Optus wants to make its broadband easier to understand, but somewhere along the lines the company has equated ‘simpler’ with ‘more expensive’.

The company’s Marketing Manager, Michael Smith, announced Optus’ 30+ broadband plans will be reduced to just 12.

“By streamlining our fixed plans we will be able to offer greater clarity and simplicity when it comes to selecting a home phone or broadband plan through Optus,” Smith wrote on Optus’ blog.

Unfortunately, most customers will be subject to a price rise as a result.

“We are changing the pricing for some of our existing phone and broadband plans from 1 November 2012. The impact to customers will differ depending on what type of plan they are on however it will mean a price rise on most plans.”

Three hero plans are being advocated by Optus. These plans cost $60 (10GB), $85 (120GB) and a $110 (300GB) and come bundled with a fixed home line and various call inclusions. Plans without a home phone, which Optus refers to as ‘Naked plans’ are being offered at $75, $85, $100 and include 120GB, 300GB and 500GB respectively.  

Coinciding with the price hike is the removal of on and off peak data. Previously customers would have to time when they’d download large files as most of their allowance would be allocated to an off-peak time frame, such as 12am-12pm. With Optus’ revised plans, this is no longer the case.  

Optus has also ditched upfront connection and delivery fees on 24 month plans, include their internet security suite (valued at $6.99 a month) and offer a WiFi modem on all plans and bundles.

Optus customers are voicing their discontent on the company’s official blog:

I to am dissapointed with Optus, The price increases are not justified with the continual network congestion. I could have handles the $6 /mth increase by itself, but to rip off call inclusions is a bit rich, the 35c proposed call fee to 13/1300 numbers is nothing but an overcharge, this should be a maximum of the 25c call fee. Optus check other ISP’s they are not charging 35c.

It appears that Optus have developed a greedy streak and are attempting to gouge their loyal customers. Optus get real, treasure you loyal, long term customers with a loyalty scheme. Many customers are and will desert you.–Garry

Garry wasn’t the only customer frustrated by the change.

I signed up one month ago, paid $79 to be connected and am now being forced to pay $5 per month more.
 
I deserve to be refunded my connection fee as that’s obviously now being included in the monthly cost over the life of the contract.
 
If you are listening Optus, please email me. I tried your live chat, not helpful at all.–Alex Lohrere

Existing Optus customers will receive letters notifying them at least 21 days before any changes take place. [Via Delimiter]