Telstra has won a $1.1 billion, six year contract to deliver telecommunications services to Defence.

Under the contract, Defence will aim to transform its current communications infrastructure into an integrated telecommunications framework, complete with satellite and tactical networks.

Defence’s Chief Information Officer, Dr Peter Lawrence, said the effort to transform the existing network was central to the Department’s wider strategic reforms.

“This partnership will deliver Defence with robust and secure information communications technology, while creating greater efficiencies and lower costs,” Dr Lawrence said. 
“The project includes a major transformation program of work and the ongoing sustainment of Defence’s telecommunications environment.” 

Telstra’s Chief Executive, David Thodey, said that the contract would see Telstra aim to deliver technology that will form the backbone of Australian Defence communications for the next decade and beyond.

“The agreement represents the largest customer undertaking in Telstra’s history and will support military operations at home and abroad.,” Mr Thodey said.

“We will create 350 new positions to help serve the contract, including recruiting some of the nation’s leading IT, network and security experts. “