Gadgets

Telstra Unveils The T-Hub… Does Anybody Want One?

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9:25AM October 29, 2009 | Nick Broughall

Telstra T-HubIf it wasn’t for the fact that I need a home phone line for ADSL (I can’t get Naked at my exchange), I would have dumped my home landline years ago. The T-Hub, which was shown off at the Telstra Investor Day yesterday and also popped up on their intranet, doesn’t really make me want to hang on to the legacy landline option…

The T-Hub is a device that connects your Telstra home phone and your Telstra Broadband wirelessly, and features a 7-inch LCD touchscreen that allows you to jump on board a whole heap of Sensis based services.

From the Telstra staff Intranet description:

Customers will be able to make calls easily scrolling through their contact list and pressing “Call”. Or if a plumber is needed, click to search Yellow Pages online and select the number to call. Enjoy the added convenience of sending SMS to mobile numbers on the Telstra network and to most Australian fixed numbers, or checking the weather forecast, or scheduling family events and appointments on the electronic calendar.

The memo also describes the T-Hub as a potential photo frame or internet radio player.

The device is supposed to be available in the “coming months”. But from reading through that description, there doesn’t seem to be any killer feature that my mobile phone or laptop can’t do just as easily. Although maybe if Telstra do follow through on their promise to drop pricing, it might come part of a bundle option? Would that sway opinions?

Comments

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  • Evan

    October 29, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    I think it has potential. Especially since the people who stick with Telstra are (according to my observations) luddites who find it easier to stick with a name they “trust” … some of which still call the company Telecom. I can see some of the older members of my family calling me, and if i tell them about something, or place. They can access their t-hub thingy without going through the standard “FrierFox… whats that?” dance. It all depends of how easy it is to use…

  • simon

    October 29, 2009 at 10:13 AM

    i like the idea. i dislike the company.

  • Ollie

    October 29, 2009 at 10:58 AM

    I think it’d look cool on the kitchen bench. I assume it’d work with Telstra as Carrier, Node as ISP.

  • Rei

    October 29, 2009 at 11:07 AM

    Poor Telstra. Everybody hates them. They just admitted to charging a bit too much. And even Telstra-users gets badged Luddites.

    Well, I’m with Telstra. And, as surprising as this sounds, I don’t destroy machinery as Luddites are wont to do. I have however been tolerating the prices of my communication services (ADSL2+, Telstra NextG, and to an extent Foxtel) because the services work. Thats right. They function as they should with a quality well above comparable services (at least in my experiences).

    And thats how communication should be—it should work. Like picking up a phone and dialling. Like playing Gears of War with dudes in Canada. Like d/l-ing Californication S03E5 in 5 minutes. Like 3G connection when I need it (so I can Twitter, you know). It just works Without having to adjust your settings to reduce jitter or latency-times. Without having to reset the modem every 2 days.

    While this device isn’t for me, it is another (good) channel to help the less tech-au-fait (read more Luddite-ish) swim over to the big(ger) pond.

  • Charles Kane

    October 29, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    Can’t resist. Internode is not the cheapest but is wayyy cheaper than anything comparable from Telstra. I’ve used ‘node for 4 or 5 years. For me everything has “just worked”.

    When I’ve needed them talking to their techs is like working with your expert mate.

    Their owner and CEO comments and answers questions (and the main staff) on Whirlpool. Not surprising that they are well liked – but they also spend their money on new tech, new connections to the US. I use a separate VOIP but nodephone also has a v good rep.

  • Arthur

    October 29, 2009 at 3:45 PM

    Telstra are trying to make wireless broadband more palatable for those sad souls who can’t get ADSL let alone ADSL2+ or Naked ADSL. Why is that? Because Telstra refuse to upgrade existing exchanges with modern equipment. Why do that when the NBN will do it for them in 10 years or so.

    Yes there are still large segments of Melbourne who have only dial up or wireless broadband, who you might ask? Try the electorate of the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, these sad souls have to put up with substandard services.

    • Ozzie

      April 26, 2010 at 12:17 PM

      Authur, Wake up mate! Where did get your information? You can get ADSL let alone ADSL2+ or Naked ADSL from Iprimus, iiNet or Optus if you wanted? You never will need Telstra. All of them are full service Telco and all you have to do it got their website say www. iinet.com.au and type if you current Landline and it will tell you if your local exchanges have DSLAM cards to do the ADSL or ADSL+ or Naked ADSL even ! So don’t go bragging that Telstra is waiting for NBN Co will do it for them in 10 years or so. I’m a Telstra Share holder and not a employee at all like Maso.

  • Brent Salzmann

    October 29, 2009 at 7:51 PM

    I would buy one as soon as they go on sale.Thats if they let current customers buy it

  • Peter J. Wilson

    November 19, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    My Wife is a mad keen Telstra nut. I’m still in trouble for selling our Telstra shares. She wanted to keep them out of loyality to Telstra. She will want your T-Hub for sure.

