Optus has launched a “My Optus” app on the iTunes store and Android marketplace for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S and S II post-paid customers. It will also come preloaded on prepaid handsets including Huawei’s X1, and Nokia’s E71 and E63.

Post-paid customers can use it to check usage, pay bills and turn on global roaming, while prepaid customers will be able to check their balance and usage, and turn on global roaming if they’re in the mood to spend a fortune.

Telstra is also reportedly developing a similar app that will let mobile customers check usage and pay bills, while Vodafone has already unveiled an app that lets post-paid customers view their usage.

The push for better account management tools for customers comes as part of the revised Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) code lodged with the Australian Communications and Media Authority last month.