Free calls to Türkiye and Syria

Like you, we’ve seen the devastating earthquakes that have affected Türkiye and Syria. We know that when the unthinkable happens, your first thoughts go to your loved ones.
Brad Whitcomb · 07 February 2023 · 2 minute read
A group of people looking at smartphones

Many with loved ones in Türkiye and Syria will be wanting to get in touch, to connect and get information on their condition. We don’t want you to have to worry about the cost of these calls.

From midnight on Tuesday, 7 February, we’ll be providing free calls to Türkiye and Syria. That way, you can get the information you need and have one less thing to worry about.

We're making calls – both from pre-paid and post-paid mobiles as well as home phones – to Türkiye or Syria free until 28 Feb.

Update, 28 Feb 2023: We have been closely monitoring the situation in Türkiye and Syria and we know how important it is to stay in touch. We have made the decision to extend free calls to Turkiye and Syria until 11:59pm AEDT on 31 March 2023. 

If your calls do not immediately go through, keep in mind that potential infrastructure damage in the region may be the cause.

We’re here to help if you have any questions, and we hope this helps in a small way.

 

Things you need to know

  • Customers on Telstra Pre-Paid need to have an active recharge on their account within its expiry period.
  • Depending on your account, some people may not see the free calls logged in their call records.
  • Free calls are from Australia only, and don’t include calls while roaming overseas.
  • Covers Consumer and Small Business services (includes Belong and Boost). 

By Brad Whitcomb

Group Executive, Telstra Consumer

Brad Whitcomb joined Telstra in January 2023, bringing extensive Australian and global experience across the telecommunications and technology sectors. As Telstra’s Group Executive, Consumer, Brad leads the team responsible for creating and delivering the best experiences possible for consumers and small business customers.

Across his career Brad has held a number of leadership positions spanning strategy, product development, marketing, sales, customer experience, and business transformation. Immediately before Telstra, he was at nbn™ Australia for eight years, in various leadership positions including Chief Customer Officer. His prior experience also includes two stints at Vodafone as Australian Chief Strategy and Business Transformation Officer and 11 years at Vodafone in both the US and Japan, spearheading corporate development projects and large transactions. Originally from the USA, Brad holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.