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.
I have been contacted by a Telstra representative and I must say I am very dissapointed by their answers and reply but not surprised.
I mean if you can offer the 12gig communication bundle elite plan what would be so hard about offering it with the 25gig, 50gig etc. I must say as a shareholder the way they do things and the way they treat their customers shows a total lack of respect to them and I certainly dont think they I will get the right value in returns from a company that is run in such an amatuerish manner.
I mean comeon I can do a better job than what I have seen been done by these people on big salaries who really dont seem to have a clue on how to grow the business and its bottom line and customer relations.
The reply I got from them makes me think that they have put it in the too hard basket where a 10 year old would have seen the logic and benefit in what I was saying.
David Thodey if you really want to do a great job its not really that hard start listening to your customers and stop wasting billions like yopur predessor like the purchase of the trading post and the new computer system that has cost you god know what that doesnt even work.
Remember without customers you have nothing and the way Telstra is going about it even if they ended up offering the lowest and best plans they will struggle to win back customers because we have been burnt with bad service and broken promises for way too long
Wake up before it is too late….Ben
Thanks for the reply (19 Nov) David,
There was talk of changing your tiering price structure a while back for broadband services to bring Bigpond pricing in line with the rest of the industry. Can you confirm or expand on the possible changes?
I honestly cannot see Bigpond being considered a value choice to the savvy Broadband customer until this takes place, and a lot of your customers are becoming savvy over time (most wanting to leave as soon as their 24 month contract runs out).
“At the end of the day” << (I hate that term, sorry), I think your average Joe Blow wants a good service and thinks that Telstra/Optus would provide the best service, but at the moment Optus wholesale (and their downstream providers) ADSL2+ particularly kills your pricing structure big time.
David,
I think the fact that you are opening up this forum and asking for an exhange of communication is a step in the right direction. I do appreciate that it is not always easy to engage with the consumer on the understanding that you will never be able to please everyone. That being said, I genuinely feel that Telstra has rested on its laurels for a long time and it’s great to see that you are opening the floor to us to tell you what we feel and hopefully you will take steps to apply the feedback and address our concerns. I do think that Telstra has become complacent in terms of customer service – from the bottom up and would certainly benefit from better call centre operations and customer service. Perhaps you could benefit from a call to St. George call centres…Thats where you SHOULD be…A very long way from where you are!
I also think that your new approach in areas such as IT Service Management, Cloud, Smart Electricity etc are all indicative of a change in attitudes and perception and I hope that this continues.
Best,
Leah
Hi
Just asking a simple question that no one at Telstra can answer:
I am annoyed that at my exchange for the past 5 years i have been told by Telstra that ADSL2+ is not availiable (albion Park NSW) then last year it suddenly became availiable BUT not to wholesalers only bigpond which is fine but the prices are ridiculous.
Weighing up my options i have considering: staying on my slow ADSL1, signing up to the OVERPRICED ADSL2+ or Wireless or Moving to another suburb just to get realistic ADSL2+.
Can you please let me know IF or WHEN wholesalers will be allowed at my exchange?????
Thanks for your time
Hi again David
I recently sent you an email but have not received a reply yet. I wanted you to read my posts and give me your opinion as I really am confused and disappointed by what Telstra are doing. I would at least appreciate if you could read below the post that I posted on whirlpool forum and tell me what I’m missing.
I look forward to your reply Ben
Nick I think that what you are saying does not make very good business sense.
I have been with telstra for well over 20 years as well as a shareholder. Now lets look at the picture here I can get the 12 gig elite comunication bundle for $118 a month only that would not suit my download needs.
Now if you were to offer the 50gig elite bundle @$169 a month that would mean an extra $1224 over the course of the contract now multiply that by the amount of people that would like to take up this plan and were are talking in the Millions of dollars for no extra cost to Telstra.
I always thought the basic thing with business was not only to increase your customer base but the really important one was to get the most spending out of your customer thats possible without increasing your cost.
Now I can take up this $118 communication bundle and to get the downloads I would like I can also take up the TPG $49.95 100gig download and I will actually save $2 dollars a month but increase my download from the 50gig that I think that you should be offering to 112gig a month. Which is the 12gig Telstra bundle and the 100gig TPG adsl2 offer.
