Telstra
File:Telstra logo.svg | |
Company type | Public company |
---|---|
ASX: TLS NZX: TLS OTC Pink: TLSYY | |
Industry | Telecommunications |
Founded | 12 June 1975[1] |
Headquarters | Telstra Corporate Centre Melbourne, Australia |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | David Thodey (CEO) Catherine Livingstone (Chair) |
Products | Fixed line and mobile telephony, Internet services, digital television |
Revenue | ![]() |
![]() | |
Total assets | ![]() |
Total equity | ![]() |
Number of employees | 35,790 (2011)[2] |
Website | www |
Telstra Corporation Limited, known as Telstra and trading at www.telstra.com, is Australia's largest telecommunications and media company. It builds and operates fixed line and mobile telecommunications networks and markets voice, mobile, internet access, pay television and other entertainment products and services.
Telstra has a long history in Australia, originating as a government department, the Postmaster General together with Australia Post. Relatively recently, Telstra was fully privatised and has been undergoing a change program to become more "sales and marketing led" under its current CEO, David Thodey.
The federal government's National Broadband Network (NBN) is imposing structural and regulatory changes on Telstra, the full extent of which are yet to be played out.
History
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/84/TelecomAustralia.svg/220px-TelecomAustralia.svg.png)
Australian telecommunications services were originally controlled by the Postmaster-General's Department (PMG),[3] formed in 1901 as a result of Australian Federation, prior 1901 telecommunications were administered by each colony. On 1 July 1975, separate commissions were established by statute to replace the PMG. Responsibility for postal services was transferred to the Australian Postal Commission (Australia Post). The Australian Telecommunications Commission (ATC), trading as Telecom Australia, ran domestic telecommunication services.
In 1989, the ATC was reconstituted as the Australian Telecommunications Corporation.
In 1992, the Overseas Telecommunications Commission, a separate government body established in 1946, was merged with the Australian Telecommunications Corporation into the short-lived Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Corporation (AOTC) which continued trading under the established identities of Telecom and OTC. The AOTC was renamed to Telstra Corporation Limited in 1993. The name "Telstra" is derived from the word Telecommunication Australia (TEL from Telecommunication and STRA from Australia). The corporation then traded under the "Telstra" brand internationally and "Telecom Australia" domestically until uniform branding of "Telstra" was introduced throughout the entire organisation in 1995.
Telstra has faced competition since the early 1990s from Optus (Australia's 2nd largest communication company) and a number of smaller providers. It retains ownership of the fixed line telephone network, as well as pay TV and data cable network Foxtel. Other companies offering fixed line services must therefore deal with Telstra, except Optus, Transact and a few others who have installed their own infrastructure.
Overseas Telecommunications Commission
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Ceduna_OTC%2C_South_Australia.jpg/220px-Ceduna_OTC%2C_South_Australia.jpg)
The Overseas Telecommunications Commission (OTC)[4] was established by an Act of Parliament in August 1946. It inherited facilities and resources from Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited (AWA) and Cable & Wireless, and was charged with responsibility for all international telecommunications services into, through and out of Australia.
On 1 February 1992, it was merged with Australia’s domestic telecommunications carrier, the Australian Telecommunications Corporation Limited ("Telecom"), to create the Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Corporation Limited (AOTC). The new organisation underwent a corporate identity review and was subsequently renamed Telstra Corporation Limited ("Telstra") for international business in 1993 and domestic business in 1995.[5]
When first established in 1946, the OTC inherited facilities which had been depleted during World War II and faced rising costs and falling profits. From this tenuous beginning, the organization was to grow over the years to gain world standing on the international telecommunications stage.[citation needed]
Throughout rapid developments in undersea cable networks, global satellite systems and burgeoning digital technologies, the OTC maintained a keen watch over its services to ensure continued quality. It also maintained and developed its links with maritime services, one of the initial arms of Australia’s international telecommunications network.!
Privatisation
Telstra was privatised in three different stages, informally known as "T1" ($3.30), "T2" ($7.40) and "T3" ($3.60) in 1997, 1999 and 2006 respectively.[6][7] In T1, the government sold one third of its shares in Telstra for A$14 billion and publicly listed the company on the Australian Stock Exchange.[6] In 1999, a further 16% of Telstra shares were sold to the public, leaving the Australian government with 51% ownership. In 2006, T3 was announced by the government and was the largest of the three public releases, reducing the Government's ownership of Telstra to 17%.[8] The 17% remainder of Telstra was placed in Australia's Future Fund, which will provide superannuation and pensions for Australia's public servants.[9] In 2009, the Future Fund sold off another $2.4B worth of shares reducing the government's stake in Telstra to 10.9%.[10]
Separation
On 15 September 2009, the Australian Government announced new plans to structurally separate Telstra into two separate entities; a retail and wholesale arm.[11] Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband and Communications, has stated to Telstra that the company can either "break itself up or (the government) will do it for them".[12]
On 12 July 2011, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) released the findings of its investigation into a mailing list error by Telstra Corporation Limited (Telstra) which resulted in approximately 60,300 Telstra customers’ personal information being sent to other customers. The Australian Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim said
"Our investigation has confirmed that while Telstra breached the Privacy Act when the personal information of a number of its customers was disclosed to third parties; this incident was caused by a one-off human error. It was not a result of Telstra failing to have reasonable steps in place to protect the personal information of its customers, as required by the Privacy Act."
The government probe determined that Telstra had security measures in place to protect customer personal information involved in mail campaigns. These measures included privacy obligations in agreements with mailing houses, privacy impact assessments, and procedures to ensure staff handle personal information appropriately during mail campaigns.
