The Optus World Cup coverage debacle has continued with customers being sent a message with an ‘unexpected error’ inside.
Customers were promised a refund for their subscription to Optus Sport after the service’s World Cup coverage left fans fuming.
But the refund message contained a broken link, sending people to a page containing nothing but an error message.
Soccer fans experienced widespread technical glitches and buffering issues while trying to use the streaming service to watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Customers were promised a refund for their subscription to the Optus Sport platform – after it proved an absolute blunder
The link did not work and instead prompted an ‘unexpected error’ page leaving customers infuriated
In addition to the refunds for customers, Optus has given free access to Optus Sport for all Australians until the 31st of August (pictured is Socceroo Tim Cahill at the World Cup)
An apology text was sent out by Optus on Friday afternoon to announce the refund process for its disappointed customers, but the text also failed.
‘We’re very sorry for the issues you may have had watching 2018 FIFA World Cup on Optus Sport,’ the message read.
‘You will receive a refund for your Optus Sport subscription payments made until 27.6.18. Any subscription payments until 1.9.18 will be deferred.’
Optus’ message contained a link to offer.optus.com.au/optussportrefund/.
An apology text was sent out by Optus on Friday afternoon to kick-off the refund process for it’s disappointed customers – the text was also a fail
The link was broken and prompted an ‘unexpected error’ page leaving customers infuriated again.
Optus resolved the broken page which now contains FAQs and information on how refunds will be processed
The telco also took out full page ads in newspapers in a very public apology admitting their delivery of the international tournament was a ‘monumental stuff up.’
Exclusive coverage of 39 of the 64 matches were planned for Optus’ sports broadcasting platform.
The remainder of the 2018 FIFA World Cup will now be broadcasted Live, free and in HD by SBS.
SBS sold the rights for most World Cup matches to Optus Sport for a reported $8million.
The deal gave SBS the rights to show one World Cup game per day as well as the finals.
Optus also took out full page ads in newspapers in a widespread apology admitting their delivery of the tournament was a ‘monumental stuff up.’
SBS chief executive Michael Ebeid said the network was pleased to be able to screen the remaining games.
‘With 8million Australians tuning into SBS’s coverage to date, we know how passionate the country is about the world game,’ he said.
‘[We] are confident fans will continue to engage with the matches as we head towards the end of the competition in Russia.’
The remainder of the 2018 FIFA World Cup will now be broadcasted LIVE, FREE and in HD by SBS
Customer refunds for the streaming blunder will vary depending on device and subscription type.
In addition to the refunds for customers, Optus has given free access to Optus Sport for all Australians until the 31st of August – which includes the first few rounds of the English Premier League at no cost.
All remaining customers will not be charged for Optus Sport until the 1st of September, when the free period expires.
The frustrations with the company led to the rise of the hashtag #floptus on social media.