Ask LH: Can I Cancel My Mobile Contract Because Of Bad Reception?

Hi Lifehacker, I recently moved jobs to a Sydney skyscraper where the reception from an Optus-based carrier is less than stellar — I have no data connection most of the time, and phone calls often don’t come through. Colleagues on Telstra don’t have these issues. Is there some way I can get out of my post-paid contract without paying exorbitant fees and move to Telstra? Thanks, Phoneless

Skyscraper picture from Shutterstock

Dear Phoneless,

Our philosophy at Lifehacker is this: it never hurts to ask. Make a polite call to Optus and explain your situation. I suspect you might have more chance if you had reception issues at home, but again, you won’t know if you don’t ask.

The main constraint is likely to be if your contract includes a subsidised phone. In that context, there’s no way Optus is going to agree to end the deal with no termination fees. In that case, you’ll have to weigh up whether not being easily contacted at work (outside of the office Wi-Fi) is worth it.

If you can’t get out of the contract, you could also consider opting for a cheaper Telstra prepaid plan while continuing to pay off the phone. Good luck!

Cheers
Lifehacker

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