"In this instance, taking into account the range of measures Telstra has in place for mail campaigns, I consider that the one-off human error that occurred does not mean that Telstra failed to comply with its obligation to take reasonable steps to protect the personal information of its customers. Therefore, I consider that Telstra has not breached this particular aspect of the Privacy Act", the privacy commissioner said.[citation needed]
The commissioner determined that Telstra had acted "immediately" to prevent further breaches, notify customers, and review its data security practices.
In the report, Pilgrim related that the Australian government is currently considering recommendations from the Australian Law Reform Commission to introduce mandatory data breach notification laws in Australia.
Strategy and execution 2010 onwards
Under the leadership of David Thodey, Telstra embarked upon a transformation agenda to become more sales and service focused. As part of that, an ambitious customer service agenda was defined.[13]
Market share recovery
Early in 2010, Telstra announced the creation of a $1b "fighting fund" to be used in a concerted effort to win back market share in key product categories. This effort seems to have paid off with strong sales momentum announced in February 2011.[14]
Customer service recovery
As part of its new strategy, Telstra announced that its "goal is for customer service to be fundamental to everything we do".[15]
For the financial year ending June 2011, Telstra saw TIO complaints drop by 3% to 78,949.[16]
Telstra Digital (2011)
In February 2011, Telstra announced the formation of Telstra Digital under the leadership of Gerd Schenkel who was hired from National Australia Bank/UBank.[17][18][19] Telstra Digital's initial purpose is to improve the use of digital channels for customer service. In March 2011, Telstra Digital launched new mobile phone plans that include electronic bills and payments and levy a $2 charge for paper bills.[20] In April 2011, Telstra Digital relaunched its web homepage design.[21] In July 2011, Telstra Digital launched "CrowdSupport", an online forum to crowd source customer service.[22] This was later copied by rival Optus.[23] As of July 2013, Telstra's "CrowdSupport" had 65,000 members and 77,000 posts.[24] It was also cited as an example of "scaling at the edge" by Deloitte's Centre for the Edge.[25]
In August 2011, Telstra Digital announced expansion of customer service into social media with 24/7 coverage.[26] In June 2013, Telstra was ranked ninth in large Australian companies in its Facebook presence [27] and in May 2013 Telstra was ranked fifth globally in the quality of its customer service on Facebook.[28] As of August 2013 Telstra 24/7 now ranks #1 in the quality of its customer service within Australia, ousting Vodafone and Optus at 3rd & 4th respectively.[28]
By November 2012, Telstra claimed 140,000 live chats for the month and a growth rate of this service of 600% p.a.[29]
In September 2011, Telstra Digital launched a new account services portal to help achieve its goal of managing 35% of Telstra's transactions[30] In February 2012, Telstra Digital announced it had achieved 28% of Telstra's transactions online.[31][32] In November 2012, Telstra announced it had achieved 35% of its service transactions through digital channels "about 9 months ahead of target".[33] In September 2013, Telstra disclosed that 40% of transactions were "now completed online". [34]
In October 2011, Telstra Digital announced a new mobile smartphone optimized version of its website.[35]
In November 2011, Telstra Digital launched an iPhone app on a trial basis[36] as well as a new online mobile phone shop.[37] In July 2012, Telstra Digital launched smartphone and Facebook apps for customers to manage their Telstra accounts[38] and in November 2012, Telstra claimed that over 700,000 customers had downloaded those apps.[39] In August 2013, Telstra revealed that the apps reached 2.5m downloads. [40]
At a results announcement, CEO David Thodey remarked that "the group’s new online strategy was delivering" in the context of a 28% reduction of inbound service calls.[41] Telstra estimated that its digital program will provide productivity benefits of $100m in the 2013 financial year from lower printing costs, decreasing commissions to third parties, and reduced dependence on call centre staff.[33]
In October 2012, Telstra's CEO David Thodey stated that "The rise of online and social media had 'fundamentally changed the way' which the company communicated with its customers."[42]
In December 2012, Telstra published a white paper describing the broad impact of the digital economy and what firms in traditional sectors can do to deal with its impact.[43]
In February 2013, Telstra introduced the ability to pay its bills via PayPal.[44] And in June 2013, Telstra launched a new website, including the ability for customers to link their online accounts to their Facebook identity.[45][46]
Expansion of retail network
In February 2011, Telstra announced the creation of an additional 100 retail stores within three years.[17]
New brand
In October 2011, Telstra launched a new brand identity and colour scheme.[47] The new identity launched with the slogan "It's how we connect", and features the 'T' from the previous logo in a variety of colours.