I have cable so its not like I would have to have one or the other as I can have both cable with Telstra and adsl2 with TPG but really thats not what I would like to do. Also being a shareholder I would really like to spend the money in a company that I own a share of as small as it may be.
Now Nick tell me where and why what I”m saying is wrong and why I should stay with Telstra. I mean what is Telstra offering that would make it worth my while to stay with them. The days of Telstra being a monoply are long gone and if they want my business its up to you to offer something that not only suits my needs but also my budget.
The ball is in your court Nick (Telstra) you can offer what the customer wants and make more money or you can be like the dinosaur that will eventually be extinct because you allowed your customers to leave to other providers who were prepared to offer them the deals that suited them as well as the company. Like I said before Nick this is not rocket science but very basic business strategy which from what I have seen is lacking at Telstra.
I look forward to your reply Nick.
Hi Ben. I know that the CEO has seen your comment on this blog. We will be in touch soon with a response and some support. Thanks for the feedback – we do pay attention and are interested. Cheers Kristen
Mr Thodey
I would like to say that i had the best customer service today when i called to switch my services over to telstra from optus. the process was so quick it only took about 20 minutes, the lady i spoke to was from Melbourne in Burwood her emplyee number is D348969 , this young lady did not place me on hold not once and i had a lovely chat with her, she also explained everything in so much detail it was everything i needed to know, from charges,usage how to set up even to what my first bill was going to look like, she was great i am very impressed and excited to be with telstra.
don’t know how you can get the internet right when you can’t get phones right.
Colin, simple. Forty-year plus, sterling phone service. Internet dial up, progressing to fast Bigpond Cable Standard Liberty since inception without a care in the world – that’s how.
Hello KristenBoschma
Its now the 10th of January and still no reply is this the usual pace at Telstra?
Hi Ben
Rest assured your comment has been brought to the attention of the CEO. I’m sorry you are dissatisfied with the length of time it’s taken us to respond on this site.
Thank you for your feedback – I’ll follow up.
Kristen
Dear David … You state that ‘customer service is a high priority for you and every customer saved is worth money to Telstra’. I have been in contact with Telstra since the death of my husband in June 2007. I am trying to get the account into my name, which I have been assured has happened, but Telstra keep sending emails addressed to him. A recent email from Jemma D377308 advises that although the account is my name, my husband is still the lessee. I have provided letters, with copy of death certificate, numerous phone calls, etc. Can you assist me in this? I have kept a log and all copies, if you wish to view. Regards
It seems like the novelty has worn-off with the blog. How long before it goes down the “nowwearetalking” path?
Adam, Re:”It seems like the novelty has worn-off with the blog. How long before it goes down the “nowwearetalking” path?”
No it hasnt gone down that path yet. Better not either.!
But i do wish the Moderation would speed up 10fold or more. It just takes way too long, for posts to appear. Sometimes days, if a weekend is involved.. We Need fast moderation to keep the ideas and conversations flowing. Otherwise it becomes stagnant.
Someone should be available to keep the posts active over the weekend as well.
On the 3rd of November, Telstra launched a new set of mobile plans (Business plus plans). To demonstrate that Telstra still have no regard for their customers, these plans are only in something called the “old billing system” and as such are not supported by the online billing system. Wonderful. Telstra advises that the only way to check my usage of calls and data is to call 125-111 go on hold for however long and ask an operator for the usage volume. The IVR doesn’t seem to be able to provide me an automated balance either. All the while paying 25c for the privilege and losing 15mins of my time. So a complaint is logged but I have been advised that these plans have no planned migration timeframe to the “new billing system”, so the craziness will continue for a while yet.
As they say, actions speak louder than words. And Telstra’s actions continue to go against the grain of what Management is spruiking.
after spending weeks trying to resolve a adsl2 problem , and not getting anywhere except the asian call centre
i would suggest the CEO and management read the telstra mission statement
because at this stage it is a pack of lies ,every single point i can discount and dispute
almost ot hte point of fair trading should look at it as misleading marketing
the new telstra , IS VERY UN AUSTRALIAN
MY TOTAL MONTHLY SPEND WITH TELSTRA IS OVER 2 K PER MONTH
and so far i have wasted hous and hours of my time dealing with stupid mis informed call centre staff
i would have thought a 100k a year customer is worth looking after
SORRY TELSTRA , after 25yrs together it seems our relationship is dead
This blog site seems to be dead. I am still waiting for a reply and its now the 26th of January. Have a great Australia day to everyone.
