Telstra Ending Google PlayStore Carrier Billing for ALL Prepaid Plans (Inc. Long Life, Simplicity)?

netsurfer on 11/09/2017 - 17:49
Last edited 13/09/2017 - 19:58

Received an SMS from Telstra basically saying they are ending the ability to use Telstra credit for Google Play purchases for my Telstra Prepaid (currently on Long Life plan). Just wondering whether anyone else received the same SMS from Telstra.

The SMS indicates I won't be able to use my recharge credit for any Google Play purchase starting 13/09/2017. Essentially, I have about 1 day remaining to use the feature.

Had a quick chat with the 24x7 chat support. The support person told me it is not an official Telstra SMS, even though it looks like an official SMS from Telstra.

Also, only the SIM with active Google Play to Telstra carrier billing received this SMS so far.

Telstra have now revised the terms and conditions of their prepaid plans. It simply states unless stated otherwise in the offer, your inclusions can’t be used for Google Play purchases, rather than mentioning it for Prepaid Extra (the new plan name for Prepaid Plus) and Day2Day.

Some people on the really old Prepaid Freedom Plus plan have not yet received the SMS, but some have. The old prepaid freedom plus plan (no longer available) allows you to keep your credits and still have the bonuses if you recharge every month.

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Comments

      • Nuttyone on 14/12/2017 - 20:33
        +1

        If you have that much credit, maybe switch plans to Simplicity to use it up.

        • Ranagade on 15/12/2017 - 08:53

          Thanks. How can I use the credits on the Simplicity plan?

  • netsurfer on 03/12/2017 - 21:29

    So it is official now… Telstra Ended Google PlayStore Carrier Billing for ALL Prepaid Plans

    Sigh… It is unfortunately, but I think the phased approach was kinda good from Telstra. The people on those grandfathered plans are long time regular Telstra prepaid users. They do deserve to have the longest run/use of Google Play carrier billing.

  • daver on 03/12/2017 - 21:59

    Will not be surprised if latest move produces no benefit for market share.

    Kogan $12.5 1.5 gb F+ equivalent been out there for a while. Minus international bucket Skype caters to anyway. And all things the same, Telstra probably didn't like 30% interchange fee either.

  • techhead on 04/12/2017 - 12:54

    I got the SMS on the 30th, I recently moved to an on-account plan and very grateful I did now, (way more data) I was a bit hesitant that I'd lose this benefit. I did find it a bit on the nose they gave the majority of us 2 days notice so Telstra will likely lose a number of larger spending customers. I have google play music and Netflix subs on mine already. Spent $200 on preimum apps like Gps nav and Litchi and WWW'd the remaining $400 to cash out. I might keep putting $30 a month in (12+14 =25 so $5 credit a month will build up on a spare phone + data)

  • tunzafun001 on 11/12/2017 - 18:33

    Hmm, I've got $100 credit. Just checked, I never received any SMS from Telstra? Had the number for maybe 3 years. Currently on Simplicity. If I can't Woo woo it, I'll get them to transfer credit over to $2 sims in $30 increments each month which should give the equiv benefits of a $30 starter pack.

    • netsurfer on 11/12/2017 - 18:38

      It kinda depends. I noticed the customer rep now has a way to transfer $30 without extending the expiry date or the bonus packs.

      Telstra $30 prepaid starter packs are no longer as attractive as they used to, now that Google Play carrier billing is disabled for Telstra Prepaid.

  • fozzie on 11/12/2017 - 23:54

    Kogan has upgraded small t plan to 2gb. But I bought the 6gb using different vouchers and the whole year only cost me $155. So now I want to add Netflix HD which will be $11.2 (buy using iTunes or google play discounted at 20%) and Apple Music (instead of google play) another $14.40. Total is approx $38.60, Which is the same I was paying to Telstra but most of the time I would have $30 so only 1.5gb internet which in some months was a struggle. I probably won’t have the music sub anyway, so for just over $20 a month 6gb, calls and sms unlimited and Netflix HD

  • SchroederCat on 12/12/2017 - 14:34

    Hi. From 3 December 2017, you'll no longer be able to make purchases in Google Play using your pre-paid account. You'll still be able to purchase Google Play content using alternative payment methods, however the current arrangement where a subscription for third-party content is debited from your pre-paid balance, will end. If you attempt to set up carrier billing in Google Play from 3 December 2017, you will receive an error message. This change does not affect any existing third party mobile content subscriptions you currently have charged to your Telstra Pre-Paid account. To
    apologise for any inconvenience, we've added a 10GB data pack to your account valid for 28 days. For more info on the changes visit: Telstra.com/premiumsmschanges

    Got the above text on 30/11/12
    I already had subscription to YouTube and Netflix
    My YouTube was due on 9 Dec and didn’t go through.

    My understanding from the sms is existing subscriptions will continue.
    How do I fix it as YouTube are going to attempt charge again in few days.

    • SchroederCat on 12/12/2017 - 15:19

      Spike to customer service they maintain existing subscriptions prior to 3 Dec should work.
      Can’t understand why my YouTube subscription payment didn’t get charged to Telstra Pre-Paid despite have $100+ sitting in there.
      Any ideas?

      • Junk Sifter on 13/12/2017 - 00:03
        +2

        Because that's false. Key words there are "you'll no longer be able to make purchases in Google Play using your pre-paid account".

        Your subscriptions are billed to Google Play which in turn attempts to make a purchase on you Telstra account. It's not an "existing third party mobile content subscription" because it's not directly subscribed and billed to your Telstra account like premium SMS content (which is what this wording is referring to).

        The wording is crystal clear - all transactions from Google Play have ended.

        • SchroederCat on 13/12/2017 - 13:10

          Thanks

          So all the people in this post who have subscribed just before 3 Dec it will only work for 1 cycle when their payment is due next month it’ll fail.
          Just curious What does this mean - from the text from Telstra.

          This change does not affect any existing third party mobile content subscriptions you currently have charged to your Telstra Pre-Paid account.

          Is there anyway to convert the credit balance?
          Since people won’t be able to use words of wisdom too?

  • moonwalk on 19/12/2017 - 11:50

    is this confirmed?

  • moonwalk on 19/12/2017 - 13:17

    oh… $10 off $50 google play gift card is the best for now?

    • belongsinforums on 19/12/2017 - 13:27

      Atm, yes. But last week they were 20% off.

  • newington07 on 22/12/2017 - 00:07

    I still have $200+ on my Freedom Plus as credit. Anyway I can use it or should I write it off?

    (never received Telstra SMS, so came to know when my monthly Google Music subscription failed few days back.)

    • Captain Kremmen on 01/01/2018 - 17:09

      Google play store app called Woo Woo Wisdom.

      • snappy1234 on 01/01/2018 - 18:29

        no worky anymore

        • Captain Kremmen on 01/01/2018 - 21:38

          Really? That was my main source of wisdom too.

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