Optus is the second-largest telecommunications service provider in Australia. Established in 1981, the company is committed to offering mobile, internet, home phone, and pay TV services to almost 10 million customers in the country.
Though Optus is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel), the company has a long history when it comes to innovation in the Australian telecommunications industry. For instance, in 1991, Optus was the first service provider to offer long-distance calls at cheaper rates than its rival, Telstra. Optus was also recognised for pioneering the introduction of 3G and 4G mobile services in Australia.
However, with a large customer base also comes many problems. Most users using Optus’ network have complained regarding its sub-par customer service, which can prove to be a major hurdle when trying to solve any issue you are facing or for general assistance. In addition to that, the mobile plan options provided by the company are a bit on the pricy side compared to its rivals, ultimately lowering the value per dollar you are spending.
So, if any of the above-mentioned issues with Optus have been bothering you for quite some time, then it makes sense to look elsewhere for a more complete mobile service option that can fit your needs and budget. Such is the reason why we have provided all the essential steps you need to follow to deactivate your Optus number and move to a new mobile service provider in Australia.
What are Optus’ Cancellation Terms?
Optus allows its users to cancel their mobile services any time they want and thereby migrate to another service provider seamlessly. When you register the request to cancel your Optus number, all the pending costs will be calculated, and then a final bill will be sent to you, which will help finalise your account. It should be known that a final bill will be sent irrespective of the amount due. So, even if the amount due is zero, the final bill will be sent.
The final bill will include the cancellation fees, which will be applicable if you cancel or deactivate your number before the end of your specified contract. Additionally, the bill will also include the charges incurred through the end of the billing cycle in which your service was cancelled. Lastly, charges for equipment/device repayments or instalments will also be included in the final bill (if applicable).
It is recommended that when you decide to pay your final bill, you pay via BPAY using a non-credit account so that you can avoid any payment processing fee. However, if your final bill has a credit balance, you can proceed to request a refund by simply calling 133 937 from any service operator number. Phone lines are open from Monday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM. The refund will be credited to your original payment method within the subsequent 5 to 10 business days. But do keep in mind that if you are a prepaid customer, then you cannot ask for any refund.
What are the Steps to Cancel or Deactivate Optus Number?
If you are planning to cancel or deactivate your Optus mobile number, then it is recommended that you follow the below-mentioned steps judiciously.
How to Cancel Online
- Start the cancellation process by visiting the official website here. Proceed to log in with your registered email address and password.
- Once logged in, head over to the “My Account” section. From there, select the “Message Us” option. Support is available 24×7.
- Wait for a customer service executive to connect to your chat session, and then ask the support agent to cancel or deactivate your number. You may have to explain the reasoning behind such a decision.
- After that, the customer service agent will register your cancellation request and let you know the time frame in which your service will be disconnected. Additionally, you will also be notified of any final device repayments or cancellation fees that you have to pay.
- Once your Optus number is disconnected, you will receive a final bill showcasing any outstanding charges up to the end of your billing cycle, during which your service was cancelled.
How to Cancel via Phone
- Begin the cancellation process by first contacting the Optus customer support team at 1300 555 241. Phone lines are open from Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM (AEST). However, on Saturday, the timing is between 9 AM to 6 PM (AEST). If you are overseas, then you have to dial +61 2 8082 5678.
- Navigate through the on-call menus and select the option to speak to a customer service executive.
- Once a live agent connects to your call, provide the Optus number you want to deactivate along with your name and email address, and then ask for cancellation. The customer service agent may ask you to explain the reason for your deactivation.
- After your cancellation request is received by customer care support, the live agent will let you know when your number will be deactivated and any cancellation charges that you have to pay.
- Once you successfully pay the due amount, your number will be cancelled, and the same will be notified to you via a final bill sent to your registered email address.
