After a 18 hr flight we finally arrived at Sydney airport, Australia, but needed to place a phone call to family in New Zealand and advise of our expected arrival time.
Thinking a local pay phone would be cheaper than a mobile phone I located a credit card phone and attempted to phone through. The first attempt appeared not to work, but the second succeeded and a 30 second message was left on the voicemail.
On our return to the London, I discovered that International Satellite Communications had billed my credit card for AUS$54.46 and $54.49.
Thinking that a mistake had been made I phoned International Satellite Communications only to discover a minimum call charge of 5 minutes and a set up fee of AUS $15 -20 per call.
However, I was informed that as this was the first time I had used their services (and the now the last) a special discount of AUS$43.58 could be made. Should I want the company's postal address then the discount would not be available (very suspicious for any reputable company).
My choice was the postal address and I hope others also choose to fight this rip off!
What is even more interesting is the airports and hotels that allow International Satellite Communications inside their premises - given the numerous telecom providers out there surely a more reputable company can be found that charges a fair amount for a fair service. Please ditch International Satellite Communications.
Andrew
Guildford
United Kingdom
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