Telstra connects Australians to the biggest night of the year

In an Australian first, Telstra has launched a free interactive Sydney New Year’s Eve app giving users the chance to take part in one of the world’s biggest interactive light shows and send celebratory messages to appear on the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons.

The app, developed in conjunction with the City of Sydney, will also allow users on any network to load 50 text messages prior to 6pm on New Year’s Eve which Telstra will then send out free of charge from midnight.

Telstra’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mark Buckman, said Telstra was proud to be sponsoring City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve event and delivering a number of new experiences for those at the event or tuning in around Australia.

“The app is designed to allow all Australians to connect to each other and the fireworks and light shows in Sydney,” Mr Buckman said.

“From Darwin to Darling Harbour, anyone with this app can preload 50 texts that we will send to their family and friends for free as they kick off the New Year.

“Revellers will also be able to ‘message the bridge’ and see their celebration message up in lights on the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons.

“Telstra will also present four ‘colour moments’ at 10:15pm, 11:00pm, 11:30pm and 11:45pm, when the app will automatically sync smartphones with a colourful light and fireworks show around the harbour. Their screens will light up with the colours and patterns of the show in the biggest lightshow Sydney has ever put on. 

“In another Australian first, we will be live streaming Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations on Telstra’s YouTube channel, taking the complete show to a global audience. Six cameras will capture all the action from 8pm until after the midnight fireworks.

“New Year’s Eve is a time for resolutions and celebrations with friends and family. Sharing messages with people we care about is a key component of any New Year’s Eve celebration so we wanted to make these connections easier than ever before – no matter which network you are on,” Mr Buckman said.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the free app would also provide venue capacity updates and other safety advice for people attending the event.

“With 50 text messages available through the app that Telstra will send for free, you can keep in touch with your friends and family this New Year’s Eve.

“Over one billion people watch Sydney New Year’s Eve in Australia and around the world, contributing $156 million to the local economy,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The free event for Sydneysiders is funded by the City of Sydney and sponsors, helping make Sydney the New Year’s Eve Capital of the World.”

Customers can download* the app on iTunes and Google Play.