Telstra CEO David Thodey says the carrier is “disappointed” with its plans to force structural separation on the company, but is willing to discuss options.
He also linked the proposed reforms, announced by communications minister Stephen Conroy this morning, directly to a possible deal with t he government over the NBN project.
“It is Telstra's view that many aspects of this package are unnecessary and need never be implemented if a mutually acceptable outcome can be reached on the NBN,” he said.
“Telstra supports the government's NBN vision. We are willing to discuss options around separation.”
However, the incumbent was “disappointed the government has felt it necessary to introduce this legislation.”
He said Telstra would carefully examine the package over the coming days, but warned that its views “will continue to be driven first and foremost by the need to protect the interests of our shareholders.”
Telstra board and management had worked hard to make sure it understood the issues of separation and NBN.
“We are actively and constructively engaged with Government,” Thodey said.