Media Release, 29 October 2019

Game on: Xbox All Access exclusively launches in Australia with Telstra

Tuesday 29 October: Microsoft today announced Telstra as its exclusive Australian partner for the ‘Xbox All Access’ gaming package.

Available as a monthly package starting at $27/month over 24 months with no upfront costs*, Xbox All Access will open up gaming to more Australians. The offer includes an Xbox console, Xbox Games Pass Ultimate which includes all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, plus access to over 100 high-quality console and PC games.

Earlier this year Telstra launched new, simplified plans that give customers the ability to customise their home or mobile package with technology add-ons and subscriptions available on flexible terms. Xbox All Access is the latest entertainment option for Telstra customers to add to their plans.

Two-thirds of Australians now play video games and 91 per cent of households own a video gaming device, according to the latest research from Interactive Games & Entertainment Association.

Telstra Group Executive Consumer & Small Business Michael Ackland said a large number of Telstra’s customers are committed gamers, playing their favourite games on computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.

“We have proven success in bringing network-enabled entertainment experiences to our customers and we want the gaming experience on Telstra’s network to be the best. We have lowered the barrier to entry to great gaming experiences with Xbox All Access and as online mobile gaming matures, we expect to see an explosion of even more content from developers.

“Xbox All Access with Telstra will do for gaming what Netflix and Spotify did for the content streaming market. When we first introduced Telstra TV, more than half of our customers had never streamed TV shows or movies before. Today, we have around 1.5 million Telstra TVs in Aussie homes,” Mr Ackland said.

Telstra’s entry into the gaming category is the beginning of a longer-term strategy that will ultimately bring gaming to the mass market through exclusive partnerships, backed by the country’s favourite network. As 5G matures, it will open new ways for gamers to play online and multiplayer games, on the go, on their device.

When compared with 4G Telstra’s 5G network can deliver faster download speeds and lower latency, and combined with servers around the country, will play a big role in untethering the gaming experience in and out of the home. The 5G network is rolling out in selected areas now.

Telstra’s fixed network also plays a big role in the online gaming experience and there’s more to come. Next year Telstra will introduce a fixed broadband product that will help optimise customers’ gaming experience. This means improving online latency and prioritising gaming traffic in the home to help reduce lag and latency spikes – one of the biggest priorities for online gamers.

Looking forward as the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve from fixed hardware to gaming in the cloud, the importance of fast fixed and mobile network speeds and low latency is critical to customers getting the most out of their gaming experience. Telstra currently leads the industry in Australia on several measures across its mobile and fixed networks.**

“At Xbox we believe strongly in choice, so we are thrilled to be bringing Xbox All Access to Aussie gamers with Telstra. With no upfront cost and everything you need to get the most out of your console, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox All Access is a great way to get into gaming,” said Tania Chee, Xbox Business Lead ANZ.

At the global unveil 29 October, Microsoft announced its partnership with Telstra and Australia will be one of the first markets to launch Xbox All Access worldwide.

About Xbox All Access

Xbox All Access is available to Telstra’s post-paid customers. With Xbox All Access, you get an all-inclusive Xbox experience including:

  • Xbox One console
  • One Xbox Wireless Controller
  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership
    • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes access to over 100 great games on console and PC plus all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, including online multiplayer
  • Full-game download of Forza Horizon 4 and the LEGO® Speed Champions add-on included
    Players can buyout their hardware at any time and upgrade to Project Scarlett once it’s available. We will have more news to share on additional upgrade options in Australia in early 2020.

Customers can choose an Xbox One S package for $27/month (Min cost $648 when you stay connected for 24 months + your plan charges) or Xbox One X package for $38 per month (Min cost $912 when you stay connected for 24 months + your plan charges). For more information head to www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/xbox-all-access.

If customers decide to cancel their subscriptions they’ll only ever pay out their remaining hardware payments.

Telstra Plus customers who take up an Xbox All Access package are eligible for a bonus Xbox One Chat headset. To redeem visit www.telstra.com/rewardsstore.

Telstra confirmed the next key milestone under its T22 strategy would include a major revamp of its services for small business in January 2020.

 

-ends-

 

Media Contact: Steve Carey General Manager Media
M. +61 413 988 640
Media Contact: Matthew Wu Product and Technology PR Manager
M. +61 433 634 706
E: media@team.telstra.com
Media Reference: 126/2019

 

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Things to know: Telstra currently offers 5G in select areas and is progressively rolling it out to other areas. Check coverage at telstra.com/coverage.

 

Xbox All Access: Available to new and existing Telstra customers.  Prices vary by console. Monthly subscription includes Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass for PC.  The game catalogue varies over time. If you cancel your monthly subscription within the first 24 mths, you will need to pay out the remainder of your Xbox One console as a once-off payment. If you are converting your existing Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass membership(s), they will automatically convert to Ultimate at a conversion ratio.  Your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate token is included in the console box and must be redeemed to your Microsoft account to activate the service. After the first 24 months, you will roll over to a standalone Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription at the standard in market rate, currently $15.95 per month. Forza Horizon 4 game and LEGO® Speed Champions add-on digital download token included.  Game download requires significant storage.  Gameplay requires a suitable TV. Online play and access to games in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription requires a stable internet connection. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.