Telstra

What Telstra does

Telstra Group Limited is Australia's largest telecommunications and information services company, founded in 1975 (originally as Telecom Australia), partially privatised in 1997, and listed on the ASX (ticker TLS) with headquarters in Melbourne. The company serves approximately 25.5 million retail mobile subscribers plus SMB, enterprise, and government customers across Australia and the broader Pacific (PNG, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu via Digicel Pacific). Core offerings include Telstra Mobile (postpaid, prepaid, mobile broadband), nbn home internet across multiple speed tiers, enterprise managed network and SD-WAN services, Fetch TV (51.4% owned), Telstra Energy, and the Telstra Plus loyalty program (3.5M+ members, powered by Mastercard).

The technical stack is anchored by Australia's most extensive mobile network (4G/5G covering 99.7% of the population), the proprietary Aura Network fiber backbone now integrated with Google's Tabua, Proa, and Bulikula submarine cables, 5G-Advanced standalone infrastructure (32% uplink speed boost to 682 Mb/s), and emerging direct-to-device satellite coverage via Starlink. AI/ML capabilities include an AI self-healing network (demonstrated at MWC 2026), quantum machine learning with Silicon Quantum Computing, knowledge-graph service orchestration, and MCP/A2A agent-based automation. A $700M AI joint venture with Accenture (announced February 2025) and a broader Connected Future 30 strategy underpin ongoing transformation.

Revenue is overwhelmingly recurring and subscription-based: H1 FY2026 revenue of AUD 11.8 billion was flat year-on-year, with mobile services generating AUD 5.8 billion (+3.6%) and net profit up 9.4% to AUD 1.1 billion on AUD 179 million of opex reduction. Pricing spans prepaid plans from AUD $5-$25, postpaid plans with EOFY discounts up to AUD $120, nbn plans with up to AUD $180 off, and device repayment terms of 12/24/36 months. Distribution combines direct-to-consumer (telstra.com.au, My Telstra app, retail stores), enterprise field sales, and value-brand resellers (Boost Mobile, Belong). FY26 EBITDA guidance has been narrowed to AUD 8.2-8.4 billion and the share buyback expanded to AUD 1.25 billion, signalling a capital-return-focused maturity phase offset by significant workforce reductions (~2,800 enterprise jobs, 209 AI JV roles, and 650 additional planned cuts).

Name

Telstra

Legal name

Telstra Group Limited

Website

https://telstra.com.au

Company type

Public

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Telstra Group Limited is Australia's largest telecommunications and information services company, operating mobile, fixed broadband, and enterprise networks for approximately 25.5 million consumer, SMB, enterprise, and government customers across Australia and the Pacific.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Telecommunications Services

NAICS

Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112), Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (5171), Wired Telecommunications Carriers (517111), Telecommunications (517)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812), Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813)

akta.pro primary industry

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Mobile Operators (HDAIAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Business/Enterprise Fixed Connectivity Providers (SME/Enterprise Broadband) (HDAIABAI), Mobile Roaming & Interconnect Services (roaming hubs, IREG/TADIG, clearing) (HDAIAEAE)

Keywords

• Mobile network services
• Home internet nbn
• Enterprise connectivity
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Digital identity verification

Headquarters

HQ city

Melbourne

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Mobile Services: Recurring subscription revenue from postpaid and prepaid mobile plans, generating $5.8 billion in H1 FY2026 with ARPU increases of 4.8% for post-paid and 14.7% for prepaid.
2. Home Internet (nbn): Recurring revenue from nbn home internet plans including fiber-to-the-premises upgrades, with promotional discounts of up to $180 over 6 months for EOFY sales.
3. Device Sales: Hardware sales including smartphones (Apple, Samsung, Google), tablets, and accessories on repayment plans or outright purchases.
4. Enterprise Services: Managed network services, connectivity solutions, and IT services for enterprise and government customers including the Bendigo Bank partnership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Telstra operates Australia's largest mobile and fixed-line telecommunications network, providing postpaid and prepaid mobile services, nbn-based home internet, and enterprise connectivity solutions to over 25.5 million subscribers. The company offers a digital identity verification service (ConnectID) in Telstra stores, satellite-to-mobile messaging via Starlink partnership for remote coverage, and the Mastercard-powered Telstra Plus loyalty program. Enterprise customers receive managed network services, the API-driven Adaptive Networks Centre, and quantum-enhanced predictive analytics through partnerships.