I must say that I do not understand why they started this blog site for David Thodey when it seems that there is no reply forthcoming to peoples questions and concerns.
I suppose its not that surprising really considering how long you have to spend on the phone when you call Telstra customer service and then not even get any customer satisfaction.
Maybe I have to raise my questions at the next AGM as a Telstra shareholder I have that right. But would be better to get a response here as Im sure that is the reason they created this blog or is it just another misuse of shareholder funds.
All in all very disappointed with all this as Kristen Boschma keeps saying that I will get a response soon. I would like to know what soon means as it seems to be an eternity that I have been waiting. If I ran my business this way I do not have to tell you where my business would be and if I would have any customers left.
But I would like to thank Kristen Boschma as she has replied to me on here. It seems like she is the only one that is taking any notice of things here but I must say David Thodey must be on permanant leave or a very long holiday.
Sadly Ben does seem to have a legitimate complaint and his suggestions do make good sense.
The question posed by Ben is one of customer satisfaction and that is the very subject that has been raised by Mr Thodey as a target for Management action to improve this critical issue.
It may be inconvenient for Posts concerning criticism of Telstra to be received by The Exchange but I would have thought that this would afford Telstra a perfect opportunity to answer and rectify complaints.
As a person who has always been supportive of Telstra I do find it difficult to understand the reluctance of this Site to welcome constructive critism, and to reply to it with corrective and affirmative response.
Hear hear Sydney…
Good to see you’ve finally come around. After initally suggesting “Telstra exchange should only be for those who are from the Sydney Lawrence – God Bless Telstra camp”!
Now if only you could comprehend the rest, too? One step at a time, eh?
You may have noticed that I challenged your mate, over at ZD, to disprove my PSTN, access etc claims and of course, “he couldn’t”.
In fact he was so shattered by the truth and unable to disprove any of my claims, that he has actually given an undertaking never to comment at ZD again (but the word of some is obvioiusly questionable, lol)!
Anyway, hear hear again Sydney, you “almost” actually said a harsh word about the perfect company [sic]!
Can i make a suggestion….why is Telstra unable to offer a home phone/broadband bundle greater than 12GB…slowing to to 64KB is pointless….can I suggest a 25GB and 50GB. Can i also suggest you look at better pricing….you are miles behind the competition…..looking forward to your response.
Sydney Lawrence, Far from being “so shattered” I made the sensational discovery that Telstra is synonymous with Australian Communications, meaning that it is the good oil of our modern hi tech Telecommunications and Media Comms well being so that no matter how vigorously it is shook by the watered down talent. The Telstra good oil will always end on top. It’s a fait accomply. I rest my case. Hence, my intimation, Courtesy: zdnet. com.au, to let nature take it’s course on this subject. VIZ:
Australia Day Special and an opportune time to say..
Vasso Massonic — 26/01/10 (in reply to #320398401)
…no more zdnet.com.au in my diet (hopefully this will starve you of oxygen)
Two items of advice:
I….. You seem obsessed with Telstra, an appropriate antidote for your condition would be to buy some Telstra shares.
You can do no wrong. After all, in its global equities survey, Morgan Stanley’s Model Global Portfolio set on December 18, 2009 only five Australian shares were picked and Telstra Scored 1-5 = 3rd. Moreover, on the eve of Australia day the S&P/ASX 50 index of the top 50 Aussie shares, Telstra left the bunch of 9 winners in its wake with a 2.37% $0.08 price increase.
2… This year’s Australian of the year is an outstanding choice.
Farewell
I came across this while trying to work out how to make an EFFECTIVE complaint.
I live and work in rural Victoria. Our local exchange disintegrates on a fairly regular basis. All the locals have had to transfer their internet service away from Telstra – not only to get bigger, faster,and less expensive service, but so that they can still communicate with each other when the exchanges dies. (Mobile reception is getting better but is still not good)
Most recent example:
On Saturday Jan 23rd I had no dial tone – so reported it on my mobile. some testing was done and I was told that there was no fault but a technician would call by Thursday28th at the latest to fix it. (Interesting logic)
I rang my neighbour on the mobile to check if their service was also out. It was! and they had already reported it and had a diversion to their mobile in operation and the fault was to be repaired by monday 25th evening.
