Telstra stores selling the iPhone 4 have been charging customers much more in-store for the device than the prices advertised on Telstra's website.

Some stores have added a monthly cost for the handset into the contract, adding hundreds of dollars to the advertised cost. Telstra claims it is aware of the problem, which, according to Whirlpool forum users, stems from some franchise owners devising their own fee structures for iPhone 4 contracts.

Some customers report that they were not aware of the additional $49 per month handset charge levied by some franchises until after they ha signed their contracts. Due to rebranding of all Telstra-owned stores and franchises to T-Life, it is not always clear to customers which stores are franchises without searching on the Telstra website.

Peter Symons, a spokesman for Telstra, said that "We have been made aware of a couple of instances where a store has handled iPhone 4 sales incorrectly by not offering all of the advertised plans and we're following up with the individual stores."

He directed customers who have complaints about the plan they were sold to contact Telstra.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has said through a spokeswoman that "The ACCC is aware of the issues raised."