Suncorp returns to Telstra for mobile services

Suncorp has returned to Telstra to provide its mobile voice and data services over the next three years, after a brief stint with the incumbent telco's main rival, Optus.

Suncorp's group executive for business technology Jeff Smith said the decision to return to Telstra's services was based on the geographically diverse performance of the Telstra Next G network.

"As a service-based organisation, responsiveness regardless of geographical location is critical. The Telstra offering gives us the breadth of coverage, reliability and technological advancement we require," Smith said.

Telstra Enterprise and Government executive director Paul McManus told iTnews that Telstra would provide new wireless data cards, modems as well as a mixed fleet of BlackBerry Bold and iPhone 3G S smartphones.

He noted that only 45 percent of Suncorp's fleet were smartphones, while the rest were standard mobile phones.

"We will be working together to develop new mobile applications to improve service delivery," he said.

He said Telstra would further facilitate the bank's mobile ATMs over the Next G network, providing links back to the core network.