Later I received an email from a neighbour on the other side of the exchange – Her phone was also out. ( so much for no fault)
Yet another neighbour was told that the fault would be fixed the same day (sat23)
Normally when this occurs we get a SMS to let us know that the fault has been fixed so we can undivert our mobiles. I did not receive one and having no reason to speak again to any of my neighbours did not know that they had.
I rang the faults number again today at 9am to query progress and was told that the operator needed to speak with a consultant and would call me back in 20 minutes. (didnt happen) I ran again at 11am and was told by the automatic system that a fault had been reported. When I eventually got through to a human I was told that the fault would be fixed by 25thFEBRUARY!!!!! I asked for that advice in writing to be sent to my billing address. The operator refused to do so
I then rang my neighbours mobile. Their landline had been back in action since the 23rd and they received a SMS on the 25 to inform them.
IT APPEARS THAT THE LEFT ARM OF TELSTRA DOESNT KNOW WHAT ANY OF ITS OTHER LIMBS ARE DOING, AND THAT THE CUSTOMER FILES THE OPERATORS SUPPOSEDLY REFER TO ARE AT BEST MADE UP ON THE SPOT OR AT WORST ENTIRELY FICTITIOUS.
Its not good enough.
“It may be inconvenient for Posts concerning criticism of Telstra to be received by The Exchange but I would have thought that this would afford Telstra a perfect opportunity to answer and rectify complaints.
As a person who has always been supportive of Telstra I do find it difficult to understand the reluctance of this Site to welcome constructive critism, and to reply to it with corrective and affirmative response.”
Is that really you Sydney?
For once i am in wholehearted agreement with you. I too thought that this Blog/Forum/exchange , was in fact,going to be another tool for addressing Consumers concerns. It should be – and it would be – a sad missed opportunity, if Telstra ignored it. Email addresses are supplied, (though not published), so there is no reason why it couldnt be. I am not saying concerns should not be addressed through the proper channels, but this Blog could be another useful tool for those unable to rectify their problems via the proper channels.
While i am here, i might also say , i am dissapointed with local Telstra Shops attitudes towards customer concerns as well. No good asking them questions about anything or getting them to look at things. Seems all they want is Sales. Very little support provided for anything else. They just give you a Telstra Number to ring and/or Direct you to their in house Phone.
I find these outlets a missed opportunity for Customer Service as well. Shame at least one staffer couldnt be hired just as a CSO in some of the bigger Shops. Maybe transfer one out of the many Call Centres?
Vasso, it is a fact that Australia and Australians always punch above their weight. So it is with Telstra, as Robbie Stephens will learn as his disingenuous plan to disparage Australia’s Telstra proves a futile and abject failure.
It is true that my last Post did encourage Telstra to consider new thought processes that may be of assistance to bring the desire of Mr Thodey for improved customer relations to fruition. This is called constructive criticism and it is exceptionally encouraging that all Posts to The Exchange are freely published.
It is a measure of the genuineness of Telstra that such expressions are published and reflected upon. Momentous decisions and negotiations are now current between Government and Telstra which would demand total dominance of Mr Thodeys time the results of which will be critical for Telstra and the Australian Government.
When discussions are finalised it is to be hoped that a new era will begin for Telstra. One where the unfair and self-promoting agenda of Telstra opponents is no longer possible. Where Telstra is allowed to freely compete without blackmail and threat of Government sanction. And where Mr Thodey will have time to complete his mission to ensure Telstra remains Australia’s champion company.
Vasso’s not talking (corresponding) with me anymore, so he’s doing so through Sydney. Most adult Vasso, but as you wish!
Sydney, please tell Vasso (lol)… no he’s not shattered, he was just asked about 6 times at ZDNet… ok, cards on the table, no more names and unpleasantness Vasso, “if I am wrong with my claims of Telstra, PSTN access etc, simply disprove me”.
This time I offered to apologise (from ZD 25/1 – If I am wrong, rest assured I have no financial links and no reason to resist. As such, I will be the first to admit my error and apologise…).
Just like previously at NWAT, I offered to leave for good if a simple answer to another question, was able to be met.
But like last time, he just can’t answer/disprove me, because my facts are facts…So he has said farewell instead – how convenient. Commonsense dictates that someone so obviously Telstra biased, would “put me in my place” if he could… BUT HE CANNOT!
