Optus Outage Linked to Deaths as Regulator Launches Investigation
SYDNEY – A widespread Optus network outage earlier this week is now linked to the tragic deaths of three individuals in South Australia and Western Australia, as revealed by Optus CEO Stephen Rue on Friday afternoon. The outage also left many customers unable to reach emergency services, prompting a formal investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Simone Porcaro, an Optus customer of more than 15 years, recounted her harrowing experience. When her husband required an ambulance, she was initially unable to connect to triple-zero (000) through her Optus service. She was only able to reach emergency services by using her husband’s phone, which is with a different provider.
“It just makes me angry as I should be able to call triple-zero,” Porcaro stated. “We had another phone in the household, but it’s not every day that my husband and I are home at the same time.” She is now considering switching providers, having already begun researching alternatives. “I’ve been with Optus for more than 15 years, so I stuck by them after the last outage,” she saeid.
Optus estimates approximately 600 customers were perhaps impacted by the outage, with a portion of their calls failing to connect. rue confirmed that three of the triple-zero calls that did not go through involved households where a person tragically passed away.
“I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the people who passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. What has happened is fully unacceptable. We have let you down,” Rue said during a press conference.
Communications Minister Anika Wells addressed the media on Monday, stating Optus will be “held accountable for this failure” and will face “significant consequences.” ACMA’s investigation could result in financial penalties for Optus, though criminal charges are not possible under current legislation.
