Telstra Reports $2.4 Billion Profit Amid Network Outage Inquiry

Telstra reported a net profit of $2.4 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, marking a 2.7 percent increase despite flat revenue of $22.9 billion. The telecommunications company declared a total annual dividend of 21 cents per share and announced a second on-market share buyback of up to $1 billion.

Alongside the financial results, the company apologized for a major network outage in July that disabled approximately 45 percent of its network at its peak. Telstra attributed the failure to a combination of an undocumented network design change and a software update that had not been applied. This incident has triggered an inquiry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

CEO Vicki Brady emphasized the need for Australia to develop sovereign capabilities to participate in the digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence boom. While Brady stated the company intends to leverage these technologies in the national interest, she also acknowledged public concerns regarding the impact of AI on employment and society.