Telstra and Accenture Propose Joint Venture to Boost Data and AI Capabilities

Telstra and Accenture Propose Joint Venture to Boost Data and AI Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Telstra and Accenture have proposed a joint venture to accelerate Telstra’s data and AI initiatives, aiming to enhance network leadership, customer experience, and operational efficiency. The JV will combine resources from both companies to modernize Telstra’s data and AI infrastructure, implement agentic AI, and streamline key business processes. With access to Accenture’s $3 billion investment in AI technologies and partnerships, the collaboration will help Telstra drive innovation and scale AI responsibly. The venture, subject to employee consultations, will run for seven years, with Telstra retaining control over its data and AI strategy.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN, 15-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Telstra and Accenture have unveiled a proposal for a joint venture (JV) aimed at rapidly advancing Telstra’s data and AI initiatives. This collaboration is designed to enhance Telstra’s leadership in network services, elevate customer experiences, and optimize operational efficiency. The JV will bring together specialists from both Telstra and Accenture’s Data & AI teams to further develop Telstra’s world-class data and AI infrastructure, modernize its platforms, and integrate responsible AI into its operations.

As part of the agreement, Telstra will gain access to Accenture’s substantial $3 billion investment in AI, which includes resources in AI technology, industry solutions, talent, and partnerships with Silicon Valley innovators. This access will enable Telstra to harness cutting-edge AI capabilities and continue driving innovation across its network.

A central objective of the JV will be to transform Telstra’s business processes by introducing advanced AI tools, such as agentic AI, which will allow teams to work within intelligent AI ecosystems to improve key tasks and drive efficiency. The partnership will also focus on increasing AI fluency across the workforce and accelerating the development of critical skills for the future.

The proposed seven-year JV, subject to consultation with Telstra’s employees and unions, would see Telstra’s Data & AI workforce in Australia and India invited to join the venture. After the term, employees will be offered roles within Telstra. As the JV progresses, it is expected to streamline operations and expedite the execution of Telstra’s data and AI plans.

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady emphasized the importance of leveraging Accenture’s global expertise to scale AI in a responsible and rapid manner, ultimately enhancing Telstra’s customer experiences and network capabilities. “AI is integral to our vision of building resilient networks and reimagining customer experiences. This partnership will help us accelerate our AI-driven goals and connect Australians with the world more effectively,” she stated.

Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, expressed her excitement for the collaboration, noting that AI-driven reinvention is at the forefront of business transformation worldwide. “We are proud to support Telstra’s bold AI strategy, and we’re committed to helping the company set new standards in the telecom industry,” she said.

In line with these developments, Telstra plans to consolidate its vendor partnerships, reducing its reliance from 18 data and AI providers to two primary JVs—Quantium Telstra and the new venture with Accenture. This move aligns with Telstra’s broader strategy to streamline operations and deliver greater efficiency, following the consolidation of its Software Engineering & IT partners.

The proposed JV would be owned 60% by Accenture and 40% by Telstra, with Telstra maintaining control over its data and AI strategy, which the JV will help implement.

About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services – creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 799,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at accenture.com.

About Telstra
Telstra is Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company. We offer a full range of services and compete in all telecommunications markets in Australia, operating the largest mobile and wi-fi networks. Globally, we provide end-to-end solutions including managed network services, global connectivity, cloud, voice, colocation, conferencing and satellite solutions. We have licenses in Asia, Europe and the United States and offer access to more than 2,000 points of presence across the globe. For more information visit www.telstra.com

Media Contacts:

Kate Maher
Accenture
+61 405 778 205
kathryn.a.maher@accenture.com

Steve Carey
Telstra
+61 413 988 640
media@team.telstra.com

SOURCE: Accenture