Optus outage disrupts emergency calls ahead of Singtel visit
An Optus outage on September 28 disrupted emergency calls across parts of Australia, complicating a week that was already tense for the telco. The disruption occurred just as a delegation from Optus’ parent company, Singtel, prepared to visit the country to discuss the fallout from earlier disruptions with government officials, including Communications Minister Anika Wells.
What happened on September 28
Details provided by Optus indicate that the outage affected a range of services, with emergency numbers and some mobile and data networks experiencing disruptions in various regions. Customers reported difficulties calling emergency services, and some businesses and individuals lost connectivity for several hours. Optus acknowledged the incident and said it was working to restore full service as quickly as possible and to identify the root cause to prevent future recurrences.
The timing: Singtel visit and regulatory scrutiny
The timing of the outage added pressure to the ongoing dialogue between Optus and policymakers. A delegation from Singtel, the Singapore-based parent company, arrived in Australia amid discussions about the consequences of earlier network failures. The group planned to meet with Communications Minister Anika Wells to review the incident, discuss regulator responses, and outline steps to rebuild trust with customers and government stakeholders.
Impact on customers and critical services
Emergency calls are a lifeline in Australia, and outages that affect 000 services can have serious consequences. While Optus did not provide a comprehensive public breakdown of impact, the episode reignited concerns among customers about network resilience and reliability. Small businesses that depend on the carrier for payments and communications, as well as healthcare and public-facing services, faced service interruptions that could disrupt daily operations. Community groups and individuals relying on mobile connectivity reported delays in communication during a time of heightened scrutiny of the company’s performance.
What regulators and the company say
Analysts and watchdogs have watched closely as Optus faces questions over network stability after previous outages. Regulators are expected to review the incident to assess whether it met service standards and what remedies are necessary to restore confidence in the country’s essential communications infrastructure. Optus has repeatedly apologized for disruptions, pledged to compensate affected customers where appropriate, and committed to a thorough investigation into the root causes of the outage. The discussions with Singtel representatives are seen as a step toward agreeing on corrective actions and transparency measures for consumers moving forward.
What customers should do while the situation stabilizes
For those affected, the key guidance remains: monitor official Optus updates, follow any advisories from local authorities, and test emergency contacts once services resume. If you experience ongoing connectivity issues, consider alternative channels for critical communications and keep devices updated with the latest firmware and carrier settings. Businesses should review continuity plans and ensure contingency numbers are in place for emergency scenarios.
Looking ahead
The Sept. 28 outage underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by Optus as it works to stabilize its network and restore public confidence. The Singtel visit, coupled with ministerial oversight, signals that both the government and the company want to prevent future interruptions and strengthen resilience across Australia’s telecommunications landscape. As investigations proceed and repairs continue, customers will be watching closely to see whether promised improvements materialize in the coming weeks and months.