His disproved, amigo/NWAT rhetoric, which the new Telstra distances them self from is finished and rightly so. It was a part of Telstra’s dim, dark days, which they (and we all – except 3 or 4 shareholders, who just can’t accept they were misled and their portfolio bias, preyed upon) cherish the end of.
As for TLS shares, say what you will Vasso (oops, please relay to Vasso, Syd) but they finished at $3.32 today, just 2c up from where they were at the 1997 IPO.
So if you truly believe 2c in 12 years is a good ROI, perhaps you should have built a FTTN and we would have all lived happily ever after!
Oh Sydney, your broken record just keeps repeating, keeps repeating, keeps repeating. In typical Telstra fashion, you and Telstra are the record to the others Blu-ray!
A G A I N for about the 20th time, I am a Telstra customer x 5 (probably more than you)? You will note my position has never altered, because it is fact. Whereas you were, weren’t, are, aren’t a TLS shareholder, dependent upon the rhetoric required at any given time! Dear, dear, dear…
But if it helps you sleep at night and helps you believe your Telstra are perfect fairytale (or shareytale), please, continue to refer to me as a disparager, as a disparager, as a disparager (also give that needle a bump)!
Again I ask you Sydney – \why is it only Telstra stakeholders support Telstra\?
Also while you’re at it, since Vasso is unable, perhaps \you\ can disprove my facts, lol – same deal applies.
Good luck, you and your Solisms will need it!
Syd, I have been trying to view my Telstra bill(s) but cannot as the “my account page/site is temporarily down”.
Now ask Telstra if the site is down or check for yourself? The fact that I know this, must tell you… what?
And, I’m not saying this to “disparage Telstra”, I understand things like this happen, from time to time!
Sydney, what people should not lose sight of is the fact that Telstra, and hence our whole telecommunications infrastructure, has been subjected to extreme political interference over many years and what is being experienced now is a prelude of things to come. Revolution, the current catch cry of the powers that be, seems to be preferred to the stability of evolution.
Tasmania appears to be the template for the proposed National Network. The article in the SMH BusinessDay ( http://www.smh.com.au/business/small-towns-strike-up-the-broadband-20100131-n6jc.html) offers a mere glimpse of the hard yards ahead. What I find puzzling is the fact that – “90 per cent of the fibre will be strung on Aurora’s power poles” – Why bother? save the cost and go wireless.
Addendum: search for “Small towns strike up the broadband”
Paul, it is encouraging that you disclose the fact that for the first time you are in agreement with me.
Your sensible and excellent Post highlights the tremendous possibility that The Exchange presents to Telstra for the exchange of suggestions and information that could, if used correctly, be of great assistance to Mr Thodey for the successful implementation in his determination to make the Telstra customer relations supreme in Australia.
You are correct also, that naturally The Exchange would not be the first contact for Telstra customers who seek help. Settlement of problems must initially go through the present procedure where I am sure most problems would be solved. Where customers have exhausted normal avenues for satisfaction, The Exchange could become involved.
Paul your remarks concerning Telstra Shops are food for thought and from my experience I do think that training for Staff, in some cases, leave something to be desired. Telstra needs to identify those Staff who are enthusiastic in their job and genuine in their desire to see the company that employs them gives customers excellent service.
Robbie Stephens, you delight in E-Junk tirades and that is your privilege but I am certain Exchange forumites, who are endeavouring to resolve some important personal issues, are not the least interested in your Jihad with Sydney and I.
I have no idea what you are on about, suffice to say that what ever it is, I am not the least interested. I also reiterate that my iinvestment in Teltra is expendable and intended for the National Telecommunications Interest, come what may.
I am more concerned in the fact that in the Tasmanian Template for deploying the NBN, the modus operandi is “90 per cent of the fibre will be strung on Aurora’s power poles” at a time THE Royal Commission into Black Saturday has officially blamed power lines for starting the nation’s deadliest blaze.
Robbie, please be assured that while your correspondence is, at times, expressed with some anger and hostility I do believe that you have much to contribute to The Exchange and to those who wish Telstra well and success in the future.
As requested by ZDNet today could you and I have a cessation of hostilities, and together with others of goodwill, concentrate on suggestions that may be advantageous to Telstra and all Telstra customers.
