Optus’ Living Network boosts our customers’ confidence with the launch of Optus Sidekick
Optus has unveiled its latest Optus Living Network innovation, Optus Sidekick, a new feature in the My Optus App that allows customers to notify their trusted contacts to check in with them at the times they need a bit more reassurance, whether they are home on their own, going for a walk by themselves or making their way home alone.
With a simple tap on the Optus Sidekick tile in their My Optus App, when eligible customers feel they would like to be checked on, they can enter the details of up to three of their closest contacts and set a timer for when they will check in. Optus Sidekick will communicate with those trusted contacts via SMS if the Optus Sidekick user has not checked-in by the chosen time and suggest they get in touch to check up on them.
The feature was developed in response to growing public recognition that many people feel uneasy when out and about alone[1].
Kate Brodie, Optus’ Director, Digital AI, said, “Optus Sidekick was initiated as a passion project by our team who, from experience, research and news stories, realised that a certain sense of apprehension when out and about alone wasn’t uncommon and we wanted to give our customers just a little more peace of mind.”
“Many of us can identify with that feeling of wanting someone to check in with us in a little while to make sure we are okay, even if we can’t exactly pinpoint why we feel that way. It may feel awkward to ask someone for that extra assurance.
“Optus Sidekick can help you prearrange a time when Optus will let the people you care about know you want them to check in on you, and only gets in touch if that time arises.
“We have also discovered that it’s not just women who may want to use Optus Sidekick, but also kids walking home from school, people out for a late-night walk, and even an elderly neighbour who walks to the store alone.”
Clive Dickens, Optus Vice President TV, Content and Product Development, is certain Optus Sidekick is a feature customers will love.
“Whether customers are home alone or when we are eventually all out and about again, Optus Sidekick puts the control of digital innovation into the hands of customers, right where Optus believes it should be.
“I am incredibly proud of our team who has come together to make a difference to our customers in the moments that matter, and who took on this project over and above their usual workload. It’s a testament to the power of yes that our amazing people are empowered to innovate.”
Optus will use a beta trial of the service on iOS devices to test and learn through customer and community feedback.
Optus Sidekick is the latest in a continual release of features as part of the Optus Living Network which puts customers in control of how they use and interact with Optus’ world-class network beyond simple phone calls and text messages.
The Optus Living Network, launched in May 2021 is a collection of on-demand innovative network features designed to empower Optus customers to transform their daily connected experience simply within the My Optus App, all powered by Optus’ world-class network.
The Optus Living Network includes Unlimited Data Day, Donate Your Data, Optus Call Translate, Optus Pause, Optus WiFi Secure®, Game Path, and now Optus Sidekick, with more features to come.
For customers wanting to find out more information on Optus Sidekick please visit: optus.com.au/customer-extras/optus-sidekick
Media contact Optus Corporate Affairs media@optus.com.au 02 8082 7850
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