Australian telco, Telstra is expanding its presence overseas

Telstra will spend $350 million to acquire GP patient management software play MedicalDirector.

MedicalDirector is a software that provides electronic health records, patient and practice management.

Telstra will absorb the software which has about 23,000 clients into its digital health software segment Telstra Health.

Telstra Health chairman Brendon Riley said the takeover would strengthen its presence overseas.

Telstra expects the transaction to be completed by the end of September.

Just recently the telco giant made all payphones free!

Aussies can now use Telstra payphones for free to call any number locally or nationally.

The telecommunications giant made the announcement today and says the decision is aimed at helping those in crisis situations and boosting connectivity during the pandemic for people without access to a mobile.

Telstra CEO, Andrew Penn stated that the change means that everyone will have access to one of the network’s 15,000 payphones to make a free local or national call to a standard fixed line or a call to an Australian mobile.

“Telstra Payphones are now free phones for everyone to anywhere in Australia. They are an iconic and critical part of our community, and for many Australians, the availability of a payphone is a vital lifeline, especially for those who are vulnerable including the homeless, people who are isolated or someone escaping an unsafe situation.”

TELSTRA CEO ANDY PENN SAID IN A STATEMENT

International calls will still be charged at overseas rates

International and calls to premium and satellite numbers will still incur a cost, while Telstra Air remains free to eligible Telstra customers. Payphones will also become coinless from 1 October 2021 with Telstra Phonecards recommended for dialing international and premium numbers.