National Broadband Network
Telstra has been involved in the various form of ideas for a National Broadband Network. In its current form, Telstra intends to essentially sell its legacy copper network to NBN Co. In October 2011, Telstra’s shareholders approved this deal.[48]
Products and services
Fixed lines and mobile
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Telstra_Mobile_Phone_Tower.jpg/220px-Telstra_Mobile_Phone_Tower.jpg)
Telstra is Australia's dominant and largest provider of fixed line services.[citation needed] These include home phone, business and other PSTN products. Due to Telstra owning the majority of Australia's copper network, this has allowed them to become the dominant provider of these services.[citation needed]
Telstra outsources a significant portion of network installation and maintenance to private contractors and joint ventures, such as ABB Communications and STCJV (Siemens Thiess Communications Joint Venture).[49]
Telstra also owns and maintains the majority of Australia's public telephones.[citation needed] In 2006, Telstra announced it would remove many of the phones citing unprofitability due to vandalism and the increasing take-up and use of mobile telephones.[50]
Telstra Mobile is Australia's largest mobile telephone service providers, in terms of both subscriptions and coverage.[51][52] Telstra operates Australia's largest GSM and 3G UMTS (branded as Next G) mobile telephony networks in Australia,[53] as well as holding a 50% stake in the 3GIS Ltd 2100 MHz UMTS network infrastructure, shared with Hutchison (Three).[citation needed] As of September 2007, Telstra had an estimated 9.3M mobile subscribers.[51] Telstra Mobile services are available in post-paid and prepaid payment types, known as Telstra Pre-Paid (formerly communic8 Pre-Paid).[54]
Telstra's GSM network was the first digital mobile network in Australia. It was launched in April 1993 on the 900 MHz band as "Telstra MobileNet Digital".[55] The GSM network has carried the majority of Telstra's mobile subscribers for the last 10 years and has seen numerous upgrades.[citation needed] 1800 MHz capacity channels were added to the network in the late 1990s as well as GPRS packet data transmission capabilities. As part of the UMTS Next G deployment, the GSM network was also upgraded to a full EDGE data transmission capability in 2006 providing data transmission capabilities greater than 40 kbit/s on its GSM network.[56]
In 1981, Telstra (then Telecom Australia) was the first company to provide mobile telephony services in Australia. The first automated mobile service operated in the major capital cities on 500 MHz using the '007' dialling prefix. This network only provided "car phone" capabilities to subscribers as portable hand-held terminals were not practical at that time. The first cellular system in Australia offering portable hand-held phones was launched by Telstra in 1987 using the AMPS analogue standard on the 800 MHz band. This network at its peak had over 1 million subscribers, but was mandated by the government to be closed down by the year 2000, partially due to privacy concerns which resulted from the AMPS technology, but also because of arrangements undertaken to secure sufficient interest in the GSM network licenses offered in 1992 to competitors. A license condition placed on Telstra to maintain an equivalent coverage footprint at the time resulted in Telstra deciding to deploy an IS-95 CDMA based network in its place.
Telstra has 7400 Next G Base Stations.[57]
Mobile networks
The following is a list of known active mobile networks used by Telstra:
Frequency | Protocol | Class | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
900 MHz | GSM/EDGE | 2G | EDGE data capabilities are available on 100% of the GSM networks used |
1800 MHz | GSM/EDGE | 2G | Used in areas requiring extra capacity. |
850 MHz | UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+ | 3G | Telstra Next G 3G network covering 99% of the Australian population |
2100 MHz | UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+ | 3G | Telstra has been installing UMTS 2100mhz in areas where its 850mhz frequency is over crowded. It will not be available in all areas though.[58] This band was originally used for the 3GIS network in 50/50 partnership with Vodafone Hutchison Australia, and covered capital cities (Telstra ended this partnership on 31 August 2012.) |
1800 MHz | LTE | 4G | LTE roll-out in major capital cities and a significant range of regional centres has been completed, delivering coverage within 5 km of CBDs and major capital city airports. Most previously existing GSM1800 Channels have been shut down in the new LTE coverage areas. |
February 2011: Ericsson wins the LTE contract with Telstra. The LTE network is being deployed in capital city CBDs and select regional centres throughout 2011. It will operate at 1800Mhz and integrate with a HSPA+ service at 850 MHz. A dual mode (LTE/HSPA+) mobile broadband device has been developed for the network.[59]
January 2012: Initial major LTE rollout complete. Incremental rollout continues, widening the coverage in capital cities and introducing new LTE coverage to regional centres.
July 2012: Telstra commences retailing a pocket-sized battery powered 4G WiFi router (ZTE MF91) for prepaid data customers, locked to Telstra, complementing its range of 4G-capable devices. Apart from the ZTE MF91, the Telstra 4G hardware range now comprises two dual mode (4G/3G) voice-capable handsets by HTC and ZTE (available for purchase outright or on a post-paid plan), a Sierra USB wireless modem (outright or post-paid plan), a ZTE USB wireless modem (prepaid, locked to Telstra) and a Sierra 4G Wifi battery powered pocket-sized router (outright or post-paid plan). Telstra is reported to now be operating LTE facilities from more than 1,000 transmission sites.
Internet
Telstra provides internet subscription and various internet services (such as IP networking, email, servers and network hosting).
- Telstra Internet Direct provides internet subscription, services (including IP networking and email) to businesses, government and enterprise. Telstra Internet Direct is mainly focused on business customers and does not sell its products to residential customers unless they have an ABN (Australian Business Number)
- Telstra BigPond provides internet subscription (Cable, ADSL, Wireless and Dialup) for residential customers as well as small business. BigPond is Australia's largest internet service provider with over two million subscribers.
- Telstra Wholesale resells or leases telecommunications products (including dial-in ports, exchange space, and ADSL DSLAM ports) to other companies for the purpose of resale at a fee.
Telstra Internet
Telstra Internet is the national Internet backbone for Telstra within Australia.[citation needed] Telstra sells direct (business-grade) connections to the backbone under the Telstra Internet Direct name and consumer dialup, ADSL, cable modem and satellite connections under the BigPond brand name.
Telstra acquired the national backbone of AARNet in 1995 and renamed it to Telstra Internet. Telstra Internet buys long-haul capacity and international transit from REACH Global Services.
