Optus network outage: should I switch to Telstra or Vodafone plans, and can I get compensation?

Optus customers left without phone and internet could be looking to switch to rival carriers like Telstra or Vodafone for better deals or savings, and may be about to seek refunds, though it's not straightforward

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Millions of Optus customers in Australia were left without phone and internet services after the telco giant's network dropped out from about 4am on Wednesday.

Unable to make or receive calls for at least nine hours, hospitals, schools, financial institutions and government departments were among those affected, along with some people's ability to call triple zero.

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