Get active... on broadband
Join the Telstra Active Supporters
Becoming a Telstra Active Supporter is your opportunity to join in and be active in Telstra's Broadband Australia Campaign to help Australia to lock in a strong economy - to boost productivity growth, and expand economic opportunity.
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Ring talkback radio
No matter where you live, there is likely to be talk back radio which is listened to by a very large number of people. These people are interested in issues and in being active participants in public debates.
Ring up and put your point of view about the impact of regulation on you as a Telstra supporter.
Tips for talkback radio - before you call:
- Have the radio station call number ready
- Find out about the show – find out which calls work and what the presenter likes.
- Prepare key points, but do not memorise them as you want to sound natural.
- Most stations prefer a land line and not a mobile phone.
- Turn off the radio – listen via your phone (you will not get on air if a radio is heard in the background).
- When you ring in, you will first speak to a producer who will want to know what you plan to say, and then you will either be placed on hold until there is a slot for you to speak or they might call you back. So stay focused – do not get caught daydreaming in the queue.
Tips for talkback radio - when on the air:
- Get to the point – you’ll have about 30 seconds on air. Let people know about the nowwearetalking website and tell people to sign up as a Telstra Active Supporter.
- Remember the person you are trying to convince is the listener, not the talkback host.
- If the presenter is being provocative don't bite back, that's their job and that is what they want you to do. Take a moment; think about the different ways you could reply and what would sound best for the listener.
- Keep it friendly. If you're polite even in the face of opposition or a guest who's being abusive, then you will come off better for not having risen to the bait.
- Don’t react by making negative or unduly personal comments about the host, guest or other individuals. What you say about someone on air, even in the heat of the moment, may be defamatory.
- Have one or two main points. Write them down have them in front of you when you call. Speak slowly and clearly. Being 'on air' can make some people nervous, which normally makes us speak faster than usual. Remember - slow it down.
- Try to relax and be natural. Do not think of it as an interview, but as a conversation. Think about the audience; who are your listeners at home, office workers, commuters, families, teenagers or retirees.
- Don't just let off steam. Give information so interested listeners can take action.
- Better still, tell all the fellow talkback radio listeners how they can be advocates for this issue by referring them to www.nowwearetalking.com.au and letting them know about Telstra Active Supporters.
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Write a Letter to the Editor
Write a Letter to the Editor to express your concerns and add your voice to the debate.
It can be as little as two or three sentences, or a paragraph, but keep it short and straight to the point.
Many people read Letters to the Editor, including politicians and key decision makers.
We've made it easy for you, providing quick links to major metro papers around Australia.
If your local paper is not listed, you'll find the mailing address, fax and email for "Letters to the Editor" on the letters page of most newspapers.
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Talk to family, friends and colleagues about broadband issues
Word of mouth is a powerful way of spreading a message.
One in every ten adult Australians owns Telstra shares so a number of people you know will have shareholdings affected by the adverse regulatory climate.
Tell others how to find out more about the issues and invite them to become Telstra Active Supporters.
The more people that join and get active, the greater chance we have of achieving high-speed broadband access across Australia. Send an email about Telstra Active Supporters to your friends and work mates.
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Set up a local supporters group
This is very much a grass roots campaign and we are keen to get people active at their local level.
We can arrange for our local Telstra representatives to keep you up to date with local issues, we can also let you know if a local group has already been established in your area.
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Organise a community meeting
Everyone has an interest in Telstra and the services it provides, even if they do not share your concerns about the impact of regulation.
Unlike our foreign competitors, Telstra has local representatives all around Australia who are happy to provide information sessions or simply talk to groups of their customers and would-be customers.
Often Telstra executives are available to talk to business or community groups. These meetings can be an effective way of getting the messages across.
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Involve influential community members
Often politicians are more responsive when issues are raised by people who have a high profile and considerable influence in the community, like the head of the your local Chamber of Commerce or the Mayor.
Talk or write to influential people in the community. If you can convince these people to be advocates for the cause, this builds momentum in the community and increases the likelihood of politicians engaging on the issue.
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Have your say in the discussion forum
If you use the internet, this is easy and can be done in your own time.
Posting your comments in the discussion forum provides you with access to a large audience.
Your postings can engender debate and discussion and get other people motivated to become active in support of the need for regulatory change.
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Authorised by L McGregor, Telstra Corporation Limited, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000