Telstra helps friends and family to check on loved ones in China and Burma
Media Release 16th May 2008
Telstra today announced an assistance package of free telephone calls for its residential customers wishing to check on friends and family who have braved the recent earthquake in the Sichuan Province in China.
Telstra also announced that it would extend its assistance package for those calling those affected by the recent cyclone in Burma (Myanmar).
From 12.00am on Saturday 17 May 2008 until midnight on Monday 26 May 2008, Telstra residential customers calling the Sichuan Province in China and the cyclone affected areas in Burma from their residential fixed-line telephone will do so free of charge.
"The earthquake in China and the cyclone in Burma have affected hundreds of thousands of people, many who may have family and friends in Australia," Maria Simpson, Telstra's Manager Community Investment said.
"To help those who are concerned about their friends and family in both the Sichuan Province of China and cyclone affected areas of Burma, Telstra is offering residential customers free fixed-line telephone calls to contact loved ones during this difficult time.
"Calls made to the Sichuan Province of China and Burma during this time will automatically be billed at zero.
"While communication lines are now open to both China and Burma, we encourage customers to be patient. Difficulties may still be experienced when trying to connect calls," Ms Simpson said.
Calls made to the affected areas will have the following prefixes: China: 0011 86-28; 0011 86-81; 0011 86-82; 0011 86-83 Burma: 0011 95
If by chance, a customer does find that they have been charged for a call from their residential fixed-line telephone during this time, they are encouraged to contact Telstra on the number that appears on the top of their bill to have the charges rebated.
Telstra is also supporting the efforts of a number of community organisations helping during these natural disasters. If you would like to make a donation to help provide valuable medicine, food, fresh water or shelter for those in need, please visit the Our Community donations website or the Red Cross website.