Fed: Telstra tips 46 million texts on Christmas Day

AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2008
Fed: Telstra tips 46 million texts on Christmas Day

SYDNEY, Dec 22 AAP - Australians will spread festive cheer in record numbers this year,
with Telstra tipping its customers will send more than 46 million text messages on Christmas
Day.

The giant telco says its network will also handle more than 41 million phone calls,
plus 700,000 picture messages - up 40 per cent on last year.

"We're expecting more than 46 million text messages to be sent, a 35 per cent increase
over last Christmas and double the number sent on a normal day," Telstra consumer executive
director Jenny Young said on Monday.

Thousands of video calls to loved ones as they open presents and eat Christmas lunch
are also expected - but Ms Young warns people to remember they're being watched.

"While it's easier to share the spirit with video calling, remember it's harder to
hide your surprise when receiving the obligatory socks and handkerchiefs from loved ones,"

she said.

Telstra says more than 31 million mobile calls will be carried on its network on Christmas
Day, along with about 500,000 international calls to family and friends abroad.

Recommended international calling times (AEDT):

UK and Europe - before 8am or between 4pm and 6pm; avoid the busiest time of 6pm to midnight.

New Zealand - before 7am or between 1pm and 7pm; avoid 7am to 1pm.

Asia - before 7pm, avoid 7pm to midnight.

USA and Canada - before 8am or between 2pm and 6pm, avoid 8am to noon.

AAP evt/hn/jl

KEYWORD: XMAS PHONES

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