Telstra flays corporate customer group
Telstra has delivered a stinging attack on the Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG), an organisation which claims some of the largest corporate users of telecommunications services Down Under as members.
ATUG is a non-profit association formed in 1981 that lobbies for better telecommunications services on behalf of customers -- for example, active members include Alcoa, American Express, Coles Myer, Ford, Gibson Quai - AAS, the NSW Department of Commerce, Phillips Fox and Thiess.
But in a statement issued yesterday through Telstra's Now We Are Talking public relations Web site, Telstra claimed ATUG had lost its way.
"If ever you needed to find a reason why Australia's investment in telecommunications infrastructure is shamefully inadequate, then you need look no further than the organisation that purports to be the peak lobby group representing telecommunications users," Telstra wrote.
The Web site -- edited by Telstra public relations spokesperson Rod Bruem -- claimed ATUG had "drifted off course" since the group had achieved its initial aim of deregulation of Australia's telco sector.
"Proving the old saying that 'idle hands are the devil's tools,' ATUG has gradually morphed into a mouthpiece for SingTel Optus and other operators who rely on leaching on Telstra shareholders' investments and only care about creaming as much profits as they can in the big city markets."
Telstra particularly objected to what it saw as a conflict of interest between ATUG's role as a telco-customer broker and its role as "a player" in the media debate over telecommunications services.
"Despite the broker role of the ATUG and the broker disciplines that must be practiced by the leader of ATUG, its managing director [Rosemary Sinclair] continues to be highly visible in the media where she insists on being a player -- taking shots and sides," the telco said.
Telstra's statement came after ATUG issued a statement to the media last week saying in its view the government had the correct policy settings, funding program and regulatory approach to benefit Australia in the near term.
Telstra has consistently over the past 18 months been a critic of regulation in Australia's telecommunications sector.
ATUG has declined to comment on Telstra's allegations.
What do you think about Telstra's allegations? Fair enough or just fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD)? Drop me a line directly at renai.lemay@zdnet.com.au or post your comments below this article.