When Is $0 Not $0
The consumer watchdog agency in Australia, the ACCC, is saying that Telstra is being misleading in advertising a $0 mobile phone. The problem is that while the phone itself may be free, all of the service charges appear to be higher. Of course, this is similar to any sort of “bundled” deal. One part of it can be designated as free if the other parts are more expensive. I think as long as the other parts of the deal are clear, and customers realize that they’re paying more for service, then there’s nothing wrong with the offering.
