Company Interview / Telstra dials up 5G plans after ringing in solid first half

Key points:

Telstra posts strong financial gains and ups shareholder rewards.Significant investment in 5G technology to enhance network capabilities.Facing enterprise challenges, Telstra commits to cost-cutting and strategic restructuring.

Telstra (ASX: TLS) sees a promising future with its strong financial results. Michael Ackland shares Telstra's impressive achievements, including a 6% increase in first-half EBITDA to $4.2 billion and a 7% jump in profits. The company declares a fully franked interim dividend of 9.5 cents per share.

Telstra launches a $750 million share buyback, signalling strong financial health and long-term confidence. Michael describes capital management as balanced, combining shareholder rewards with investing $800 million to upgrade the 5G mobile network, fostering future growth.

Michael highlights the transition to advanced 5G, addressing 3G network shutdown concerns. While encountering challenges in the enterprise sector, efforts focus on cost reductions and a strategic reset to bolster profitability. Telstra remains committed to providing superior technology and digital infrastructure to Australia.