Certainly Sydney, of course we can have a cessation! We always could.
All “you” have, or have ever had to do, to achieve cessation is, stop the broken record, disproved amigo lies. And blindly referring to loyal Telstra customers (such as me) as disparagers, lol (wasn’t Paul Grenfell a disparager too, not so long ago?) simply because we have a gripe. I will then have no reason to object/correct your always disproved, Solisms and incessant FUD.
Same goes for your mate Vasso…
So done from this end Sydney – is it a deal from your end too?… I bet if I go to ZD tomorrow you will be spreading the same portfolio driven rhetoric, still, lol? Anyway…
But no Sydney, it’s not just about what’s best for Telstra! That’s the problem and thank you for finally admitting our differences… You just said, all “you” are interested in is “what is best for Telstra” – simply because you are a TLS shareholder.
As such, you are not interested, as I am, in what is best for “Australia and all Australians”! You are selfishly interested only in Telstra (deserved or not) because “only Telstra will help your personal finances”. Isn’t that what I ahve said all along?
Sydney, read my lips – as a NON SHAREHOLDER IN ANY TELCO/ISP- all I want is what will be best for my family (kids and hopefully, future grand kids) as well as my fellow Aussies.
If what is best for all Australian’s is Telstra, great! After all, as well as being a disparager [sic], I am also a Telstra customer x 5 (and FYI the – my account site is again operational). But if what is best for Australia is not Telstra… well, bad luck for Telstra. They should have been proactive earlier!
I owe Telstra NOTHING…
The biggest difference between us Syd? No amount of TLS shares will blind “me” into saying otherwise!
Cessation successful… or is it… it’s up to you?
Robbie I agree with what you are saying and I am a Telstra shareholder. I really think that they need to open their eyes to whats happening here and start giving answers just as a common courtesy.
I am really getting very annoyed by the lack of interest shown by Telstra in something that they created so they can address customer concerns and complaints. I mean look how long it has been since I asked the questions that appear earlier on this blog and I am still waiting for a response.
I mean as a shareholder I would have thought that it would afford me a quicker response and a detailed reason why they cannot implement what I have suggested as I said previously all it would do is provide a greater revenue stream for Telstra and keep customers with them instead of searching for a better and more competitive deal which seem to be freely available with their competitors.
What do we have to do to get through to the right people here. I thought this was the reason they created this blog but sadly it looks as though we are talking to a brick wall for we are getting the same response as if we were talking to a brick wall, and with that I mean no response at all which is very frustrating and disappointing.
I have been in business most of my life and I always said that the customer came first no matter how big or small that customer account was. The power of word of mouth should never be underestimated as one unhappy customer can spread through to many and keep on multiplying.
So David Thodey the ball is in your court as you said that this site was created to do something well its about time you and Telstra started doing the right thing and backing up what you have been saying with serious ACTION.
Looking forward to maybe getting a reply to not only my posts but all the other people that have taken the time to post on this blog.
I have to say I find this “Telstra Exchange” a great source of entertainment .
1.) I must be having a lull in Technical problems with Telstra Services, and therefore at a loss to know what to do .
2.) There’s nothing on T.V.
I do feel something ominous brewing however, could this be the calm before the storm … I’ve begun having dreams of Kevin Rudd wearing a hardhat, with a shovel in his hands ?
Anthony, Please read today’s edition of the Australian Financial review.
The Telstra board have not been sitting on their hands amusing shareholders but dealing with the extreme political interference in their business, in an effort to safeguard Australia’s Telecommunication.
As a shareholder and concerned consumer, I thank them for their silent endeavours and wish them luck.
Regards
Ben,
Thanks for your comments and my apologies for the delay in responding.
I can understand your disappointment at not being able to connect to the new packages, it is definitely good value. Like any introduction of a new network, we need to select one city to start with and in this instance we selected Melbourne for a number of reasons.
Further updates regarding the possible upgrades of other cities can be found on our BigPond website at http://www.bigpond.com/internet/plans/cable.
I have sent you a formal letter in the post and I thank you for your contribution to the discussion on Telstra Exchange.
Regards
David
Thanks Ben.
Obviously you are one of the vast majority (all but 4 or 5) of the “fair dinkum, honest, deserving TLS shareholders”, whom I’m NORMALLY NOT referring to. The ones I hope and believe will soon see the fruits of the new (Thodey) Telstra’s, labour, with an NBN agreement and as a consequence, an ensuing rising share price (which has already begun, in anticipation!).
