The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is calling on all the nation's operators to introduce real-time usage alerts to protect consumers from bill shock.
ACCAN said currently the warnings sent by operators can be up to 48 hours out of date before consumers receive them, which can lead to consumers racking up major debts without realising it.
Currently only incumbent operator Telstra offers real-time notifications, the consumer body said, adding that research shows delays receiving alerts are the major cause for dissatisfaction with the current system.
The industry-led Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code obliges operators to send SMS usage alerts to all residential customers and some small business customers.
In other Australian telecom news, telecom providers M2 and Vocus Communications have revealed plans for a $3 billion merger to help better compete in the market.
The proposed merger will create a company with $1.8 billion in annual revenue, the companies announced. Under the deal, Vocus plans to grant M2 shareholders with 1.625 Vocus shares for each M2 share.
If it goes ahead, the combined company will be the fourth largest integrated telco in Australia and the third largest in New Zealand, the companies said. It will have a diverse product portfolio including retail, corporate and wholesale internet, data center and cloud services and dark fiber.