Telecard Calling Card

Mr Fletcher asked the Minister representing the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, in writing, on 5 February 2013:

Has Telstra provided to the Government of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, an explanation of its plan to cease providing its Telecard Calling Card service (under which a person can call Australia from overseas at Australian call rates) from September 2013; if so, what explanation has Telstra provided; if not, will the Government seek an explanation from Telstra.

Mr Albanese: The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

I have been advised that Telstra has decided to discontinue its Telecard Service because the supplier which supports this platform will no longer be supporting and maintaining the system.

In November 2012, Telstra wrote to its existing Telecard customers announcing its decision to discontinue the service from 2 September 2013. It also advised customers that they could continue to use their Telecard, both in Australia and overseas until that date.

Telstra also advised its customers, that there are a number of alternative products and services for consumers wanting to make both domestic and international calls. These alternatives include :

a Telstra Pre or Post-Paid mobile service which is capable of international roaming (where needed) and a handset can be used overseas.

aPre-Paid PhoneAway service which allows customers to dial a special access number to then make calls within, or back to, Australia.

aAustralia Direct Reverse charge where customers call a toll-free number and can then make a reverse charge call to any Telstra number in Australia.

Local calling cards which are widely available in most overseas countries.

Telstra made the announcement of their decision early to give Telecard customers ample time to consider and move to their best alternative solution.