Telstra 2003 Annual Report Download - page 24

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Telstra plays a critical role in influencing future communications technology, and is always looking
for innovative ideas. Broadband and wireless data products will drive the next wave of innovations
as they become an integral part of our daily lives.
To promote innovation and help move the Australian broadband market into its next phase of
growth, we launched the Telstra Broadband Fund. A total of up to $10 million is available for cash
grants and to administer the Fund, plus up to $20 million in non-cash grants of bandwidth allocations.
Telstra will also match industry contributions to the Fund of up to $15 million over five years.
We have a world-class research facility in Telstra Research Laboratories (TRL), where our leading experts
research, develop and evaluate new technologies to extend Telstra’s product and service offerings.
Looking to the future, we see a range of new applications, based on mobile data, interactive TV
and voice technology. Here are just a few of the products we are taking from concept to reality.
WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Telstra ‘Wireless Hotspots’ deliver high-speed internet
without wires.Recently launched in selected Qantas Club lounges and Rydges Hotels across Australia,
WLAN technology enables users to wirelessly connect to their existing home or office internet,
potentially at speeds as fast as a home broadband connection, all through their laptop or handheld
computer. Customers can charge their usage directly to their Telstra mobile phone accounts.
A number of shopping centres, hotels, conference centres and sporting clubs and venues are currently
considering installing WLAN technology as offered by Telstra. Through our global Wireless
Broadband Alliance, it is expected that eventually our customers will have access to a network
of around 26,000 ‘hotspots’ worldwide.
Lyrebird^Most people prefer to communicate by voice, and many companies, including Telstra, are
looking for interactive voice services that can improve customer service. Developed by TRL, Lyrebird is
a tool for developers to rapidly create and deploy complex and high quality natural
language speech
applications,which enable people to interact with a computer by speaking naturally. For example, to book
cinema tickets, instead of having to navigate through a complex menu structure
as you do today, you
would be able to phone and simply say to the computer: “I would like two tickets to see the new
James Bond film tonight at 7.30pm.” TRL are commercialising Lyrebird.
innovations
Telstra Research
Laboratories:
•Clayton and
Melbourne, Victoria
•Sydney,
New South Wales
•Launceston,
Tasmania
P.22
1993 2003
OUR DIGITAL GSM NETWORK WAS LAUNCHED
IN 1993, WITH 55% COVERAGE OF THE
POPULATION. IT WAS THE FIRST DIGITAL
NETWORK IN AUSTRALIA
WE CONTINUE TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
THROUGH NEW INNOVATIONS, SUCH AS
SMS FIND,A DEVELOPING LOCATION SERVICE