A new view on communications
Filed under: business, corporate, innovation, social media
Telstra CEO David Thodey explains why Telstra Exchange is more than just a blog.
Transcript:
Welcome to Telstra Exchange – our innovative new website where all Australians can exchange views about communications and technology.
Telstra Exchange is a blogging website… But it’s more than that. It’s a symbol, too, of our new approach to communications here at Telstra.
That means it’s a place for you to tell us how you feel, especially about innovation and technology.
- Which products and services make the biggest difference to your life?
- How can communications be used to make Australia a better place?
- What new products or services would you like to make your life simpler and easier?
These are some of the issues we’ll cover here in the coming months.
And your comments will help us plan for the future, and make decisions, that improve the types of products and services we offer all Australians.
That’s why we want to hear from you.
Telstra is a great Australian company – but we can do better by knowing what you want.
First, we need to listen …and Telstra Exchange is our listening post.
And now, it’s over to you.
Vasso and PRR how delightful, and encouraging, it is to see that this Telstra/Conroy embroglio is being understood by an increasing number of the Australian population.
The vicious and vindictive agenda of Mr Rudd to show his authority by the destruction of Telstra should be a wake-up call to all Australians. Mr Thodey and Team Telstra must act with firm vigilance.
As with all change there is danger, but there is also opportunity, and if a win win situation is to eventuate two things must happen. Firstly, Telstra must be compensated fully for any assets voluntarily sold or leased to NBNCo.
Secondly, at conclusion of negotiation and with full agreement of shareholders, the yoke of unfair regulation must cease and Telstra be allowed to compete freely, as would be expected in a free and open Australian competitive system.
Should Telstra shareholders not approve of any change in their present operations, then as would be expected in any democracy, Telsta must with exceptional vigor fully inform the Australian people of the threat and blackmail visited on Telstra by the Rudd Government.
Sydney, there you have it. Disrupt and destroy Telstra as a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one.
How will this give regional Australia a fair deal is a mere bagatelle old chap!
Xenophon backs Telstra split
AAP November 08, 2009 12:18pm
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INDEPENDENT senator Nick Xenophon says he backs a structural separation of communication giant Telstra as long as regional Australia gets a fair deal.
Senator Xenophon said the Telstra bill is the second largest piece of legislation that the senate will have to deal with after the emissions trading scheme in the final two sitting weeks of parliament this year that start in a week’s time.
“It’s going to be a hell of a two weeks given the amount of legislation the government wants to get through,” Senator Xenophon told Sky News….. continued Courtesy: AAP
When is the GOVERNMENT( Mr RUDD etc) other ISP’s and many other people goinng to wake up to the fact that SERVICE INDUSTRIES such as COMMUNICATIONS are different and MUST OPERATE DIFFERENTLY.
It is NOT a PRODUCT JUST TO BE SOLD!!!
It is a TWO WAY SERVICE.
Service such as communications is a two way operation. Customers obtain and send information to the network.
A SPLIT OPERATION would PROVIDE a MASSIVE BARRIER.
The problem is we have two groups of people around.
GROUP A is a lot of the politicians like the PM and many managers of Business, some who have degrees who think they know everything but NO UNDERSTANDING of anything.
GROUP B is what most technical staff Telecom/PMG/Telstra were like. They had an entrance exam that pick this method up of NOT RUSHING but thinking out what they did. Others did have this also. The advantage was the job was done RIGHT well before GROUP A at lower cost with the BEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.
We DO NOT WANT GROUP A people to RUIN AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS but they are trying. They are just looking at themselves and not the overall situation.
Many outside of the technical area DO NOT UNDERSTAND the problems that are just around the corner if we have the SPLIT situation that the PM is wanting. Limitations of the NBN MUST be addressed. We MUST NOT have people with limited technical understanding making the directions for the future alone. It must be a joint effort.
WAKEUP AUSTRALIUA.
Debating and passing two mammoth bills which could haunt us for decades, in a matter of two weeks during the silly season is sheer lunacy, to say the least.
I can assure the good Senator that the hell will extend to much, much more than two weeks
and reiterate…. “if the Senate pass the bogus legislation it will do a disservice to the company, its employees, customers, shareholders, retirement benefits funds, managed funds and our system of government.”
I take the liberty to share with Forumites my eleventh hour plea. Albeit, I am heartened by some kind words I received from Senator Ludlam from the Greens:
“On the balance of the evidence we received in the inquiry, should the Telstra Board remain in constructive negotiations with the government, and should our amendments be passed, there is no reason for Telstra shareholders to fear a risk to their investment.”