Wholesale
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Telstra_sign.jpg/220px-Telstra_sign.jpg)
Telstra Wholesale[60] provides products such as Data, Mobile, Voice, and other Facilities (including Co-location and Duct Access)[61] to other companies and organisations for re-sale.[62] Telstra Wholesale also provides operational support for its customers,[63] and facilities for international customers such as International Data Transport and IP Transport.[64]
Due to Telstra's position as Australia's incumbent telecommunications provider, Telstra Wholesale is the incumbent and dominant wholesaler of ADSL services to other Internet Service Providers. Telstra installed the first DSLAMs in exchanges prior to 2000, and began wholesaling access in late 2000.[65] Telstra Wholesale has a comprehensive network of ADSL DSLAMs (the largest in Australia) and allows competitors access to each Telstra DSLAM at ADSL1 speeds.
BigPond
File:BigPond.svg | |
Founded | 1996 |
---|---|
Headquarters |
BigPond was founded in 1996 by Telstra as a separate brand to provide internet access services. Telstra owns and operates the largest cable internet network in Australia.[citation needed] Telstra Cable operates in selected cities and areas of Australia including (Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast), providing downstream speeds of up to 30 Mbit/s in selected areas. while Melbourne being the only capital city in Australia with speeds of 100 Mbit/s making it the fastest broadband speed in Australia and among the fastest in the world.[citation needed] The upgrade to 100 Mbit/s was complete in Melbourne by Christmas 2009, and launched the new DOCSIS 3.0 services on 1 December 2009 before the deadline. Telstra provides internet services for personal and business clients, through its internet service provider (ISP), BigPond. BigPond provides internet products over various delivery methods, including ADSL, Cable Internet, Dialup, Satellite and Wireless Internet (through the Next G network).
BigPond offers 5 types of Internet access;
- Cable - BigPond is Australia's largest provider of Cable Internet access, which covers parts of Australia's main cities (Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast). Speeds available are 'Turbo' (8 Mbit/s downstream, 128 kbit/s upstream), 'Elite' (30 Mbit/s down, 1 Mbit/s up) and 'Ultimate' (100 Mbit/s down, 2 Mbit/s up).
- ADSL - BigPond provides both ADSL and ADSL2+ services where available, with speeds ranging from 256 kbit/s down/64 kbit/s up to 20 Mbit/s down/1 Mbit/s up. The current speeds available on ADSL plans that BigPond offers are "up to" 1.5 Mbit/s down/256 kbit/s up, "up to" 8 Mbit/s down/384 kbit/s up and "up to" 20 Mbit/s down/1 Mbit/s up.
- Naked DSL - A six-week trial of two kinds of naked DSL to "assess customer demand" was launched on 1 June 2010. 'Pure DSL' having the ability to receive incoming calls and make emergency calls, and 'Naked DSL' being offered without a dial tone.[66]
- Mobile Broadband - Through Telstra's Next G network, BigPond provides the largest wireless network coverage in Australia, reaching 99% of the population.[67] Download speeds on the 3G network range from 256 kbit/s to 3.5 Mbit/s in regional and interurban areas, and "up to" 21 Mbit/s in metropolitan and city areas. Download speeds on the 4G Network are "up to" 40Mbit/s. BigPond also provides wireless 'hot spots'.[68]
- Satellite - Bigpond provides Satellite internet mainly for regional customers who are too far away from the exchange to get ADSL, and cannot get Cable. Satellite is delivered via 2 way Satellite with speeds ranging from 256 kbit/s down/64 kbit/s up to 800 kbit/s down/128 kbit/s up.[69]
- Dialup - BigPond has moved customers off dialup to a broadband platform, and in 2006 its broadband customers surpassed the number of dialup customers.
At the end of the 2007 financial year, BigPond had over two million broadband subscribers.[70] The existing customer base of BigPond Wireless is currently being migrated over to the Next G network, which offers higher speeds and greater coverage.
In November 2009 Telstra chief executive David Thodey promised a "new Telstra" which will be much more responsive to its customers in a bid to improve the telco's corporate reputation, stating that the new mantra at Telstra would be "customer service, customer service, customer service", and announcing increases in speed and data allowances for BigPond customers.[71]
BigPond Music
BigPond operates a music download store, offering 15 million tracks encoded at either 256kbit/s or 320kbit/s in MP3 format.
