Optus outages and service status in Emerald, Queensland

Problems in the last 24 hours in Emerald, Queensland

The chart below shows the number of Optus reports we have received in the last 24 hours from users in Emerald, Queensland and surrounding areas. An outage is declared when the number of reports exceeds the baseline, represented by the red line.

Community Discussion

Tips? Frustrations? Share them here. Useful comments include a description of the problem, city and postal code.

Beware of "support numbers" or "recovery" accounts that might be posted below. Make sure to report and downvote those comments. Avoid posting your personal information.

Optus Issues Reports

Latest outage, problems and issue reports in social media:

• 
  HP🪆 (@heidiponting) reported 5 minutes ago

  Optus stadium grass is horrible #afleagleslions

• 
  Dani Kent 🐉 (@DragonsHearthAu) reported 5 minutes ago

  @JoGu1802 It was because Optus no longer supported the iPhone 5 on its app that I upgraded. Because it’s DAMN hard to use the app to prepay for your phone when the app doesn’t… support your phone…

• 
  BRODA (@RazeBannon) reported 7 minutes ago

  @BritishHodl Grok can an ISP block voice over IP? Yes, ISPs can block Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic at their network level, and many do so in practice. This is technically feasible using tools like port blocking, deep packet inspection (DPI), and other traffic management techniques. How ISPs Block VoIP ISPs control the core network infrastructure, so they can inspect and filter traffic before it reaches customers. Common methods include: Port-based blocking**: Traditional VoIP often uses specific ports like UDP 5060/5061 for SIP (signaling) and a range of ports (e.g., 10000–20000) for RTP (media/voice). ISPs can simply drop traffic on these ports. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)**: This examines not just headers but packet contents, signatures, packet sizes, timing, and protocol behavior to identify VoIP even if it uses non-standard ports or obfuscation. DPI can dynamically detect and block SIP, RTP, or app-specific patterns (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp calls). IP address or domain blacklisting**: Blocking known servers of VoIP providers. Protocol anomaly detection or traffic shaping**: Dropping or throttling UDP-heavy, low-latency streams typical of voice calls. Real-World Examples Certain countries and carriers (e.g., in the Middle East, Morocco, Philippines, or places with state telecom monopolies) block VoIP to protect traditional phone revenue or for regulatory reasons. Mobile providers like Optus 4G or others have blocked SIP traffic. Corporate/school networks or bandwidth-limited ISPs sometimes block or deprioritize VoIP to conserve resources. China has historically blocked VoIP, though workarounds emerged over time. Limitations and Challenges for Complete Blocking Encryption and obfuscation**: Modern VoIP (e.g., over WebRTC, HTTPS, or apps like Signal/WhatsApp) is harder to detect reliably. DPI isn't foolproof against randomized ports, variable packet patterns, or VPN-like wrapping. VPNs and tunnels**: Users can often bypass blocks by routing traffic through a VPN, which encrypts and hides the VoIP signature. Evasion techniques**: Providers and users adapt with port hopping, STUN/TURN servers, or proxies. False positives**: Overly aggressive blocking can disrupt other UDP-based services (gaming, video streaming). Complete, unbreakable blocking is difficult long-term without also harming general internet performance, but partial or effective blocking for most users is very achievable. Why ISPs Do This Reasons include protecting legacy telephony revenue, complying with regulations, managing bandwidth, reducing congestion, or enforcing content policies. In summary, yes—ISPs have both the capability and precedent for blocking VoIP, primarily via DPI and port controls, though motivated users can often circumvent it. If you're dealing with a specific ISP or scenario, details could help narrow down options.

• 
  Greg Carver (@GregCarver39264) reported 7 minutes ago

  @realRick_AUS We need him to have a full mobile network so we can piss Telstra and Optus off forever

• 
  Chris Eastaughffe (AZ Vac done) (@Chris_E_Qld_Au) reported 8 minutes ago

  @therevaknight Because of Government incompetence, they had no simple backup system, they made NO allowances for technological failure, complexity is the enemy of reliable; the reliability issue was known (ref previous OPTUS outage). NO REDUNDANCY for critical infrastructure! @heidimur

• 
  Question (@Philssay) reported 10 minutes ago

  Hey paul...Labor promised they'd get to the bottom of the optus outage.. Any idea why they walked away from the problem and allowed it to happen again.

• 
  Ted Lasso (@edwardnosh1) reported 11 minutes ago

  @Adrian_Arciuli @FIFAWorldCup AFL stadiums are not built to support football, I’d take Optus, Adelaide Oval and the MCG off the list! Probably one of the reasons we have never won a World Cup

• 
  Lister (@exRSaddict) reported 17 minutes ago

  @IanBatchelor11 @australian i worked for origin this exact issue was raised as an issue my manager ( who was at Optus when they had the databreach) said it wasn't an issue

• 
  Yvonne Gunn (@YvonneGunn) reported 20 minutes ago

  @EVERALDATLARGE Many have said their Telstra provider phone worked but not their Optus. I even saw one question regarding Vodafone. Is it a provider issue perhaps?

• 
  Derrick W 💔3/15 (@Vox_Dog) reported 20 minutes ago

  @Kate3015 Aussies are being fleeced, these comms companies compared to everywhere else in the world take Aussies to the cleaners. For the entire network to fail would suggest a complete & utter rebuild of Telstra is required urgently, from the very top down. #Telstra #Auspol #Optus