Independent Australian consumer organisation, Choice, has awarded EA Australia with an "award" during its annual Shonky Awards for the SimCity launch.

SimCity was released in March and suffered ongoing crippling connectivity problems. Choice put the spotlight on EA Australia specifically because the game's Australian support line was a 1900 number with a $2.48 per minute fee, incurring additional costs for Australian gamers.

"That's right — after forking out up to $100 for the game, you're then expected to cough up for after-sales support that's normally free — as it should be," the award's description states. "And this shonkosity is even worse when you consider it's their fault you're ringing in the first place!"

According to Choice CEO Alan Kirkland, the Shonky Awards highlight products and services that are "sneaky, slippery, unscrupulous and sometimes unsafe" and "encourages businesses to lift their game and put consumers first," lest they receive a Shonky. This year's other award winners include EnergyAustralia, Qantas Frequent Flyer Toolbar and Kleenex.

Kirkland also sent a letter to EA Australia, obtained by Kotaku Australia, outlining that Australian consumers should not pay to exercise their consumer rights and suggests that the company drop the phone fees.

We have reached out to EA Australia for comment.

Update: Snezana Stojanovska, EA regional PR manager, responded with the following statement: