Telstra Introduces Relief Measures Following Tsunami In South Asia
Published 12-29-04
Submitted by Telstra Corporation
SYDNEY - Australian telecommunications company, Telstra will provide assistance to its customers in Australia and in countries affected by Sunday's earthquake and tsunami as well as Australian aid agencies participating in the relief effort.
Telstra CEO Dr Ziggy Switkowski said today the measures were aimed at helping its customers communicate with loved ones as well as Australian aid agencies undertaking their work following the devastating tragedy this week.
"On behalf of all Telstra staff, I extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of this disaster and their families," he said.
Telstra announced that it would provide the following assistance:
for Australian non-government, not for profit organisations which are Telstra customers and are providing on the ground support in affected countries, Telstra will rebate for one month from December 26 all Telstra related fixed, mobile and internet telecommunications costs for communications between Australia and the affected countries;
for Telstra customers traveling in the affected countries who used a Telstra mobile to call relatives in Australia to advise them of their circumstances, Telstra will rebate the charges of calls made on their Telstra mobile from 12 noon AEDT on Sunday December 26 until midnight on Thursday December 30;
for Telstra customers in Australia using fixed or mobile phones to check on the well-being of immediate family members either traveling in or resident in one of the affected countries, such call charges will be rebated for the same period; and
a donation of $100,000 to be shared by Australian aid agencies participating in the relief effort (the split and organisations are to be determined by Telstra).
To apply for the rebate, eligible Telstra customers should contact Telstra on the telephone number to be advised on their next bill.
Telstra Media Contact:
Rod Bruem
Tel: 61 438 288 010
Telstra's national media inquiry line is 13 1639 (In Australia) and the Telstra Corporate Communications Centre is located at: www.telstra.com.au/communications/media
