Optus, under fire from soccer fans for technical issues that has affected its exclusive FIFA 2018 World Cup streaming service, has handed over the rights to SBS to televise all matches on its network for the next 48 hours.
The move will buy Optus some time to sort out its streaming issues.
The company is confident that by the time the broadcast returns exclusively to Optus Sport all of the issues will be addressed.
Optus CEO Allan Lew held a phone conference with the media and said the experience has “no doubt affected the Optus brand” but he assured customers they will bounce back.
“We know Australian football fans are amongst the world’s most passionate, and vocal, and we clearly understand Australia’s passion for this major event, and the frustration that goes along with not being able to watch the event,” Mr Lew said.
“In light of this Optus has announced that it will simulcast the next two nights of 2018 FIFA World Cup matches with SBS.
“This decision has been made with the interests of football fans across Australia in mind.
Mr Lew also offered an apology to those customers who have been affected by the streaming issues.
“Most Optus Sport viewers have had a positive viewing experience, however I acknowledge that the experience has not been consistent for all viewers, which is unacceptable,” he said.
“I offer an unreserved apology to those customers that have been let down.
“We have a dedicated team which has been working around the clock to address technical issues where they have occurred.”
And the Optus boss says that he’s confident the issue has been addressed and resolved.
“We are confident that we have a solution in place and will be using this time to undertake robust testing of all systems,” Mr Lew said.
Optus has also offered a free Fetch TV mini set top box for any customers who have been affected by the issues.
“We will bounce back from this and we will be better,” Mr Lew said.