….. “the Telstra workforce and all participants in telecommunications markets. Read my comments here:”
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eca_ctte/tlaccs/report/d02.htm
Dear Senator Fielding,
I am terribly sorry to be a nuisance and taking up your time but since my last communication with your good self, you seem to be the last hope of millions of Australians who are dependent on Telstra for their well being: Telstra’s 30,000 workforce, millions of its consumers, millions who have invested in superannution, retirement nest eggs, and retail managed Funds. Lastly, but not least, 1.6 million direct investors who have lawfully acquired Telstra shares in good faith from our Federal Government.
The point of concern is the haste of passing the Telsta bill without due process. Also, debating and passing two mammoth bills which could haunt us for decades, in
a matter of two weeks during the silly season is sheer lunacy, to say the least.
Senator Nick Xenophon is reported to have already said that he backs a structural separation of Telstra as long as regional Australia gets a fair deal. “It’s going to be a hell of a two weeks given the amount of
legislation the government wants to get through.” So, there you have it. Disrupt and destroy Telstra as a means to an end; not necessarily a principled or ethical one and having our Senate relegated to a production line akin to a sausage factory.
Kind Regards
Vasso Massonic
@Vasso – you might be surprised to learn that I did that some time ago! And made a submission to the Senate Committee. I am not sure that your assumption that only the ‘converted’ place comments on this blog is correct.
@PRR – far from it mate, NWAT was hot: Korea, Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan all wrapped up in one, I hope we don’t revisit those theatres!
Senators Fielding, Ludlum, Xenophon, Joyce and others need to quickly realise that it’s not in their best political interests to support legislation that is never going to deliver what the Government is promising consumers, namely, cheaper prices and more competition.
You can be certain that the Rudd monopoly broadband network (Perhaps we should call it “iPMG2.0″) will not make one iota of difference in terms of creating competition – and it will force prices up.
Senators who support it do so at their peril.
I suspect it will be such a failure that if it does ever happen, Telstra will be able to pick up the assets for a song in a few years time when everyone realises exactly what a mistake it has been and what a dog they were sold by Optus, Rudd and Conroy. It’s obvious the next Liberal govt will have to clean up the economic mess left behind by Rudd and it may even have to beg Telstra to take it over. Competitors like Optus will look back with fondess at the great deal they had back in 2009, getting a subsidised ride on copper thanks to the ACCC and wish they could turn back the clock!
@Greg (10 Nov) – Senators Joyce and Fielding are smart enough to realise that Telstra is the only organisation with the required grunt and heavy lifting power to do the NBN Australia wide including the termite mounds in the channel country. They are caught, as a lot of us are, with the very bad taste in the mouth of the appalling trak record of customer non-service rampant in old Telstra. I am investing a lot of faith in David and his Team at NEW Telstra that they are able to break away from that and do what I know they can do – deliver mind blowing excellent customer service as well as Nobel Prize winning technical excellence and innovation. Government run and controlled companies simply don’t work, we all know that now and the reasons are very simple to see. The boy Minister is already out there trying to constrain the CEO of NBN Co on pricing!! Honestly! PMG/Telecom/Telstra was run as a Government company and the ‘culture’ within adapted to ‘harmonize’ with the Government/public service mentality – what choice did they have? Gloves are now off well and truly and NO excuses for Government mentality or remnants of it within Telstra – it will be like rust in a skyscraper – deadly and company destroying. So David MUST get rid of it and he must do it quickly and show us all that he has cleaned it out for good. Simple KPIs: Mind blowing customer service and Technical excellence – just two – how much simpler can it be? Do that and we will all cheer VERY loudly.
Subsidised ride thanks to the ACCC, multiple comments mimicking Sol and Phil, from bitter shareholders like Sydney and Vasso. Welcome to NWAT 3.
I hold Telstra shares and just about all my relatives and a lot of people I know hold them. Telstra is usually a hot topic for discussion among us and one thing we have wondered about is why very few journalists ever mention the Telstra situation as it exists with the government and ACCC (especially ABC TV). Why?
This situation is so far ‘out there’ that it should be attracting huge media coverage. Especially as this Government/Telstra situation is so vitally important to all Australians. It has far reaching ramifications for Australia which will be with us for a long time.
Labour broke its 2007 Federal election policy promise which states: “Labour will ensure that Telstra’s wholesale and retail functions are clearly distinct within the company” as Senator Minchin reminded the Senate recently. I have never heard this ever reported in the media.
Australians need to be accurately informed on what is going on and I have to lay most of the blame on Telstra for this not happening.