In April 2012, MOG announced a partnership with Telstra to bring MOG to Australia, the first region outside of the US to have access.[72] Telstra and MOG launched under the BigPond Music branding on 21 June 2012.[73]
BigPond Games and GameArena
GameArena is the name of BigPond's free online games service, The service is managed by Mammoth Media and based on the east coast of Australia. Use of the file library, public servers and booking service is freely available to anyone, but provides specific advantages to Telstra customers such as preference in downloads and unmetered usage, as well as various bonuses in competitions. In order to gain access to a majority of game servers, the clientThe Arena, must be installed to connect through the firewall. This means that GameArena administrators can ensure troublemakers are consistently dealt with.[74]
The site provides news, downloads and servers primarily for the PC, and Mac, though it has recently also branched out to include console sites. GameArena also provides an online game shop GameNow, which again sports various benefits to BigPond customers.[75] GameArena recently went through a new shift with the merging of GameNow and Gameshop into itself. The new name is simply BigPond GameArena.[76]
GameArena currently operates over 100 gaming servers, which are monitored by a volunteer force of administrators, known as GameOps. GameCreate is a service offered free of charge where users may book a server for a specific game for a 2 hour period of time. This server is private and can be used for either ladder training or social events.[77]
The Pond in Second Life
Telstra BigPond owned and operated a number of virtual islands in the online game Second Life[78] for approximately three years. BigPond closed its Second Life presence in December 2009.[79]
Subscription television
Telstra's Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) (commonly referred to as "cable") network is one of the delivery systems used by the Australian Subscription Television provider Foxtel. Telstra owns 50% of Foxtel in a joint venture with News Corporation whom owns the other 50%. Telstra also resell Foxtel's "Digital" to customers in Foxtel's service area (as "Foxtel from Telstra").Telstra offers discounts for Telstra full-service fixed line customers, with internet, pay TV and/or mobile services with Telstra. Such discounts can include free installation and the first month of the best Foxtel package (all channels) for free.[80]
Directories and advertising (Sensis)
Sensis is Telstra's wholly owned advertising and directories arm. This subsidiary was originally known as National Directory Services (NDS), but subsequently renamed Pacific Access (since 1991), before changing its name to Sensis in August 2002.[81] Sensis publishes Australia's White Pages and Yellow Pages telephone directories, and in 2004 purchased the Trading Post, a classified advertising periodical. In 2008 management of the Trading Post was transferred to Telstra. In 2009 the printed Trading Post was shut down. Sensis also manages several websites including:
- Yellow Pages Online: an online version of the print directory
- White Pages Online: an online version of the print directory
- Yellow Advertiser: dedicated online resources for Yellow advertisers
- Sensis.com.au: an Australian search engine
- WhereIs.com: online maps and street directories
- CitySearch: city-based lifestyle and entertainment guide
- GoStay: online accommodation booking
- Home at Yellow: a home improvement website
Sensis is responsible for Telstra's telephone directory assistance call centres – including 1223 ("Telstra Directory Assistance"), 12456 ("Call Connect"), 1225 ("International Directories") and 1234 ("1234" information service).[82][citation needed]
In 2007, Sensis commissioned Amdocs to develop a customer interaction and database management system dubbed "iGen" to combine the existing GENESIS (also known as POST) system and the company's dozens of other internal customer and account systems into one interface. The new system would combine both Yellow Pages and White Pages directory information on one system.
The original cost of development and implementation was estimated at A$300 million which was funded by Telstra, but a twelve-month delay in deployment and lack of user acceptance testing almost doubled the original cost. "iGen" was eventually deployed to mass disapproval from employees who experienced extremely low performance and reduced capabilities from the new system.[83] In November 2009, the entire White Pages directory product reverted to the legacy system, GENESIS, after realisation by Sensis management that iGen was incapable of delivering expected performance.
In 2010, Sensis CEO Bruce Akhurst announced that the Yellow Pages had been switched over to iGen. In a blog posting he stated that they were ahead of the biggest system challenges and that iGen was 'stable' and 'operating effectively'.[84]
Shops
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/Telstra_Store_in_the_Sturt_Mall_%281%29.jpg/220px-Telstra_Store_in_the_Sturt_Mall_%281%29.jpg)
Telstra owns and operates a series of retail stores known as Telstra Stores. Some are directly owned and operated by the Telstra Corporation.[citation needed] Telstra has come under criticism for failing to provide clear differentiation between full service stores and franchises.[citation needed]
Telstra launched a range of T[life] concept stores in the early 2000s.[85] The T[life] model provided live demonstration handsets, in-store technical support and repairs, teleconferencing, workshops and other concept services.[citation needed]
This rollout has been abandoned in favour of a more unified approach, with all stores being re-branded as Telstra Stores and being equipped with various facilities regardless of ownership and more finely tuned to local requirements.[citation needed]
The carrier opened the world's first Android store, called "Androidland", on Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia, in December 2011.[86]
Market position
Since the Australian telecommunications industry was deregulated in the early 1990s, Telstra has managed to remain the largest provider of telecommunications services[87]
Telstra's market dominance extends beyond its historical PSTN voice and private data business, into newer markets such as Internet Access, Hosting, and Colocation services.[88]
National Broadband Network
On 26 November 2008, Telstra submitted a non-complying tender issued by the federal government to build a National Broadband Network. Instead of following the tender guidelines, Telstra submitted a 12 page letter proposing a $5 billion broadband network covering between 80 and 90 per cent of the Australian population, in particular, only major cities, despite the tender requiring 98 per cent coverage.[89][90]
Telstra was removed from the National Broadband Network RFP process on 15 December 2008. According to a spokesman for the Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, "The expert panel has determined that Telstra’s submission to the national broadband network is not compliant. They are out of the process now."[91]
