REGION - Federal MP for Mayo Jamie Briggs has written to Telstra to protest the company’s imminent introduction of a fee for not paying bills online.

Mr Briggs said he had been contacted by many constituents who were deeply concerned about the $2.20 fee imposed on customers who elect to pay their bill over the counter or via mail.

“My constituents are also concerned that elderly people who do not receive the Aged Pension will be unfairly prejudiced by this decision.

“A significant proportion of these people do not have access to the internet (or even know how to use it) and consequentially cannot access internet banking.”

Mr Briggs addressed his letter to Telstra Chief Executive Officer David Thodey, who is based in Melbourne, asking for a review of the decision to impose the fee.

Telstra will apply the new charge from September 14 and will also increase fees on bills paid by credit card from the same date.

Customers paying by mail or in person, using a credit card will therefore face a double whammy.

The president of the Senior Citizens club of Victor Harbor, Jean Altus, said the fee would disadvantage many older people.

“I used to have a computer but my eyesight won’t let me use one at all any more.”

Mrs Altus said Telstra had been contacting people to try to persuade them to pay their bills by direct debit from their bank accounts.

Eligible pensioner concession card holders are exempt from the $2.20 administration fee, but must register their details with Telstra to receive the exemption.

Explaining the charges on its website, Telstra said all customers were being notified of the changes, which were necessary because some of its range of available payment options incurred higher administration costs.

Australian Government Health Care Card holders may also be eligible for exemption from the payment administration fee and should contact Telstra to check.