Telstra: you have 50% control of Foxtel. I have seen some terrible reporting on the Telstra situation there. You cannot even ensure accurate Telstra reporting on your own network!! Helen Daley is a disgrace – she appears to hate Telstra and will not allow anything good to be said about it on air – I have seen her stop guests commenting on the Telstra legislation more than once!
Telstra: it’s very late in the day, you have to get people accurately informed and real quickly.
At this stage the only one trying to inform Australia seems to be Vasso Masonic. If you didn’t have him standing up for you, you would have no one!
Stewart your reference to Vasso correctly reflects his years of robust defence of Telstra.
The delicate situation that exists at the moment, with serious negotiations continuing between Government and Telstra, will have enormous consequences for Telstra and indeed will determine the future path of this Australian Icon.
David Thodey’s intent to examine and execute his excellent plan to improve the very important relation quality between Telstra and customers must happen and will be eagerly anticipated by all who wish Telstra well.
Having the pleasurable experience of meeting David at the recent AGM I was impressed by his friendly disposition and encouraged by his steely determination that it was his intention to advance Telstra for the benefit of all Australians.
I do understand the desire of Telstra Exchange to receive correspondence concerning ideas to improve Telstra, but like Vasso after thirty years with Telstra have never had a problem. However, I will keep an eye out and report accordingly.
Stewart Moore, It’s been an almost five year battle with not so much as a dent. The anti-Telstra brotherhood is a tough nut to crack. To them, it does not matter who runs the show or the quality of service it provides. Telstra is akin to a red rag facing the brotherhood bull.
Governments of both persuasions have been well and truly conned by the aptly named rogue regulator who has been instrumental for the current disarray we find ourselves in. Instead of now celebrating the inauguration of a top class affordable Australia wide FTTN Network at no cost to taxpayers.
In my very long tenure in business administration, I developed a knack of spotting accidents waiting to happen. The Rudd Government’s current misadventure seems to me like one of those recipes.
For the sake of our national interest, I sincerely hope I am wrong.
Addendum. Stewart Moore, I invite your attention to the following Twisted Wire podcast:
http://www.zdnet.com.au/blogs/twisted-wire/soa/Can-the-Telco-Reform-Act-be-win-win-/0,2001103929,339299492,00.htm
1. I also will give both Vasso and Sydney credit for their dogged persistence in defending “their investment” in Telstra.
Whether that actually equates to defending Telstra, is another thing altogether.
2. Glad to see you are now praising Mr. Thodey too Sydney! As I have been for sometime…
Instead of bagging him (as you did on ZD when separation was first announced) and saying how “Sol would be sitting back laughing at him, because good guys get sand kicked in their faces”.
#2. pretty much proves the quandary of #1. doesn’t it?
Stewart seriously!
Why do you think out of 22 million Aussies, only one keeps flying the Telstra conspiracy flag, when not even Telstra support these crazy theories any longer.
A. Because these theories are, and always have been, WRONG!
Why is it only Vasso, you and a few other shareholders see the Howard government as – Telstra haters! The Rudd government – Telstra haters! The ACCC – Telstra haters! The press/media – Telstra haters! Anyone who isn’t sugary Telstra sycophantic in every comment – Telstra haters!
Really guys, listen to yourselves! What you claim simply isn’t possible. Two successive governments of completely opposing political ideologies, the ACCC, the media and primarily anyone who isn’t a direct TLS shareholder – all Telstra haters?
Put the portfolio to one side and ask yourself, why on earth would all these people bluntly hate Telstra?
A. They don’t!
So isn’t it time to join the rest of us here in reality, just as Telstra have done?
These conspiracies were simply a concocted ploy, by the previous, inept Telstra management (who apparently pulled a similar unsuccessful stunt in the US) to mount a mud slinging campaign against the ACCC, to bully them into raising access fees for Telstra’s wholesale customers (who by LAW, tested time and time again by Telstra, have every right to access the network)!
It was a ploy for short term profit (along with sacking 10 000 of our fellow Australians) and it backfired on the shareholders. Ironically, the only ones who made any gains were Sol and his buddies – the guys whose ridiculous conspiracies you still place on a pedestal!
If you doubt what I say, why did David Thodey close NWAT, the haven for all Telstra hating conspiracies and open a new Telstra listens blog? Think about it!
A. Because he isn’t interested in any more get rich quick plans, wants to distance himself and his company from such maniacal conspiracies and he wants Telstra and Australia to move forward and prosper together! Hear, hear, David Thodey!
I wonder if you guys will ever be switched on enough to get behind, instead of continually undermining him?
If not for the benefit of Telstra or even Australia, at least to benefit your shares!