Telstra has announced that it will raise speeds on its existing Next G network and HFC "cable" network so that they both offer higher speeds than the RFP for the NBN requires.[92]
Following Telstra's exclusion from the National Broadband Network bidding process Telstra's share price suffered the biggest one day percentage fall in its history.[93]
NBN Co signed a definitive agreement with Telstra on 23 June 2011, estimated to be worth A$9 billion post-tax net present value,[94] building upon the signing of a financial heads of agreement a year beforehand.[95] Instead of separating, Telstra agreed to "disconnect"[96] its Internet customers from the copper and hybrid fibre-coaxial networks in areas where FTTP has been installed, and agreed to lease dark fibre, exchange space and ducts to NBN Co. As part of the agreement, Telstra would not be able to market their mobile network as an alternative to the NBN for a number of years.[94] Telstra remains the owner of its networks.[97] On 18 October 2011, Telstra shareholders overwhelmingly approved the deal.[98]
Management
In May 2009, Solomon Trujillo stood down as Chief Executive Officer to return to the United States. David Thodey took over the role.[99]
Year appointed | CEO |
---|---|
1992 | W. Frank Blount |
1999 | Dr Zygmunt (Ziggy) Edward Switkowski |
2005 | Solomon Trujillo |
2009 | David Thodey |
International expansion
Year | Name | Type of ownership | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
1992 | ![]() |
100% | Telstra has been operating in Europe since 1992. Telstra Europe has a customer base of over 7000 customers, who buy data, voice and complex managed network and hosting services.[101] |
2001 | ![]() |
0% | Was New Zealand's third largest telecommunications provider after Telecom New Zealand & Vodafone New Zealand. It had its own fibre networks in major cities, was building regional fibre backhaul, had a hybrid fibre-coax network providing phone, internet, & TV services (in Wellington, Christchurch and Kapiti), and was a reseller Telecom New Zealand's phone & data services. The company was formed in 2001 from the merger of subsidiary TelstraSaturn (a 50/50 joint-venture with Austar which had previously acquired ISPs paradise.net and NetLink) and the telco Clear Communications purchased from BT Group plc. In July 2012 Telstra announced its intention to sell TelstraClear, to Vodafone New Zealand for NZ$840 million (A$660M).[102] |
2003 | ![]() |
50% venture, with Pacific Century Cyberworks | This partnership was created during the late 1990s telecommunications boom – it struggled and had its book value downgraded to zero by Telstra in February 2003. Reach's debt was renegotiated in 2004 and it was restructured to operate mainly as a vehicle for its owners' international requirements. |
2005 | ![]() |
58% | In early 2006 Telstra offers $20 million cash to increase its total stake from 33 to 58 per cent.[103] |
2006 | ![]() |
51% | SouFun was integrated into the Sensis business, providing Telstra with an entry point into China. It was sold to SouFun Holdings in late 2010.[104] |
2006 | ![]() |
76.4% | The largest mobile operator in Hong Kong with 34% of the market in 2006. Telstra originally acquired 60% of CSL (the former Hong Kong Telecom's mobile arm) from Pacific Century Cyberworks, then the remaining 40%, before merging it with New World Mobility.[105] |
2008 | ![]() |
100% | Communications cable linking Sydney and Hawaii. The cable went live in October 2008,[106] with a capacity of 1.28 terabits per second in the future (currently at 80 gigabits per second.) |
2008 | ![]() |
>50% | Telstra acquired controlling stakes in the two businesses, Norstar Media and Autohome/PCPop, for an undisclosed amount.[107] |
2008 | ![]() |
>50% | See above |
2011 | ![]() |
100% | Integrated telepresence video conferencing solutions |
2011 | ![]() |
Joint Venture with tata group | Telstra expands global telepresence reach with partner Tata Communications[108] |
2011 | ![]() |
Joint venture with Microland | Licence for long distance and ISP data serivces in Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune[109] |
2011 | ![]() |
100% | Facilities Based Operator (FBO) licence allowing voice and data networks, systems and facilities. Also enables Telstra to build the local backbone required to support its plans for new cable submarine capacity to Singapore. |
2011 | ![]() |
100% | Own and operate large scale telecoms circuits and facilities in multiple cities and prefectures in Japan, along with products and services delivered over those facilities and networks. |
Sponsorship
Australia
Telstra and Nintendo Australia made a joint venture to establish Wireless Wi-Fi Hotspots in restaurants around Australia so Nintendo DS users could connect to the internet to view HTTP/HTTPS pages on Nintendo's Nintendo DS Browser and Nintendo DS games that were Nintendo WFC enabled.[110]
Sport
Telstra is a major sponsor of the V8 Supercars car racing championship through its BigPond brand and directly sponsors the Sydney Telstra 500 event, the final round of the series held at Sydney Olympic Park.[111]
In the past, Telstra had naming rights to the Telstra Dome in Melbourne, but lost these rights to Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, on 1 March 2009.[112] Telstra is also the naming rights sponsor of the National Rugby League Premiership. Telstra is also the principal sponsor of Swimming Australia. They also sponsored the Minardi team for the 2002 F1 season, and the Rally Australia 2006 Championships.[113]
In addition to its professional sponsorship Telstra supports community and sporting groups through its Telstra Foundation.
New Zealand
Telstra also has the naming rights (under TelstraClear) for the TelstraClear Pacific events centre in Manukau City, New Zealand.[114][115]
Awards
Telstra sponsors numerous awards around Australia, including the Australian Business of the Year award, the MYOB Small Business Award, and the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA) which has become known as the Telstra Award.[116] Notable past winners include Vaxine,[117] APS Plastics,[118] and eWAY.[119]
WotNext
Telstra, in January 2007, launched WotNext, a video-publishing website. The website let users upload video content, which was sold to mobile users for A$1 - the money was divided between the uploader and Telstra, each receiving 50 per cent.[120] The website was shut down in December 2007 after a media backlash over uploaded semi-pornographic videos.[citation needed]
References
- ^ O'Leary, Grahame (15 September 2003). Telstra Sale: Background and Chronology (Report). Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
{{cite report}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
and|year=
(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ a b c d e Telstra (2012). Annual Report 2012 (Report). Telstra. p. 4–5,10.
- ^ "The Telstra Story". Telstra. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
- ^ Information sources: OTC annual reports (Australian state and national libraries, OTC Australia Archive, Telstra Archive), OTC magazine Transit, (Australian state and national libraries, OTC Australia Archive, Telstra Archive).
- ^ "About Telstra FAQ". telstra.com. Retrieved 17 May 2011.