Although my comments are claimed to be “Telstra bashing” by some, I believe, it is only because those who are making these claims are so out of touch with reality, due to their own finances, that they simply will never accept that NO COMPANY, is perfect (including Telstra).
Unfortunately the previous management brainwashed them with “negativity” and as I said above “preyed upon their desperation in regards to heavy losses relating to their TLS shares”. Which is sad and unfortunate.
Thing is, although I berate some of these people, I still feel for them, particularly retirees. But when they continue the incessant Sol disproved negativity/us vs. them, at the expense of David’s, “let’s work and prosper together, as a nation”. Then refer to anyone who dares say anything remotely non-Telstra or supply them with facts to again disprove their rhetoric, as disparaging opponents, well…
Wake up guys…
Ben, as I have been saying for months. If all Telstra shareholders get behind the new Telstra and stop the FUD which made Telstra, I believe, one of the most despised companies in Australia – Telstra and their shareholders, will do well.
A classic oxymoron. The vast majority (all but 4 or 5) of the “fair dinkum, honest, deserving TLS shareholders / one of the most despised companies in Australia!
Shareholder (1 of 5)
Vasso Massonic says:
“Anthony, Please read today’s edition of the Australian Financial review.”
It’s a bit late now but I certainly will follow your recommendation and look up the info. Thankyou Vasso Massonic.
I’m not a Telstra Shareholder, but I have been a loyal customer for over 30 years.
Robbie Stephens says:
“Unfortunately the previous management brainwashed them with “negativity” and as I said above “preyed upon their desperation in regards to heavy losses relating to their TLS shares”. Which is sad and unfortunate.”
I can see a great change in the Telstra culture as a customer.
The former Telstra was as Robbie Stephens says, “at battle”, as I saw it; with everyone.
I must thank David Thodey for reading and posting here, it’s fantastic to see a strong hand being used wisely.
I also had the great pleasure of changing my Internet plan last week, online, with the support of one of the most professional customer support people I’ve ever had the pleasure to interact with. Not only did he recommend a better plan than I had found for myself, he made courtesy, plus a good knowledge of Telstra products paramount.
I’m just a small fry customer, I was treated with total respect and intelligence, I’ll email him and thank him as I feel customer support is maybe not an easy job, a thankyou is always appreciated.
To be told, “yes, that plan is available for your area, but there is a better more suitable one I feel” was such a great experience, and unexpected. Plus the transition of services happened flawlessly! The Times, they are a changing.
Oh hello Vasso, willing to correspond with me (well not so much correspond, rather make typical childish comments) here in safety, but not on neutral ground, lol!
Again disprove my comments on Telstra, PSTN access etc! You cannot can you, lol? Anyway-
Yes the vast majority of the good, honest TLS shareholders. Those apart from you and a few others gullibly duped by the previous management (even 30 year customer Anthony agrees) not the vast majority of Australians! You do understand Engllish, as well as that one Latin phrase you know?
And yes again, the most despised company in Australia (IMHO – going by the hundreds of negative comments daily in online forums, blogs, Whirlpool and even here in the safety zone)!
But thanks again for coming in right on cue – to prove that you, like your amigo hero, are strangely unable to conduct a positive debate! Never a nice word about anyone but Telstra and your shares!
Keep up the good work Mr Thodey and the shareprice will increase for those deserving shareholders. Yes it is sad that those 4 or 5 negative shareholders who care for no one but themselves and their money, will also benefit, but it’s like “friendly fire” it’s tragic but the way it sometimes, unfortunately is”!
Anthony, I concur with your discovery, something I experienced during my long association with our Telecommunications Icons and thus reiterate what I wrote earlier on …. “Forty-year plus, sterling phone service. Internet dial up, progressing to fast BigPond Cable Standard Liberty since inception without a care in the world….”
As one of Telstra’s longest-serving executives, Bruce Akhurst worked under four chief executives with vastly different styles, is reported to have said in the AFR’s Perspective February 6-7, 2010 …”Under David, we are all in this together. He is much more modest, and perhaps respectful in some ways. There is a lot more focus on the customers and the customer experience and trying to do the right by our customers”… Some very worthy words but I feel that the test of time for Telstra’s customers, workforce and its investors is about to be sorely tested and is squarely on the shoulders of David’s modus operandi. Utmost support by all concerned is therefore vital at this stage.