As a shareholder and user I am still wondering why Telstra won’t allow tethering on iPhones – the latest release of iPhone software 3.1.2. has killed off any temporary fix. I hear rumours that Telstra will be releasing something via tTues on 3 December … 2009 or when?? its been months since the iPhone has been avaiable for use on the Telstra 3G network . We know tethering can be supported – we pay for the data usage anyway. It would just make our daily lives so much easier at no extra cost. So whats happening???
Vasso your referral to the Anti-Telstra brotherhood and their continual criticism of Telstra is correct, but I think the fundamental reason for their hostility should be explained and exposed.
In most cases it would be fair to say that the motivation for the criticism and attacks on Telstra is a desire to damage Telstra and, as a consequence, cause some advantage for Telstra opponents.
Constructive criticism would be welcomed by Telstra (as demonstrated by the construction of Telstra Exchange) but devious and disingenuous propaganda should be recognised for what it is.
Sydney, comming from Telstra opponents I fully understand and accept. Albeit, outside the bounds of proper trade practices….. BUT,
puzzled by classic empty words emanating from the Communications Minister.
“Announced by new Federal Communications Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, PIPE Networks’ cable will play a key role in the government’s plans for a national Fibre to the Node network.
“It has the potential to improve Australia’s internet transmission capacity and increase competition in the Australian telecommunications marketplace. This is great news for Australian internet users because the result will be faster and cheaper broadband,” Conroy said.
“As a firm believer in the value of competition in the telecommunications sector, it is great to see a smart, energetic Australian company doing so well and also having such ambitious plans for the future.”
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/100894,pipe-network-undersea-cable-to-boost-australian-broadband.aspx
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Fast forward November 2009:
Pipe Networks flog the network!
Conroy’s Pipe dream expands from $5.9 billion Fibre to the Node network TO $43 Billion Fibre to the home network
Amen.
As an Australian I am proud to have a big, strong, successful Australian company competing on the world stage against overseas multinationals.
At the moment Telstra is not doing so well at it (considering this is Australia, that is). They have only about a 42% share of mobiles and 45% share of internet in Australia. Now that’s a lot I know, but doesn’t it mean the overseas multinationals have about a 60% cut of the Australian market? And that 60% is mainly piggybacking on the Telstra network (thanks to Mr. Samuels).
Telstra has the smaller percentage of the market and the greater part of the investment obligations. And who can see Vodafone spending a few million to get service to a few farmers out the back of Bourke?
What I mean by all this is that the overseas multinationals are only here for the money. Telstra is here for Australians, and have been for 100 years – so what’s so wrong with having a solid Telstra?
If overseas companies want to invest in Australia and compete, go right ahead, you’re more than welcome.
A lot of Australians are proud of their reputation of cutting down the Tall Poppies (I have heard suggestions from overseas that it goes back to our convict heritage) therefore they should be proud of what they are doing to Telstra.
If these small minded Australians are successful in destroying our industry, our heritage, our culture, then I am sure we will be the worse for it as a country.
PS I didn’t think that mentioning Vasso Massonic’s name would attract such venom and spite! I won’t do it again. You’re on your own, Mr. Massonic!
Stewart, you must be wondering about the pathetic attempt to divide and rule, by a perennial mischievous individual bent on discrediting some shareholders.
I reiterate.
Vasso Massonic says:
10 Nov 2009 at 2:25 pm
@PRR – far from it mate, NWAT was hot: Korea, Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan all wrapped up in one, I hope we don’t revisit those theatres!
As the need for a NBN tightens its grip upon all Australians the need to understand this is a Technical Problem, and a Business problem, is central to solving any related instance of compliance to structuring and implimenting this cause.
Engineers can’t possibly be expected to design and implement a Network, at affordable prices, whilst Politicians and Businessmen with no knowledge of Advanced Electronic and Computer Engineering spout words so meaningless related only to the $$$ factors related to Politics/Business.
I feel pity for the once great “Telecom” and Military Engineers, their heritage plus advances been torn from them, a lot of whom went on to teach Advanced Technology in the field of Electronics and Computer Engineering to people like myself who have found as each day passes the World Wide Webs’ Internet just passes us by in Australia, and powermongers destroy any chance we had of being apart of the 21st Century, let alone anything greater than miners raping money from the soil . Raping money from Internet users seems the goal . Just as Clean Energy is failing to commence from any blueprint that honestly places a logic trail, so also to all aspects of Technology in this country. As long as big bucks can be harvested from the soil nothing will change, China grows, we all just sit and watch.
