Optus is blocking the owners of Android platform devices from buying paid applications from the Android store, thereby preventing them from making single, one time sales and locking them into a long service contract.

The exclusive Australian carrier for the HTC Dream and Samsung Galaxy, both of which are Android phones, is blocking people, even those who signed a long term contract with the company for these devices, from buying applications and thereby enjoying the compete Android experience.

Although this has always been the case for HTC Dream owners, users of other Android phones, including the devices like the HTC Hero and Tattoo are now being rolled in as well. This has angered users all over who are now demanding an action against the practice.

Experts have been quick to say that had applications for the iPhone been getting blocked and/or affected, there would have been a huge media controversy, but users of the Optus network are not being given their due attention and fair rights. Authorities are now under increased pressure to look into the matter.