- ^ a b "Australia – Privatisation of Telstra".[dead link]
- ^ "About Telstra FAQ". telstra.com. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
- ^ Catalano, Christian; Grattan, Michelle; Gordon, Michael (18 August 2005). "Government's final share in Telstra". The Age. Melbourne.
- ^ "Australian Future Fund".
- ^ "Future Fund dumps $2.4 billion of Telstra shares".
- ^ "Separation Article". IntelligentInvestor.com.au.
- ^ "Separation coverage". BusinessSpectator.com.au.
- ^ Kitney, Damon (12 November 2010). "Thodey goes undercover to discover the real Telstra". The Australian. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ Bingemann, Mitchell (22 February 2011). "Fighting fund pays off". The Australian. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ "Presentation to Customer Service Summit, Melbourne - Jenny Young". Telstra.com.au. 8 October 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ Foo, Fran (8 November 2011). "Telstra bucks complaints trend". Australian IT.
- ^ a b "Telstra to expand online service and add more than 100 new stores". Telstra. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ Bettersby, Lucy (21 February 2011). "Telstra wants to get more customers online". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ Charis Palmer (6 February 2012). "Self-service makes Sensis". Technology Spectator. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ Durie, John (26 March 2011). "Telstra goes back for its future". The Australian. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ Schenkel, Gerd (19 April 2011). "The new face of telstra.com". Telstra Exchange. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ "Telstra turns to crowd-sourced support, launches CrowdSupport". Itechreport.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ by Marketing ON 24 January 2012 (24 January 2012). "Optus follows Telstra into customer service crowdsourcing | Marketing magazine". Marketingmag.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Telstra Crowdsupport - Telstra Crowdsupport. Crowdsupport.telstra.com.au. Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
- ^ Telstra Crowdsupport. YouTube (2013-04-23). Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
- ^ Lee, Tracy (17 August 2011). "Telstra reveals social networking strategy". The Australian. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ Australian Facebook Performance Report June 2013. Online Circle (2013-06-25). Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
- ^ Elsworth, Sophie (26 November 2012). "Shoppers put big demands on social media". News.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstra aims to close online gap with rivals". The Age. Melbourne. 30 September 2011.
- ^ Bingemann, Mitchell (20 February 2012). "Online sales bonanza clicks for Telstra". The Australian.
- ^ "Telstra's online self-service proves a hit with customers". The Sydney Morning Herald. 20 February 2012.
- ^ a b "Telstra aims for more digital transactions". Afr.com. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/download/document/tls884-telstra-retail-shareholder-information-meetings.pdf
- ^ "Say hello to the new mobile face of Telstra.com - Mobile, Website, Internet, Smartphone, Consumer | Telstra Exchange". Exchange.telstra.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstra preps My Telstra iPhone app". Itechreport.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Who wants to shop online? - Consumer, Goods, Services, 24 hours, Delivery | Telstra Exchange". Exchange.telstra.com.au. 14 November 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ Gee, Mike (31 July 2012). "Telstra launches 24x7 App on Facebook". ARN. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Come, join over..." Facebook. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/download/document/tls878-transcript-of-presentation-2013.pdf
- ^ Charis Palmer (9 February 2012). "Telstra details benefits of social media service strategy". Technology Spectator. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstra reports 26 per cent drop in customer complaints". CIO. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ http://telstra.com.au/business-enterprise/download/document/business-telstra-deloitte-digital-taking-leadership-in-a-digtal-economy.pdf
- ^ Telstra partners with PayPal for bill payments | Telstra Exchange. Exchange.telstra.com.au. Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
- ^ http://exchange.telstra.com.au/2013/06/18/your-new-and-improved-telstra-com-has-landed/
- ^ http://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Announcements/Log-in-to-My-Account-with-Facebook-is-here/ba-p/168598
- ^ Bingemann, Mitchell (17 September 2011). "Telstra's new $3m logo puts critics off colour". The Australian.
- ^ "Telstra shareholders approve NBN deal - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". Abc.net.au. 18 October 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "List of Telstra contracted companies that supply home phone lines". Telstra. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
- ^ Alberici, Emma (20 February 2006). "Telstra to cut number of pay phones". The 7.30 Report. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ a b "Telstra Reports 2 Million Hsdpa Subscribers". cellular-news. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
- ^ Barker, Garry (14 February 2007). "Telstra to make Next G biggest, fastest in world". Melbourne: The Age. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
- ^ "About Telstra – Fact Sheet – Mobiles". Archived from the original on 26 October 2007. Retrieved 11 April 2010.
- ^ "Telstraprepaidplus.com.au". Telstraprepaidplus.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
- ^ "GSM Roaming Australia".
- ^ "EDGE Databank".
- ^ "Next G at 42Mbps to be available in 100 regional towns". iTWire. 4 June 2010. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
- ^ Telstra announces ending of partnership with VHA Accessed: 27 January 2011
- ^ "Theaustralian.com.au". Theaustralian.com.au. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstra Wholesale Website".
- ^ "Telstra Wholesale Products and Solutions".
- ^ "Information on becoming a Telstra Wholesale customer".
- ^ "Telstra Wholesale Operational Support".
- ^ "Telstra Wholesale International".
- ^ "Telstra pressure increases as more ISPs join ADSL race". Whirlpool (website). 5 September 2000. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
- ^ "Telstra BigPond trials naked DSL". Ben Grubb, ZDNet.com.au. 2 June 2010. Archived from the original on 4 June 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Mobile Broadband Coverage". Telstra. Archived from the original on 23 January 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Telstra Wireless Hotspots". Telstra.com.au. Archived from the original on 28 December 2009. Retrieved 19 January 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Satellite plans and pricing". My.bigpond.com. Retrieved 19 January 2010.