Senator Stephen Conroy, the PM Mr Rudd and the team behind them are preparing for the distruction of one of the best communications systems in the World and replacing it with one lower than a third world country.
They do not understand the problems they will cause.
I have been told how disgraceful the standards NOW in exchanges are. Some ISP’s just DO AS THEY WISH!!!
Also Telstra management is as bad by only looking at how many and quick a fault is cleared, NOT HOW GOOD IS WAS DONE.
It shows the TELSTRA management are BAD TOO.
Some faults will be that little bit more difficult to find and the one working on them should not be disadvantaged.
Telstra could of been the BEST in the WORLD in all aspects. They had the resources to have done it all.
The only problem was a small number of people without the skills who wanted to do everything, now we are paying for it.
Robbie Stephens, you’ve made me think about my motives in this Telstra debate and I hope this explains it.
My thoughts on what the Labour Party are doing:
To tell the truth, I am not certain if the Labour Party are on the right track with their intentions towards Telstra, but:
Labour promised not to split Telstra at the 2007 federal election.
Labour threatening Telstra with exclusion from 4G Spectrum license is not a good look.
Labour coercing Telstra to sell off Foxtel seems like blackmail (and I would like to know what Foxtel has to do with mobile/internet competition).
Introducing legislation to interfere with private companies introduces Sovereign risk in Australia. How is that going to play out?
Overseas multinationals have about 60% of mobiles and internet in Australia. So what is this thing about improving competition? Do they want Telstra to have a bigger share?
The following motivate my thoughts on the situation in general:
I’m very fond of Australia.
I’m keen to see Australia do well in the world.
I like to see Australian companies compete successfully in the world.
I like to invest in successful Australian companies.
Australia does best for its population with successful industry.
Telstra is a successful Australian company competing very well against all comers.
I want to see Telstra remain as a big, successful Australian company.
Now maybe the Labour Party want the same thing, BUT, Lindsay Tanner went on national TV (ABC, where else) and said they were going to deal with the “Big Telstra Gorilla”.
I do own Telstra shares but that is not the driving force in my concerns.
Robbie, could you please spell out what is right about the Telstra legislation so I can get an idea of what arguments there are for the split? I haven’t heard any logical ones yet.
I commented on the 12th putting out plea for rationality, in an attempt to overcome hatred, coming from a small band of TLS shareholders, simply due to the underperformance of their shares. Hatred aimed at others, because others aren’t financially motivated to praise Telstra 24/7, as these shareholders forever do!
But look, we have a new contender too, hi Stewart. Who says, …”60% is mainly piggybacking on the Telstra network (thanks to Mr. Samuels)”. Do you know or understand the LAW Stewart? Apparently not! Anyway…
Sadly following my plea, the two most ardent and blind portfolio driven Telstra supporters (the ones Mr. Thodey is trying to distance himself from and even closed down NWAT to do so) rather than heeding the call, responded generically, by typically referring to the anti-Telstra/Telstra haters. Dear oh dear!
Seriously, until you people actually realise you were wrong to back Sol and understand all you are doing is “whipping up Telstra disenchantment” through your always sugary Telstra FUD and out and out lies, the worst parts of NWAT will live and the new NWAL will falter. Not only that, but people will continue to dislike Telstra, when it’s really not always, in fact more often than not, deserved.
A G A I N … GET BEHIND MR. THODEY AND STOP UNDERMINING HIM WITH YOUR CONTINUAL TRUJILLO STUPIDITY! You are not helping the cause!
Robbie Stephens, you can add me to your list of contenders who have a concern about the treatment of Telstra.
When you get people (Ian Huntley) placing a full page add in the NSW Sunday papers expressing their concerns about the Labour Party’s actions against Telstra, that should ring alarm bells. Or possibly make people think about the situation anyway.
It certainly is a strange state of affairs you must admit. The Labour Party using legislation to advance their ambitions of building their own ‘Telstra’. And appearing to be using the same legislation to nobble the competition and acquire their property!
And it is true, I have not heard very much about this situation in the media. It is very quiet on the Western Front.
I would like this topic discussed on a wider front so we can all know what is going on.
Robbie please add me to your list of ‘contenders’ as well!!
I wish that someone would please tell me what is going on! Robbie, Mr. Thodey, anyone! What is Telstra’s view on this? If I knew I would maybe back them up but we’re in the dark here!
I’m a shareholder, a customer and a voter. I have a right to know.
I am still waiting to hear what the media has to say but maybe I missed it.
This does seem like a major issue to us so to make up our minds we need to know the facts.
Is there any chance of Telstra speaking up! Someone in there must know! Please let us know too.
