Tech guru in disbelief as telco Optus found writing welfare checks

Tech Guide Editor Stephen Fenech has been left in disbelief after Optus was found to be writing welfare checks to customers who were unable to access Triple Zero calls during the November blackout. Optus initially informed a Senate inquiry they had called 229 customers and checked on their welfare, however, the telecommunications company revealed several months later they had discovered nearly 2,700 people were restricted – around ten times more than initially accounted for. “They’ve got another 2,468 people to check on – no word on whether anyone was affected,” Mr Fenech told Sky News Australia. “They are saying they are writing to these customers not just calling them. “They are writing to them? I think, they’re a telco, pick up the phone and get in touch.”