- ^ "Annual Report 2007 – Full Year Results and Operations Review (Page 46)" (PDF).[dead link]
- ^ Korporaal, Glenda (27 November 2009). "ETS pushes Telstra issue to parliamentary backburner". The Australian. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
- ^ http://exchange.telstra.com.au/2012/04/17/mog-powered-by-telstra-a-massive-deal-for-music-lovers/
- ^ http://blog.mog.com/post.php?num=638184929
- ^ http://www.gamearena.com.au/downloads/details.php/13876 GameArena COGS Page
- ^ http://www.itwire.com/content/view/4702/127/ ITWire article on GameNow
- ^ http://pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php?id=976973335 PC World GameArena article
- ^ http://www.gamearena.com.au/getconnected/servers/ GameArena list of servers
- ^ "The Pond on Second Life". My.bigpond.com. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
- ^ Hearn, Louisa (17 November 2009). "BigPond pulls plug on Second Life". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 January 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Foxtel Summer Deal by Telstra". Foxtel.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
- ^ Sensis Pty Limited (2002-08-19). Pacific Access launches new corporate brand – Sensis[dead link]. Press release. Retrieved 8 March 2008.
- ^ "1234 - Standard mobile Services — Telstra". Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ Holt, Jacquelyn (13 November 2009). "Sensis denies database disaster – Software – News". Zdnet.com.au. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
- ^ Akhurst, Bruce (1 March 2011). "Sensis CEO Update, February 2010". Sensis. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
- ^ "Telstra unveils T Life Melbourne". cnet.com.au. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ "Meet Androidland: Australia opens "world-first" Android store in Melbourne". Apcmag.com. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
- ^ "Australia Telecom Revenue passes $40 billion". iTWire.com.
- ^ Lee, Tracy (5 May 2011). "Discounts extend Telstra's market share lead". theaustralia.com.au.
- ^ Labor network tender a farce: Minchin[dead link]
- ^ Telstra enters NBN race[dead link]
- ^ "Telstra's NBN bid rejected". news.com.au. 15 December 2008. Retrieved 15 December 2008. [dead link]
- ^ Martin, Peter (16 December 2008). "Telstra not beaten yet on broadband". The Age. Melbourne. Retrieved 16 December 2008.
- ^ "Telstra, Macarthur push Australian sharemarket down 2pc". The Australian. 16 December 2008. Retrieved 18 December 2008. [dead link]
- ^ a b NBN Co (23 June 2011), NBN Co and Telstra Sign Binding Definitive Agreements (PDF), NBN Co, retrieved 29 June 2011
{{citation}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
and|date=
(help) - ^ Bingemann, Mitchell; Hewett, Jennifer (21 June 2010), Telstra in $11bn NBN deal with Rudd government, The Australian, retrieved 27 April 2011
{{citation}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
and|date=
(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Hansard (16 May 2011), Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network (PDF), Parliament of Australia, p. 16, retrieved 31 May 2011
{{citation}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
and|date=
(help) - ^ Hansard (16 May 2011), Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network (PDF), Parliament of Australia, pp. 16, 31, retrieved 31 May 2011
{{citation}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
and|date=
(help) - ^ Jacob, Philip (18 October 2011). "Telstra shareholders vote yes on NBN | thetelegraph.com.au". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
- ^ Thodey takes Telstra's reins as Sol heads home Australian IT, 19 May 2009
- ^ "ABC.net.au". ABC.net.au. 15 October 2001. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Managed Hosting, Networks & Data Services | Telstra International". Telstra.co.uk. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
- ^ Taylor, Josh (11 July 2012). "TelstraClear sold to Vodafone NZ for NZ$840m". Zdnet. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ^ "About.sensis.com.au". About.sensis.com.au. 22 December 2005. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstra expects $US433 from SouFun sale". Sydney Morning Herald. 17 September 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ^ "CSL Corporate Profile". Hong Kong CSL (website).
- ^ Telstra Endeavour Live[dead link]
- ^ "No. 228 (27/06/08) – Telstra acquires majority stake in leading Chinese online advertising businesses". Telstra Corporation Ltd.
- ^ "Telstra expands global telepresence reach with Tata Communications". Telstra Corporation Ltd.
- ^ "Telstra expands in India with new telecoms licences". Telstra Corporation Ltd.
- ^ "Nintendo and Telstra double up for DS hotspots". pcworld.idg.com.au. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ Official Sponsors
- ^ Telstradome.com.au
- ^ "Telstra Rally Australia". worldrallychampionship.net. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
- ^ Robinson, Noel. "Welcome to Auckland South's Premier Event Centre". TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
- ^ "Sponsorship". TelstraClear. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
- ^ Department of Arts and Museums. "NT.gov.au". NT.gov.au. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstrabusinessawards.com". Telstrabusinessawards.com. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstrabusinessawards.com". Telstrabusinessawards.com. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Telstrabusinessawards.com". Telstrabusinessawards.com. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ Moses, Asher (5 December 2007). "What next? Smutty clips nobble Telstra's 'YouTube'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
and|date=
(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help)
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Use dmy dates from October 2012
- Companies listed on the Pink Sheets
- Companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange
- Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange
- Telecommunications companies of Australia
- Mobile phone companies of Australia
- Telstra
- Companies based in Melbourne
- Companies established in 1975