I’m waiting to hear.
I have to laugh Stewart, when guys like you say …
“I do own Telstra shares but that is not the driving force in my concerns”…
Mate, we’ve heard it all before.
Both Sydney and Vasso, as TLS shareholders and against all rationality, have NEVER said even one harsh word against Telstra, while attacking their opponents (who they aren’t customers of and probably don’t even know) and everyone else who isn’t 100% sugary Telstra, daily.
Ironically like you, they also just happen to be Telstra shareholders, who claim not to be at all biased, lol…
Like you too, they also claim the pseudo patriotism! But when quizzed – “So why then do you not support 100% Aussie companies like Internode and TPG”? They start with the “incorrect and disproved leeches, lie” A G A I N, yawn!
Actually, Sydney was very coy and initially tried to hide the fact, by saying – “I don’t have any TLS shares, none, zero, zilch” were his exact words! But while technically, that may be true, he of course conveniently overlooks the wife’s 70 000, so…
I say sorry Stewart, no matter how much you may “think or even truly believe, TLS ownership doesn’t sway your views”, owning MUST and obviously does, impact your thought processes”. The fact that you still embrace the Trujillo blame the ACCC, while Telstra are distancing themselves from such rot at all costs, proves it!
Seriously, go down to the race track and pick a horse, and put $10-20 on him. Then tell me as he’s coming down the straight, you aren’t saying, “go, go”, because you want your horse to win, as it would be marginally, financially beneficial for you.
Now put that into context against a similar gamble on TLS shares, but instead of being just a mere and insignificant $10-20 gamble, it’s a $10K, $100K or $1m gamble!
Now are you seriously wanting us to believe that while you’ll cheer for $inister $ol to win a few measly $, you are blasé about the outcome of many, $1000’s and more, of TLS shares?
Yes well, you’ve convinced me… NOT!
As I said in my very first comment on NWAT, “sell the shares and smell the roses”!
RE: Thodey: NBN speeds a hard sell – zdnet.com
Regarding your comments on the uptake of ADSL2+ i need to ask David, are you really that out of touch of what Australians want?
People aren’t taking up 2+ because with Telstra it is simply overpriced.
With 2+ i could imagine all sorts of things.
Sharing my network with family (VPN)
more reliable VOIP
Higher quality streaming media.
Or just more users browsing at once.
The need for high speed internet is already upon us.
Telstra themselves are triaing the “T” box, will that not benefit?
Telstra’s primary mission is to grab dirty big fist fulls of cash.
Offering the best possible service to each customer comes way last.
I would believe you were trying if you called it a day for ADSL1 and flicked on 2+ for everyone.
The tech is already there, just needs to be enabled.
What are you waiting for?
Go make some customers happy!
Robbie Stephens: what is your beef about Telstra shareholders, eh???
Just because the Labour Government has trashed them you think that is fair and OK, do you???
I’m a Telstra shareholder.
Again, what is your beef about Telstra??? Spit it out!!
Tell us in 5 lines, don’t muck around with BS.
J. Lane 17/11 – …”Robbie Stephens, you can ADD ME TO YOUR LIST OF CONTENDERS who have a concern about the treatment of Telstra”…
Martha 17/11 – …”Robbie please ADD ME TO YOUR LIST OF ‘CONTENDERS’ as well”…!!
Gee, two totally separate posters, whose comments were both made yesterday but published today, with almost identical quotes (one comment seemingly, even leading from the other) and both ironically mentioning some fictitious contenders list, how utterly curiously, spooky, lol!
Dear oh dear…
But sorry, I don’t have a list of contenders. I do have an informal list of 3/4 portfolio driven, irrational TLS shareholders (seems obvious both these comments above, have come from one of them, as this has a distinct “floral shirt and bling” smell to it) who are so overcome by their share losses, they are clinging to a Trujillo past and refuse to see reality.
But if you still wish to be added to this list, cest la vie!
However, to be added, you’ll obviously need to supply your “actual name(s)”, lol!
My tip again is, get behind Mr. Thodey and forget the Trujillo history. And…
Robbie’s golden rule to understanding comms… “Sell the shares and smell the roses”!
Mr Thodey, happily I am the bearer of good news. Over the last few days my home has been without our dearly loved Bigpond and Foxtel. Those who do business, read Newspapers send E-Mails etc will understand the trial of being off the Net. Foxtel ditto.
Because of a glitch in the system we were off Line longer than was necessary and when Telstra realised what had happened their swift action to rectify was exceptional. Simon and Brad from Queensland were fine examples of enthusiastic Telstra employees and to all concerned, thanks and good work.
