Published on the 27/06/2012 | Written by Newsdesk
The Department of Human Services and Telstra have announced the signing of a new agreement worth $474 million that will see the telco build and manage a new unified communications network over the next five years…
Telstra beat out rivals Optus, Dimension Data and NEC to the deal that will see bespoke DHS networks replaced with a tailor-made “backbone collaborative network” that will allow for new IP telephony services, IP call centre services and video conferencing services for about 40,000 users.
Paul Geason, Group Managing Director, Telstra Enterprise & Government, said the agreement will deliver cost efficiencies and cost benefits leveraging advances in Telstra’s Next IP network, “providing the advanced security, reliability and low latency needed by the Department and its master programs delivering”.
“Providing a single end to end integrated communication platform allows the Department to offer the most efficient and effective cross agency communication,” Geason said.
“Telstra will not only roll out the new network but will also fully manage the entire platform for the Department, including the telephony, multi-channel contact centre and video conferencing services.”
Telstra says that it’s hoping the strategy adopted by the Department of Human Services to consolidate disparate networks into a single, fully managed, network platform will become a model for other agencies seeking to realize benefits and at the same time achieve cost savings.
“In the current economic climate, agencies are eager to deliver high value, efficient solutions to address the expectations of the Australian public. Telstra understands that, and, as in the case of DHS, stands ready to help as a trusted partner,” Geason said.
“This contract provides better services and greater access for some of our most disadvantaged citizens, as well as providing a boost for Australian industry,” Senator Kim Carr, minister for human services, said.
