By Lilia Guan
8 May 2008 12:02PM
Tags: telstra | next

Australian telecommunciations provider, Telstra has been picked up as the Department of Defence’s (Chief Information Office Group - CIOG) sole supplier of its extensive and critical fixed voice, mobile and broadband requirements.

Telstra Enterprise and Government, group managing director, David Thodey, said this is a major win for Telstra as it represents the first time the Department of Defence (CIOG) has awarded all of its voice, mobiles and broadband communications requirements to a single supplier since the competitive market in telecommunications was established in 1997.

"This contract also represents a significant win back from a combination of providers, including SingTel Optus, Vodafone and AAPT,” he said.

Defence has one of the most geographically-diverse fixed voice networks in Australia and one of the largest mobile phone fleets in operation, with increasing focus on high-speed remote access with wireless broadband.

Telstra's Next G network will provide Defence with coverage across two million square kilometres.

“The ability of Telstra to take on the role of the Department CIOG's sole supplier of its voice, mobiles and broadband communications requirements will allow Defence to gain significant efficiency benefits,” said Thodey.

In addition Defence will be able to improve Service Delivery efficiencies by having Telstra provide all helpdesk activities associated with the tendered services, he claimed.