JULIE OWENS Free calls to Nepal

Yesterday, I was in touch with Telstra, Vodafone and Optus about providing free or discounted calls to Nepal so our community can stay in touch with family or friends affected by the earthquake.

I'm pleased to say that Telstra and Vodafone have let me know that they will be offering free calls and SMS for a limited time to and from Nepal - let's spread the word and let as many people know about this fantastic news.

We expect to hear back from Optus within the next few hours on any free or discounted services they might be able to provide.

Calls and texts made and received on Telstra phones (fixed lines and post-paid mobiles) will be free from 6am AEST 25 April until 6am AEST 9 May.

Telstra pre-paid customers will receive a refund of the costs of standard voice calls and SMS from 6am AEST 25 April until 6am AEST 9 May with refunds being applied on 14 May.

Vodafone post-paid customers will receive free calls between Australia and Nepal from 12.01am AEST 25 April and 11.59 AEST 1 May and prepaid customers will receive free calls between the two countries from 12.01am AEST 29 April to 11.59 AEST 5 May.