  • KARINA SILVA

    November 24, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    Why bother going to telstra. the company is
    http://www.openpeak.com

  • Ru12

    December 8, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    one of the many problems with Telstra is their lack of Customer Service. With all due respect, the training that the Indian CC operators get is lacking and their in-abilitly to understand is just riduculous.

    As for the T HUB – i think Inet beat them to the punch with their product called “BOB”. I would have gone down that road, except I couldnt get the right service in my area – yep thats right Telstra has the monopoloy on the area i am in

    • TP

      February 18, 2010 at 2:08 PM

      RU12, Telstra has a monopoly in your area because other ISP’s are too cheap to install their own DSLAMs. Telstra is required by law to provide access to the PSTN line and provide space within the exchange to allow them to install their equipment. If they chose not to, what is Telstra suposed to do?

  • TP

    February 18, 2010 at 2:09 PM

    I will also get one but will probably wait 12 – 18 months to make sure all the bugs are worked out first. Plus, like all such things, there will probably be an upgraded version 12 months from now, with extra features/abilities.

  • Kellee

    February 21, 2010 at 11:42 AM

    I think it will be released pretty soon…I just got invited to trial it for the next few weeks,
    It would be great for older people who dont want to spend tonnes of money on a computer but want the access to maps, youtube, news, weather, etc. Its kind of like a mini computer for them, and should be able to double as a digital photoframe when not in use. It sounds awesome, I’m very excited to be trialling it.Its like my iphone for the home phone!

  • Zeki DUGAN

    March 10, 2010 at 9:43 AM

    Telstra must provide a better service at a lower price instead of playing with gimmicks. Have a look here and see what we are paying compared (if comparable at all) to others. http://adsl-cable.net/guide/costs.html> Shame on Telstra and the Federal government!

  • Zeki DUGAN

    March 10, 2010 at 9:44 AM

    That link should be http://adsl-cable.net/guide/costs.html

  • Keta

    March 30, 2010 at 11:54 PM

    @Ru12 and I guess everyone else. I’ve worked for Telstra would like to reply to Ru12′s ‘Indian CC operators’ comment, Telstra has more call centres in Australia (only one outside of it) than any other provider so I find that very very funny. Also have you ever asked why Telstra is more expensive? maybe it could be that 24/7 tech support that no one else has, could be because they have coverage than anyone else, has more call centres, has more techs going out to customers, has more services than anyone else, could be they don’t charge you to reset your password, you can change your plan up or down every month when your still in contract, if you have additional usage charges and change to a capped plan we wipe those charges…… these are the things other companies don’t do that Telstra do, that’s why customer stay with Telstra – Bigpond get some facts about a company before you go slagging them off

  • UncaBou

    April 7, 2010 at 9:00 AM

    I attended the T hub launch at the George Street T [life] store yesterday. Arriving early I was fortunate to win a T hub. The reason I went to the launch was to learn more about the device. It sells outright for $299 but you can sign onto a 24 month contract paying $11pm with an upfront $35.
    I’m happy with the build of the touch panel and base station, however the plastic buttons on the hand set are too cheap for my likeing. I prefer the quality feel of my Panasonic 5.8GHz handsets.
    8 weeks ago and after about 20 years with Optus (for all services), I switched to Telstra. I came to this decision because I do believe they provide the best service quality for the money, at leat at this point in time and for my personal needs. During my visit to the George Street store, I had an opportunity to talk to the CEO of Telstra, David Thodey. I appreciated this as I’m a shareholder. He asked me what I thought of the T hub and as I explained I knew very little as my focus had been on Apple’s new iPad (the Apple Store is directly across the road in George St)however I could see there are some functionality the iPad and T hub have in common, such as browsing the web with a tablet feel.
    Setting the unit up last night was a breeze and done within 15 minutes including unpacking. I still need to familarise myself with the Telstra phone services (MyConnect etc) but at this point and in conclusion I think it wil be quite usefull to me and may even delay my decision to purchase an iPad, for a time.

  • Maso

    April 7, 2010 at 9:59 PM

    Working for BigPond, I have a fair bit of pride in the company. I have been a Telstra Mobile customer for 9-10 years, and as I recently got a place of my own now have a Telstra Landline, Mobile, Internet, and FOXTEL. And have no issues with the services at all. The only issue I have ever had was with my cable service when the cables in the pit were corroded, however one call to Technical Support, running throught he automated voice system, and speaking with an Offshore Tech Consultant (note, the only centre that is offshore is tech due to an industry partner selling this service), within less than 48 hours I had a Tech out at my residence, in the pit, and replacing the cables and the service was fixed.

