TelstraClear merges with Aussie parent?

[Updated]Just one line in a press release may have signalled an end to TelstraClear’s autonomous operation in New Zealand.

A statement announcing the first major restructure since Telstra CEO David Thodey took the reins in May this year includes the following reference to TelstraClear:

“Mr Thodey also said that Telstra would operate its New Zealand and Australian businesses as part of a single trans-Tasman market.”

But TelstraClear has rejected the suggestion that it is merging with its parent company and says there are no changes planned for the company. In an email to Telecommunications Review, communications manager Chris Mirams says it's business as usual.

“The statement refers to changes within Telstra, not TelstraClear," he writes.

"Telstra and TelstraClear have always had a strong relationship in trans Tasman business and that will not change. TelstraClear will look to build on that across the company where-ever it is possible and practical.”

Prior to his appointment to the top job at Telstra, Thodey was Chairman of TelstraClear. He is also an ex-pat Kiwi.

As part of the restructure a new international unit has been established, headed by Tarek Robbitati, which will bring together all of Telstra’s Asian assets.

“Asia is a very important market for Telstra and the creation of this new unit enables us to take a co-ordinated approach to our performance in one of the world’s fast-growing markets,” Mr Thodey said. In addition, Thodey announced the creation of two new product units for mobile and fixed line services, the consolidation of network, technology and IT functions and the creation of a new customer satisfaction, simplification and productivity unit.

An Operating Committee, comprising the heads to customer-facing and product units will meet weekly to focus on business performance.

But change is likely to mean further cuts to TelstraClear’s operation. Last week the company announced it was conducting a feasibility study into offshoring its customer service operations that currently take place in Kapiti and Christchurch to a contact centre in the Philippines.