MSD - 05012021-QLD-E-C-P-EX TROPICAL CYCLONE IMOGEN_RUNL_EXT1

Delay due to extreme weather in the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin Districts and part of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders District of Queensland.

As previously notified by Optus on Wednesday 13 January 2021, the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin Districts and part of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders District of Queensland were impacted by extreme weather caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Imogen on or about Sunday 3 January 2021 through to Thursday 7 January 2021. This event resulted in extensive damage to telecommunications network. Due to the extent of damage to the network, the impact in the affected region has been greater than initially estimated, and as a consequence of the continued weather effects, the expected recovery date has now been extended to 28 February 2021.

The effect of these circumstances applies to an additional 195 services bringing the total number of services impacted to approximately 495 services. This number may increase as Optus assesses the full effect of the extreme weather conditions. Based on current information, the resumption date of normal service operations is expected to be 28 February 2021. This date is indicative only; Optus customers should anticipate that some further delays may occur.

Optus services encompassed in this exemption are in the area bounded by and including, but are not limited to the area starting at the Elim Beach Campground following the QLD coastline south past Cooktown, Cairns, Townsville and Ayr to Abbot Point then southwest to Mount Wyatt. From Mount Wyatt the area turns northeast past Crimea to Wairuna, southwest to Bellfield then northwest to Croydon. The area heads northeast to Groganville, northwest to Laura then northeast back to the Elim Beach Campground. All suburbs and towns offshore islands and coastal areas serviced by Optus within these boundaries are encompassed in this exemption.

How will this affect you?

Unfortunately, your service may be affected and we may take longer than normal to fix telephone services or complete connections. Services in the area mentioned above with phone numbers in the following number ranges may have been affected:

0740283000 to 0740283999 | 0742210000 to 0742218999 | 0747200000 to 0747299999

0740300000 to 0740999999 | 0742321000 to 0742329999 | 0747404000 to 0747404999

0742055000 to 0742055999 | 0744019000 to 0744021999 | 0747415100 to 0747999999

0742128000 to 0742169999 | 0744099000 to 0744312999

We’re sorry for any inconvenience this delay may cause but we can assure you we are working hard to get things back on track.

What else do you need to know?

Information as to the nature of the extreme weather events, which included heavy rainfall and damaging winds which occurred in the affected regions can be sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). The BOM issued Severe Weather Warnings regarding these events commencing from on or about Sunday 3 January 2021 through to Thursday 7 January 2021. Additionally, these unusually severe weather events have been widely reported by most of the news media.

Due to this event, we’re claiming an exemption under section 21 of the Telecommunications (Customer Service Guarantee) Standard 2011, including an exemption from the payment of compensation between 5 January 2021 to 28 February 2021 inclusive for any delays in fixing or connecting services, and the keeping of appointments relating to these activities in the impacted area.Need more information?

Need more information?

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for a CSG payment under this notice, or wish to have us reconsider whether the circumstances were a proper basis for claiming an exemption, you can contact Optus on 13 39 37 – quoting CSG exemption reference number 05012021-QLD-E-C-P-EX TROPICAL CYCLONE IMOGEN_RUNL_EXT1

You can also view a copy of this notice on our Internet site www.optus.com.au/msd

If, after calling Optus on the above number, you remain unsatisfied with our response to your query, you have the option of raising the matter with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). Information on the TIO and contact details are available on the Internet (www.tio.com.au) and in the White Pages® telephone directory.