Telstra has offered refunds to some subscribers of its AFL streaming service after the consumer watchdog raised concerns about the telco's disclosure of the size of its viewing screen available on mobiles and tablets.
The consumer watchdog says Telstra in January introduced a screen-size restriction for live AFL matches on its Live Pass app - meaning games no longer appeared full-screen on many tablets - but did not clearly notify the change to subscribers.
It is understood the change only impacted a small number of customers with more than 90 per cent of Telstra consumers streaming the app on phone rather than tablets.
The AFL Live Pass app is advertised on the AFL website with images of matches appearing full-screen on tablets, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the watchdog was concerned that footy fans may have subscribed or renewed subscriptions thinking that they could continue watching live AFL matches in full-screen on a tablet, "when this was not the case".
"Some footy fans were locked into a Telstra subscription before the screen size restriction took effect," Mr Sims said.
"When businesses make changes to the subscription terms of goods or services, customers should be clearly notified of the change so people are able to make an informed decision about whether to continue their subscription."
It is understood Telstra revised the size - from a maximum of 11 inches to seven inches (28 - 18 centimetres) diagonally - as part of its contract negotiation with the AFL as it is the preferred format and the way all sports broadcasting is occurring on mobile devices globally.
Telstra commenced refund offers in August to consumers who were locked into a subscription - worth $89.99 - before the screen size restriction took effect on January 31.
Customers who purchased the AFL app can still obtain a refund by filling in an application on Telstra's website.
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