    If you know who to call, and get your contacts right, you get the information you need. Not calling say sales for a Technical or Cancellation Enquiry because you think you will get through quicker. As a customer I have to follow the exact same steps as everyone else to get my issues fixed if I have them. I am unable to use my colleagues in my call centre due to Telstra Policy even though this would be alot easier for us, we are treated as equals as customers, no different to any of you.

    Before you call Telstra/BigPond Nextime, think about what you need out of the call. Internet plan, call bigpond, 13 7663 as advertised, prompts billing opt 3, 3, order opt 2, cancellation opt 3 opt 2. Calling Telstra, 13 22 00, use the automated voice prompts to get what you want. If you are having problems with your phoneline, say ‘fault’, if you are having problems with your bill, say ‘bill’. It is that simple.

    In regard to the THub, $299 outright, $11 a month w/ $35 upfront as mentioned by someone else. Functionality is good. I have personally used one. You do need a Telstra HomeLine, BigPond Broadband and My Inbox to be able to use this. Also need i think calling number display or one of the other HomeLine features. Yeah the look and feel of the unit are ‘plasticy’ as mentioned by someone else, however the functionality of this unit (eg. wireless phone therefore you can situate the handset unit/THUB unit whereever in the house you would like (within range)) and versatility of what it can/will do is well worth it in my opinion. Once this becomes available to staff (pending stock), I know I will be getting one.

  • Maso

    April 7, 2010 at 10:11 PM

    Also, in regard to product pricing, I have been a customer of other ISP’s, and found I did not get what I was paying for. Hidden Tarifs on one ISP for them having to use a Telstra Line, having one call my brother to remove me as an authorised rep for being a nuisance because they had placed him on incorrect plan but he was being charged for the one he requested, another attempting to ‘lure’ my services to them advising they were ‘selling telstra lines’ when really they were selling lines they rented from telstra under another ISP (even going as far as submitting an order).

    People complain that Telstra doesn’t update their infrastructure and this is why their providers cannot give them ADSL2+ or an ADSL service at all. A LOT of providers now have their own DSLAMS and alocated space at the exchange to install this, but they don’t do it, they prefer to rent Telstra Equipment as this is cheaper for them. Then when they can’t give you something, they advise you to contact Telstra who can’t legally do anything to assist you, but take their time to assist you with your enquires.

    Telstra may have a ‘monopoly’ as people have stated, however the hardware we have to provide HomeLines and ADSL Broadband are shared with all providers under agreements we have.

  • Suspicious

    April 8, 2010 at 10:57 AM

    Sounds to me like Maso is a Telstra employee. We all know Telstra is overpriced and old school.

  • Maso

    April 9, 2010 at 3:45 PM

    No suspicios, I just stated on my first post I work for bigpond for the fun of it

  • Maso

    April 9, 2010 at 6:16 PM

    As mentioned in my first post, ‘Working for BigPond’, yes I do work for the company, but I was a customer long before I was an employee.

  • ex Telstra business to business reseller

    April 14, 2010 at 9:04 AM

    Maso you work at the burwood call centre don’t you??

    No one there is helpful and the training is so poor for a multi million dollar company it makes me sick

    “I have a fair bit of pride in the company”- so your not ashamed to rip people off and provide little or no service???

    ex Telstra business to business reseller

  • ex Telstra business to business reseller

    April 14, 2010 at 9:06 AM

    and if I but this crap outright am I going to have to pay an extra “unlocking fee” if im not with Telstra..

    Thats what happened with my iphone- Telstra are the only ones who charge to unlock their phones – $150 and up… not cheap.

  • Brett K

    April 14, 2010 at 9:38 AM

    I must be very unlucky. I have yet to receive service from Telstra in the form some of your communicators suggest is available.
    I don’t care what gagetry Telstra unveils, behind it all will be hours of bickering and befuddling and call transfers from one person to the next with Telstra staff whose excuse will be that the product is only new and they are not fully trained yet to answer questions about the product.
    I’ll wait 12 months or more for problems to be ironed out.
    The biggest problem in dealing with Telstra is not the end result, its the complete lack of service and project cohesion in obtaining the product you want.
    It took Telstra six weeks before they finally got it right to organise my phone and internet bundle.

  • Greg Robertson

    April 16, 2010 at 4:45 PM

    I’d like one but why no support for .acc? What about a built in web cam?? Would be great for skype!

    • Ozzie

      April 26, 2010 at 12:30 PM

      Greg, There is a good reason for T-Hub not having a web Cam. Most PCs and Laptops have them now and also it will just cannibalise their MobileNet Video calls. Besides most Smart Mobile phone like HTC, Nokia E63 or Three Network INQ have Skype. Your are at home so your Desktop will most likely have a web Cam? Get one ,, they are so cheap now or get an iMac for $1559!
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