Would the Exchange be so kind as to allow me to ask a few questions which may be answered by “experts” and perhaps shed some light on the situation that exists between Government and Telstra.
Firstly, how can the ACCC (the defender of competition) allow the Government to use blackmail to force Telstra to sell to NBNCo, Telstra assets and to ban Telstra from competing with the NBNCo thereby making the NBNCo a Government monopoly.
Secondly, considering the Future Fund was very vocal when prompted by Government to use its large shareholding in Telstra to demand the sacking of Sol, why is the Future Fund not coming to the defence of their Telstra shareholding by demanding the Government stops this blackmail of Telstra.
Finally, as positive proof of the shocking Government blackmail of Telstra, why has the Government introduced the threat to block wireless spectrum to Telstra when this wireless spectrum has no association with the debate except to be used as the second gun held at Telstra’s head.
Add me on your list Robbie Stevens.
I’m not a happy camper. I don’t like buying shares around $5 then get through the Financial Crises OK then get smashed by K. Rudd and Co.
I’ve got more to do than put in a government that is going to ruin me. And probably the whole country.
Thank you everyone for your comments. David Thodey has kept a keen eye on this site and will periodically post responses. His comments tend to address the major themes that have emerged through your exchanges.
David won’t be responding every day (he has a big day job) so his responses won’t appear immediately below the original comment. You can see the particular person or comment he is responding to by clicking on the link up the top of David’s post.
Kristen
Mike,
Thanks for your comments – though I can’t say that I like them – but I do appreciate you telling us. I now have a challenge to see if we can change your mind over time.
Telstra is not perfect and we do have a long way to go in order to win back the trust and respect of our customers … but I am determined to get there.
There is no question that we do make mistakes but we also have a strong track record of investing in the technologies needed to build a more connected Australia. We are the one telecommunications company, with not just the capacity to invest in new technology, but the will and the track record. For example, in the five years to June 2009, 70% of all capital investment in the sector was made by Telstra despite the fact that we account for approx 60% of industry revenues. By contrast our competitors made 30% of industry investment despite having 40% of the overall market.
All the best,
David
You are on the list Bruno…
But to be honest and all sarcasm aside, I don’t really know if you have yet proven enough actual extreme irrationalism. It takes a special breed [sic] to be on that list, but as you wish.
FYI – (please ignore from…now) when Sol started, the TLS share price was over $5, but fell under his leadership to around $4.25 “in bumper times”, back when the old ords were at record highs.
TLS shares then fell further in just one day, because “TELSTRA SUBMITTED A NON-COMPLIANT NBN BID”. That’s Telstra’s fault no one else’s. The government rightly ousted them.
They also fell upon separation announcement, but bounced back entirely (1c less I believe) the very next trading day.
So if it makes you feel less guilty – go on, blame the government, ACCC, me, the Wiggles, whoever. Even though it’s not true.
But if you are suggesting a non compliant NBN bid from Telstra and only Telstra, should have been accepted, simply not to affect your shares, well…
It’s unanimous after all, you’ve certainly earned your list inclusion!
AGAIN – sell the shares and smell the roses.
Hubert (link to original comment),
Thanks for your support and I look forward to reading your contributions in future blogs. You are being heard.
I believe Telstra has a connection to Australia unlike any other company. We have a wonderful platform from which to grow, we have world class networks and wonderful people with deep skills and capabilities.
All the best,
David
Anthony (link to original comment),
I appreciate the frustration from some of our customers about the lack of detail surrounding the new pricing plans. As you will understand it is important we get the pricing right, so we are reviewing our approach and further details are imminent. We will announce the details as soon as we can.
All the best,
David
Brian (link to original comment),
Thanks for being a loyal customer over the past 44 years or so … we do appreciate it.
Our IT transformation was a once in 20 year investment and it has not only upgraded our operating support systems and business support systems but also simplified the number of IT systems for our staff.
We don’t offer a loyalty points system but we do offer our customers competitive bundling options for having multiple services with Telstra. Visit a Telstra Shop or visit our website for more details.
All the best,
David
Robert,
Thank you for your comments about tethering.
We are listening to our customers on this issue and, while I can’t provide any specific dates, we are working with Apple to enable tethering on the iPhone. I will keep everyone informed about our progress.
All the best,
David
I would like to second the request for visual voicemail on the iPhone. Vodafone already has this feature available in Australia.
