Telstra and Accenture have announced plans to establish a global joint venture (JV) aimed at accelerating Telstra’s data and AI transformation journey. The collaboration seeks to enhance Telstra’s network leadership, elevate customer experiences, and streamline operational efficiency.
The proposed JV will unite specialists from Telstra and Accenture’s Data & AI teams under joint global leadership. Building on Telstra’s achievements in creating a world-class data and AI ecosystem, the partnership will focus on modernizing data and AI platforms while embedding responsible AI principles throughout its operations.
Accenture’s $3 billion AI investment in cutting-edge assets, industry solutions, ventures, acquisitions, talent, and ecosystem partnerships will serve as a cornerstone for the JV. Telstra will also gain access to innovative AI advancements and expertise from Accenture’s Silicon Valley teams.
Driving Business Transformation with AI
The JV’s primary goal will be to revolutionize business processes through capabilities like agentic AI, enabling Telstra’s teams to work more effectively within intelligent AI ecosystems. By integrating specialized AI tools, the initiative aims to boost workforce efficiency, enhance data and AI fluency, and fast-track the development of future-ready skills.
Telstra employees from its core Data & AI workforce in Australia and India will be offered the opportunity to join the JV, ensuring continuity and expertise. At the conclusion of the proposed seven-year term, JV employees will have the option to rejoin Telstra. The collaboration is expected to streamline operations and drive significant advancements in Telstra’s data and AI initiatives.
Leadership Insights on the Joint Venture
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady emphasized the importance of leveraging Accenture’s expertise to scale AI responsibly and efficiently.
“We’ve made significant strides in our AI journey, with hundreds of impactful AI use cases across the business,” said Brady. “This includes generative AI tools such as AskTelstra and One Sentence Summary, which are empowering our teams to support customers more effectively.
“But our AI ambitions extend beyond tools; they align with our core mission of connecting Australia and the world. From self-healing networks to reinventing customer and employee experiences, AI will power a more connected future. This joint venture with Accenture will accelerate innovation by uniting the strengths of global leaders in the AI ecosystem.”
Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership.
“We are entering a new era of AI-driven reinvention. Companies worldwide are embracing technologies like agentic AI and generative AI to drive productivity and growth,” said Sweet. “This collaboration with Telstra will set new benchmarks for the telecom industry and reinforce Telstra’s position as an innovation leader.”
Streamlining Operations Through Strategic Consolidation
In alignment with its broader transformation strategy, Telstra plans to consolidate its vendor support from 18 data and AI providers to two JVs—Quantium Telstra and the proposed JV with Accenture. This strategic consolidation mirrors Telstra’s recent efforts within its Software Engineering & IT division, which streamlined operations by reducing over 400 vendors to two strategic partners.
Under the terms of the agreement, the JV will be 60% owned by Accenture and 40% by Telstra, with Telstra retaining control over its data and AI strategy and roadmap. The partnership aims to foster shared accountability and further accelerate Telstra’s data and AI journey.