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman.

"We are seeing an increasing number of complaints about 'bill shock', where people get internet or phone bills far higher than they expect," the Ombudsman, Ms O'Donnell said last week.

"Bills can amount to thousands of dollars and some people have told us they have taken out personal loans to pay the debt. However, providers have an obligation under the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code to monitor customers' usage and notify customers if they find unusual or excessive usage patterns," she said.

The My Account application is available free to download and use, with data usage not charged when using the application on the Optus network.