From the April 1st 2024 Optus will also be joining Telstra in implementing restrictions on calls received at their domestic Points of Interconnect (POI) with Optus caller-ID. Calls will be answered with an IVR or getting blocked.
In addition to Telstra's existing scam call prevention measures - Optus have announced that they intend to introduce the below changes on or after April 1st 2024.
These measures include:
- Disconnecting calls
- Sending calls to a Recorded Voice Announcement (RVA)
- Applying an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Challenge
- Other measures that Optus deems necessary or appropriate
Please be aware that Optus will apply these measures to calls using an Optus Calling Line Identifier (Optus CLIs) that are originated outside the Optus network, they may also use these measures for calls using non-Optus Calling Line Identifier (non-Optus CLIs), where suspicious patterns are identified.
Carriers are actively engaging with Optus for further details and confirmed timings around any measures to be implemented as what announced by Optus will not work properly and more information is required by Optus before they go Live with this feature.
We have pulled together a brief FAQ below to address potential questions you may have that we will continue to build upon as information becomes available.
FAQ
Will a whitelisting process be supported?
We have asked the question to Optus and are awaiting their response.
Can non-Optus numbers be whitelisted?
We have asked the question to Optus and are awaiting their response.
Will call diversions and call forwarding scenarios be supported?
Optus have said that calls that originate on the Optus network and return to the Optus network will be exempt from these measures. No specific time interval for this return or technical requirements to support have been specified as yet.
Will roaming will be impacted? Optus have said that calls from Optus mobile end users roaming overseas will be exempt from these measures.
UPDATE - March 2025
Optus RVA and IVR Challenge from 1 July 2025
Further to our notification sent in early 2024, Optus have notified us they will be the introducing new scam prevention measures from 1 July 2025.
These measures include:
- Sending calls to a Recorded Voice Announcement (RVA)
- Applying an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Challenge
- IVR as follows – “Welcome, to connect your call please enter the following three digits followed by the hash key xxx.” (where xxx is a random 3-digit number)
- Where caller inputs the correct 3-digit number, the call will be allowed to progress
- Callers are given a total of 3 attempts to input code correctly before call is disconnected
- Other measures that Optus deems necessary or appropriate
Please be aware that Optus will apply these measures to calls using an Optus Calling Line Identifier (Optus CLIs) that are originated outside the Optus network and will be starting with Optus Mobile CLI.
However, they may also use these measures for calls using non-Optus Calling Line Identifier (non-Optus CLIs), where suspicious patterns are identified.
Optus have said that calls that originate on the Optus network and return to the Optus network will be exempt from these measures. No specific time interval for this return or technical requirements to support have been specified as yet.
We are actively engaging with Carrier for further details, including whether whitelisting will be supported, and will provide updates as we receive more details.
