Disaster relief
We're here to help
Find out what you need to do to prepare for and keep you connected through a major disaster event.
Preparing for a disaster event
In Australia, extreme weather events such as bushfires, cyclones and floods are becoming more frequent and more intense, so being prepared for a disaster is critical.
It's important to have an emergency plan and save key contact numbers in case you lose power and can't access your phone's contact list.
You may also consider having some portable equipment, like a satellite phone or alternative charger on hand if you live in a regional area or other location that’s prone to natural disasters.
Emergency links
Helping keep you connected during the disaster
Check for service outages in your area
Find information on network outages in your area and estimated fix times.
Free calls and Wi-Fi at our payphones
All calls from our payphones to standard local, national and mobile numbers in Australia are free.
You can also get free Wi-Fi at payphones equipped with free Telstra Wi-Fi.
Enable Wi-Fi calling
If the cellular network signal is down during a disaster, you can still use your mobile phone to make and receive calls and text messages, provided it supports Wi-Fi Calling.
Disaster support
Whether it's a temporary interruption to your service and you need immediate support or if you're recovering from a disaster, we can support you.
Immediate support during a disaster
To help you stay in touch if you've had to leave your premises due to a disaster, we'll give you:
- free call diversion from your home or business phone to another number
- free call diversion from your mobile phone, chat with us
- extra data for Pre-Paid, post-paid and Upfront mobile customers. (We'll send you an SMS to confirm if you're in an affected area and eligible.)
- billing and payment support.
Support during disaster recovery
If you've suffered severe damage or loss of your home or business premises and need to relocate, we can help keep you connected by:
- free call diversion from your home or business phone to another number
- covering the connection cost of a new phone service at your temporary address
- re-connecting your home or business phone at your original address
- billing and payment support.
Frequently asked questions
Disaster support is offered based on impacted locations. If you've got a mobile service with us, you'll receive an SMS advising you of your eligibility. Announcements are also made locally in impacted areas.
Chat with us or call us on 1800 888 888 and we'll connect you with Telstra Response Team who can offer you disaster support.
Contact us on 1800 888 888 to discuss other options.
Your mobile device must support VoLTE emergency calling to make an emergency call to 000 on our network. If your device does not support VoLTE emergency calling, you will not be able to make an emergency call to 000 on the Telstra Mobile Network. Find out how to enable VoLTE on your mobile phone.
Related links
Regional & Rural Australia
When you're living in some of Australia's most remote areas, staying connected can be a matter of life and death.
Priority Assistance
If you depend on a functioning home phone due to a life-threatening medical condition, we prioritise the repair.
Access for everyone
We're providing better access to information to consider flexible low-cost options for those who need it most.
Rather get in touch? Let's get you connected
Online help & support
Find answers to your frequently asked questions.
Chat now
If you have any questions, chat with us or call 1800 888 888.
Sign in to the My Telstra app
View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via chat and much more.
Multilingual support
Speak with us in your preferred language. We've got you covered.