Telstra will be providing 24-month warranties on all mobiles apart from the Apple iPhone, following discussions with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Earlier this year the ACCC demanded that mobile phone providers offer free repairs for customers who are within their 24-month contract.

ACCC chairman, Graeme Samuel, said: "Telstra has decided to do what's right and fair for consumers, and has been negotiating with manufacturers to bring in warranty periods that last for the length of a consumer's contract.

"It is important for consumers and suppliers to realise that the Trade Practices Act implies certain statutory rights into consumer contracts. Just because the manufacturer's warranty period is up, it does not mean that consumers can be hung out to dry if they are left with a faulty product and ongoing service contract."

The ACCC is still speaking to Optus about offering the same service for customers on their 24-month fixed-term contracts.

While most mobile phone manufacturers are honouring warranties, most customers will notice the absence of Apple’s iPhone from the agreement. This may be due to Apple’s typical method of “replace rather than repair” when it comes to iPhone faults.

Earlier this year the ACCC focussed on 24-month Vodafone plans. VHA (Vodafone Hutchison Australia) agreed to provide their customers with the following conditions.

In the next three years, Vodafone has agreed to replace faulty phones within 28 days of purchase and offer free, unlimited repairs to faulty phones over the entire length of the contract period. Pre-paid customers can expect a 12-month warranty on phones purchased from the carrier.