Anthony, thanks mate.
Looking forward to a good result tomorrow. I’ll miss the telecast, on Safari with our brand new great grandson but have full confidence in the Telstra Team.
Regards
I recently sent you a fax regarding the non-operation of my internet connection.
Finally a tech arrived and replaced a broken line. However the line is hanging out through the door and door frame across the path and onto the pavement.
Unless engineering standards have taken on third world characteristics I doubt if this is normal practice.
What is the problem? Have I not paid my bill? Am I located in some far-flung township in the outback? Am I in some sort of Bermuda triangle of lost Telstra customers?
In addition my original complaint has never been dealt with. If Telstra wants to operate the Comedy Club it should do so p-properly between 8-9pm on TV not 24hours a day at my expense.
Oh and my mate with Cancer who needs a secure line says thanks. When he laughs as he steps over the phone line to leave/enter the house it takes his mind off the cancer.
Please sort it out.
Desmond
And yes again, the most despised company in Australia (IMHO – going by the hundreds of negative comments daily in online forums, blogs, Whirlpool and even here in the safety zone)! ”
What utter garbage, the rags you refer to are frequented, predominantly, by anonymous contributors of dubious agendas. The sheer number (30,40,50 percent of the population) made up of Telstra customers, shareholders, and their family members, employees Etc, have no reason to mostly despise Telstra – dissatisfied, at times, perhaps which makes your utterance ludicrous.
To use your perennial mantra,….. disprove my comments on Telstra.
Re “frequented, predominantly, by anonymous contributors of dubious agendas.”
Thats not true Vasso.. Telstra ranks Number 4 out of 20 with the Member Users on WP.. They are Telstra Customers, not anonymous.
Not to mention a significant input by Telstra Shop staff.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1314811
I wouldn’t say its irrelevant or insignificant.
#1 Internode
#2 iiNet
#3 TPG Internet
#4 Telstra BigPond
Vasso 9/2 – “Looking forward to a good result tomorrow”, lol! Can you ever get anything right? Anyway…
Lol agai Vasso, who will not correspond with me on neutral ground, only from the “infinite safety and protection” from within Telstra Exchange).
I will do, what you are, and will forever be, unable to do to me and my factual claims. Disprove you and your shareytale nonsense. Quickly and easily.
I have already provided this for you in December, in relation to some of the reasons I claim Telstra to be the most despised company in Australia (despised simply because of the amigos and 4 or 5 foolish, mouthy shareholders – you being the self proclaimed #1 – but Sydney may disagree, lol). However as usual ignorance is bliss at the Massonic gingerbread, residence.
Again for you to simply ignore or pretend non-existent, an article where Telstra were asking for comments and got 502, in just a few days, “predominantly complaints”! Here –
http://www.news.com.au/business/telstra-calls-on-customers-for-help/comments-e6frfm1i-1225807534727
131 more here –
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/telstras-cash-for-comment/story-e6frf7jo-1225807500742
67 more here over a few days -
http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/memo-to-david-thodey-heres-what-your-telstra-customers-want-fixed/story-e6frg2qc-1225808266426
And do you know what? Not even one of them was from me… lol.
But you, the holy portfolio and those rose coloured glasses, with your 40 years of sterling service, are right and everyone else wrong [sic].
I agree with one thing you said Vasso. One of the “rags” (your words not mine) I referred to was Telstra Exchange, which I of course referred to as the “safety zone”.
So going by your own partial always sugary Telstra sychophantism, there is no doubt some here, certainly do have a dubious agenda. Thanks for the frank admission.
So who should we believe, almost 340,000 Whirlpool members, the vast majority of whom are educated and up to speed on comms.
Or…
Vasso and Sydney, two Telstra shareholders, who have large TLS losses and simply repeat disproved Solisms, which even Telstra now distance themself from.
Gee what a hard decision!
Paul, 4 out of 20 does not equate to “most despised company in Australia” merely, a preference for cheaper alternative. Ie, RR/VW
Old hat mate, we have been there and I proved the numbers do not stack up to your proclamation “most despised company in Australia”
Give up. I am enjoying the company of my GGS on safari.