Product overview

Telstra is Australia's largest telecommunications company offering a comprehensive integrated product portfolio centered on mobile and fixed-line connectivity. The core offerings include Telstra Mobile (post-paid, pre-paid, and mobile broadband) and Telstra Home Internet via nbn and 5G. The entertainment layer includes Telstra TV (enhanced by the Fetch TV acquisition) for streaming services. Customer engagement is driven through Telstra Plus, a Mastercard-powered loyalty program offering rewards and points redemption. The My Telstra app serves as the unified digital interface for account management across all services. Supporting infrastructure includes the Aura Network fiber backbone and Telstra Smart Modem hardware. Satellite capabilities through Starlink partnership extend coverage to remote areas via Telstra Satellite Messaging. Enterprise customers are served through the Adaptive Networks Centre (API-driven connectivity) and B2B identity services like ConnectID. Telstra also offers energy services through Telstra Energy and operates value brand Belong for budget segments. A significant AI transformation initiative is underway through a $700M Accenture joint venture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Telstra Mobile Mobile voice, text, and data services including postpaid plans, prepaid options, and mobile broadband. Covers 99.7% of Australian population on Australia's largest mobile network with 4G and 5G coverage. Targets individual consumers and small businesses.
• Telstra Home Internet (nbn) Home broadband services delivered over the nbn network including various speed tiers from standard to Ultrafast (nbn 1000) and 5G Home Internet for eligible areas. Targets residential consumers.
• Telstra Pre-Paid Prepaid mobile and data plans for customers who prefer pay-as-you-go services. Includes eSIM options and various data inclusions starting from $15.
• Belong Telstra's low-cost value brand offering mobile and nbn plans at reduced prices. Targets budget-conscious consumers seeking Telstra network coverage at lower price points.
• Telstra Energy Energy services offered by Telstra, including electricity plans. Part of Telstra's strategy to bundle utilities with telecommunications services.
• Fetch TV Streaming platform providing access to streaming services and content. Acquired by Telstra as a 51.4% controlled subsidiary in 2022 to expand home entertainment offerings.
• Telstra Plus Points-based customer loyalty program powered by Mastercard Rewards Solutions. Offers rewards, discounts, movie tickets, concert pre-sale access, and points earning on eligible purchases. Over 3.5 million members.
• Telstra Satellite Messaging Satellite messaging service extending coverage to remote areas where mobile coverage is unavailable. Enables SMS, RCS, and iMessages via Starlink satellite network for eligible customers on supported devices.
• Adaptive Networks Centre Digital platform designed to simplify and enhance enterprise and business connectivity through API-driven services with a focus on reliability and security. Targets business customers seeking simplified network management.
• Enterprise Managed Services Managed network services, connectivity solutions, and IT services for enterprise and government customers. Includes dedicated account management, SD-WAN, and security services as exemplified by the Bendigo Bank 5-year partnership covering 2.9 million customers.
• Telstra Network APIs Network APIs including Number Verification and SIM Swap released on the GSMA Open Gateway / Aduna platform, designed to improve customer authentication, reduce fraud, and enable cross-industry digital identity and security services.
• Quantium Telstra Fraud Detection Cross-industry fraud detection service combining telecommunications network data with financial intelligence to identify money mule activity through behavioral pattern analysis. Offered to Australian banks including ANZ, NAB, and Westpac.
• Telstra International Wholesale International wholesale voice, mobile, and messaging services provided to international carrier customers globally, with infrastructure connecting Australia to Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and North America.
• 5G Slicing Proof-of-Value Engine 5G network slicing engine enabling enterprise customers to pay based on actual network performance against service-level agreements. World's first proof-of-value engine for 5G slicing.

Quantifiable outcome

• AI self-healing network reduced critical application recovery time from hours to minutes
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability9 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, innovation, flagship and minor.