David,
Great to see you working on tethering! The thing that worries me is that you will charge additional fees for tethering from the iPhone. I currently pay an additional $80 a month for 5GB of data. I should be able to use this in any way I like, whether on the iPhone or tethered to my laptop. Really 5GB is 5GB however it is used. I can understand how telcos who provide ‘unlimited’ data (like AT&T) wouldn’t want this tethering but as Telstra charge a ‘usage’ rate then it should be able to be used however we like. The advantage to Telstra is, if we tether then it is easier to use more and therefore pay more.
Cheers,
Cam
My Telstra account exec is sick of hearing from me about “tethering” – Apple’s fancy name for something I’ve been doing on my Nokia for years now! Just a shame the company I work for is too large for the ombudsman process. Next stop was the ACCC or Optus when the contracts expire.
I’ve already gone with a different provider for my latest fibre install by way of protest … can’t be working too hard – this feature has been out since June 26 or so. It will probably be time to replace my handset with an Android by the time this is fixed.
I just hope the Dec 3 rumour is on the money.
David
It all sounds good, but my experience with Telstra over the past 30 days has shown me that you can talk the talk, but cannot walk the talk. I purchased a Telstra MF 626 prepaid wireless modem 30 days ago. The device is faulty, I have called your company several times and spent hours turning on and off computers and reinstalling software. It is clearly not a software issue, it is a hardware fault. This morning I took the modem to 2 Telstra shops, neither could replace the faulty device as they do not have technicians to check that it is faulty. I then spent 4 hours on the phone to Telstra and was merely passed from one operator to the other, as none have the ability to replace a simple $130 device. How can you expect to retain customers when your organisation cannot resolve simple problems like mine?
Robbie Stephens,
I think it would be better if you forgot all about Sol and the ‘good ol days’, or maybe to you they were the ‘bad ol days’.
Those days are long gone and telecommunications has moved on since then. There are far more important goings on these days.
I don’t know if you have heard, but, the Labor Party have legislation in the Senate at the moment which has a great bearing on the future of Australian telecommunications.
As you can read in some of the previous posts, Telstra is up against a tyrannical Labor Government.
To name a few issues:
-They are forcing Telstra to separate.
-Forcing Telstra to sell of its 50% share in Foxtel.
-Excluding Telstra from bidding for future 4G spectrum.
-Labor want to build its own telco, then sell it off.
-Labor want Telstra’s infrastructure for its new telco.
-Labor want Telstra’s customers for its new telco.
All these issues have to be played out and maybe very soon.
We need to be looking to these issues for discussion and debate topics.
We need to forget about the share price, maybe you have shares and are concerned, but the best you can do is make the general public aware of all the issues.
Nice new site called Telstra Exchange. I’d just wish that you would put some money on the up-keep of physical Telstra Exchanges. The exchange at OXENFORD is way way over saturated with ADSL users, to the point that DSL here is congested to the point of \worse than dialup\. I know other exchanges suffer similar problems – not just mine, but I wonder why or how Telstra can justify selling an ADSL2+ product, when they have to cripple users like us to 3mbit.
Come on – upgrade your backhaul, before Telstra’s reputation for providing a world class network – sinks.
[...] are listening to our customers [about tethering],” he wrote on Telstra’s new Telstra Exchange blog. “While I can’t provide any specific dates, we are [...]
As a matter of interest Courtesy:
http://www.zdnet.com.au/insight/hardware/soa/Telstra-working-on-iPhone-tethering/0,139023759,339299633,00.htm
Howzat, Telstra’s new CEO at the coal face where it matters most.
Vasso Massoinic — 21/11/09
You ain’t seen nothing yet. Surely a new look for Australian Business Administration with a mingle of People Power. Thank you zdnet.com.au for embracing this achievement and to the magnificent Telstra Team.
Vasso Massonic
Shareholder and most ardent supporter of the Australian Icon, that is Telstra since its privatisation.
Craig, good thing you are not a Bigpond Cable customer, my cable modem resets itself on average once a day but some days as many as 15 times a day. The log files indicate an issue with a bad DHCP packet, and my IDS indicates that the modem has a DHCP vulnerability. All the Bigpond helpdesk can do is tell me to turn the modem and the computer off and back on again and send a tech out, who confirms there is no issue with the physical cable connection and closes the case. I can’t speak to a level 3 tech until I have had the level 2 tech out 3 times in 30 days.
As I have to stay home for half a day each time the tech comes out I can’t stay home 3 times in 30 days so the issue remains.
I am sure if I could give the level 3 tech the log files and have a chat with them the issue would be resolved for myself and all other customers but the smart people in India won’t let me do that and the level 2 tech has no way of contacting the L3 tech either so it just carries on.
It, like the NextG network is great when it works, but when it doesn’t it is very faulty towers.