Telstra to introduce new ICT channel in small business revamp

Telstra has revamped its small business offerings with a handful of new products including a 24/7 IT support service, mobile plans and a new premium ICT channel.

The telco's new 24/7 IT advice and support service is called Telstra Platinum for Business and will provide small businesses with an on-call IT team to help advise and install new technology. The phone and online service will offer support and troubleshooting for a range of ICT services including hardware, software, apps, cloud and payment services including those from Telstra or third parties.

Starting on Boxing Day, Telstra will also offer a security service, which provides three security assessments, an annual health check report and updates on the latest threats.

The service costs $40 per month, or $60 per month with the added security service.

Telstra said it will also launch a new national premium ICT channel for small businesses early next year from new Telstra Business Technology Centres. The channel will operate in 28 regions nationally from Telstra's existing group of partners, who will provide personal and virtual account management for small business customers.

The company said that these business centres will help customers with tasks such as selling online, operating virtual teams and security data.

Telstra also wants to give its existing retail stores better capability to service small business customers by tripling the number of small business specialists in its 350 retail stores to 3000. These small business specialists will also be brought into Telstra's contact centres, and will be available on live chat as well.

The other new service is Concierge Tech Support, which comes with all Telstra broadband customers. It offers customers that are calling for help with an NBN or fixed line service issues with a dedicated expert to help quickly address the issue.

Telstra also introduced new mobile and tablet plans for small businesses with no lock-in contracts for the first time starting at $69 per month, as well as unlimited data broadband plans from $100 per month.

Chief executive Andy Penn said the revamped small business offerings marked the next stage of Telstra's T22 strategy, the controversial company-wide program implemented earlier this year in an effort to turn around the company's sinking earnings.

“Our new approach for small business is built around three things – flexibility to enable businesses to scale and choose what is right for them, greater cost certainty and value, and expert service and advice – all critical elements for success in today’s fast-paced business environment," Penn said.

“We know every small business is different – our job is to make sure we have leading solutions and services that are fit for purpose and what we’ve announced today does that.”