• NaturgycoreOthers · 11 June 2026Telstra purchases 100% of capacity from Bundaberg solar plant (96MW) and 50% from Glenellen solar plant (260MW) under long-term PPAs, with Naturgy operating the facilities.
• ConnectID (Australian Payments Plus)innovationTechnology or Integration · 10 June 2026Digital identity verification solution launched nationally in Telstra stores, enabling customers to verify identity using their bank when signing up for mobile or internet services.
• Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC)innovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 June 202612-month collaboration applying quantum machine learning to telecommunications predictive analytics. SQC's 'Watermelon' quantum reservoir system trained AI models for network performance forecasting (latency, bandwidth) in days, matching deep learning accuracy that previously required weeks.
• GoogleflagshipTechnology or Integration · 2 June 2026Strategic fiber partnership integrating Telstra's Aura Network terrestrial fiber backbone with Google's international submarine cable systems (Tabua, Proa, Bulikula). Google gains access to Telstra's inter-city dark fiber capacity while Telstra receives subsea connectivity to Japan, Pacific Islands, and the United States. Partnership aims to enhance Australia's digital infrastructure for AI workloads.
• EricssonflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Collaboration on 6G research and development with engineers exchanging knowledge through visits to Ericsson's testbed in Sweden and Telstra's Innovation Centre on the Gold Coast. Focus on AI-native network capabilities and 3GPP standards development. Builds on existing 5G Radio Access Network partnership.
• VersentcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 May 2026Five-year AWS-Telstra-Versent partnership combining Versent's cloud and AI capabilities with AWS technology and Telstra connectivity for regulated workload offerings. Focused on AI-led cloud migrations, application modernization for agentic AI, and sovereign-by-design cloud solutions.
• MastercardcoreTechnology or Integration · 8 April 2026Telstra Plus loyalty program powered by Mastercard Rewards Solutions using Mastercard Rewards System as the underlying points engine. Program launched quickly and reached over 3.5 million members in Year 2 with 493% year-on-year redemption rate growth in FY21.
• CienacoreTechnology or Integration · 8 April 2026Telstra adopted Ciena's WaveLogic 6 modem, the world's fastest at 1.6 terabits per second, enabling transition from electrical to photonic systems for AI-driven network capacity.
• Bendigo BankcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 March 2026Five-year partnership for telecommunications services across Bendigo Bank's business and national retail network. Provides improved security, faster internet connections, and greater resilience for 2.9 million customers.
• Australian Banks (ANZ, NAB, Westpac)innovationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2026Cross-industry initiative using Quantium Telstra to detect money mule activity earlier by combining telecommunications network data with financial intelligence. Uses behavioral pattern analysis to identify accounts used to move illicit funds.
• Qualcomm CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2026Telstra joined a global 6G coalition with Qualcomm, spanning telecom, technology, and automotive sectors. Coalition targets pre-commercial 6G systems in 2028 and commercial deployments from 2029, with focus on AI-native 6G architecture across devices, networks, and cloud infrastructure.
• AdunacoreTechnology or Integration · 3 March 2026Joint venture between Ericsson and 12 leading telecom operators including Telstra to provide standardized network APIs globally. Telstra was first Australian telco to release CAMARA APIs (Number Verification and SIM Swap) on the Aduna platform for fraud prevention and authentication services.
• iBASISminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 February 2026Acquisition of Telstra International's wholesale voice, mobile, and messaging customer contracts completed on February 27, 2026, following regulatory approvals.
• AccenturecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 13 February 2026$700 million AI joint venture with Accenture announced in 2025 to improve business processes using advanced AI expertise. Partnership proceeding with restructuring including 209 job cuts as efficiencies are realized through AI deployment.
• Starlink (SpaceX)coreTechnology or Integration · 22 January 2026Partnership to deliver direct-to-device satellite services extending mobile coverage to underserved remote regions of Australia. Telstra partnered with Starlink to provide satellite phone services, competing with Optus in satellite offerings.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Optus (Singtel): Optus is the second-largest mobile and fixed-line carrier in Australia and Telstra's primary direct competitor across consumer, SMB, and enterprise segments. It competes head-to-head in 5G, mobile plans, nbn, and enterprise services.
• Rogers Communications: Rogers is a Canadian integrated wireless, cable, and media company with a similar mix of consumer mobile, fixed broadband, and enterprise services. Comparable in scale, MNO position, and ongoing 5G/network capex cycle.
• TPG Telecom: TPG Telecom (now operating Vodafone, TPG, and iiNet brands) is Australia's third major carrier, competing in mobile, fixed broadband, and enterprise. Direct overlap with Telstra Mobile, nbn, and consumer segments.
• Telstra Corporation Limited - Wholesale & International: Telstra's own wholesale/international arm (now partially divested to iBASIS) is the wholesale carrier counterpart to global tier-1 wholesale telcos, comparable in carrier services, roaming, and transit business.
• Telus Corporation: Telus is a Canadian integrated telecom with mobile, fixed, healthcare-tech, and enterprise services — directly comparable to Telstra's diversified portfolio, with similar investments in network APIs, IoT, and AI-driven operations.

Broad incumbents

• Vodafone Group: Vodafone is a global tier-1 telco with operations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its enterprise network services, carrier wholesale, and 5G investments are directly comparable to Telstra's international and enterprise operations.
• BCE Inc. (Bell Canada): BCE is the largest Canadian incumbent telco, comparable in scale, mobile market leadership, and integrated consumer/enterprise portfolio — competing with Telus and Rogers the same way Telstra competes with Optus.
• BT Group: BT Group is the UK incumbent telco with a comparable full-stack portfolio of consumer mobile/broadband, enterprise, and wholesale carrier services. Like Telstra, it operates a national fiber/mobile network, an enterprise division, and is investing in AI-driven network automation.
• Deutsche Telekom: Deutsche Telekom is a global tier-1 telco (T-Mobile parent) with similar integrated mobile, fixed, and enterprise operations across multiple geographies. Comparable in scale, MNO leadership, and B2B network services focus.
• NTT (Nippon Telegraph & Telephone): NTT operates one of the world's largest telecom and IT services businesses, comparable to Telstra in scale and breadth, with similar enterprise services, subsea cable assets, and international wholesale operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat8 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/telstra
• Xx.com/telstra
• Facebookfacebook.com/telstra24x7

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A24 records

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Telstra