TelSoc is a leading industry association in Australia, providing valuable insights and news on the telecommunications sector.
The association was established in 1990, with the goal of promoting the development of telecommunications in Australia.
TelSoc's membership includes a diverse range of professionals, from academics to industry experts, all working together to advance the field.
This collaboration enables the sharing of knowledge and expertise, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Telecommunications in Australia
TelSoc's History
TelSoc was formed in July 2013 by the leadership group of the TSA, led by Professor Reg Coutts, after breaking away from the ACS-TSA.
The society was created to continue the traditions of the historical TSA.
The ACS refused to return the TSA's historic name or its Journal to the former TSA leadership members, forcing them to create new names for the society and its Journal.
TelSoc has continued to offer monthly lectures, special industry networking events, an informative website, and the quarterly online Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy (JTDE), successor to the Telecommunications Journal of Australia (TJA).
The JTDE is the industry's journal of record, and the back issues of the TJA are archived online by Swinburne University of Technology since it went online in November 2007.
Take a look at this: Telecommunications Industry Association
TelSoc Publications
TelSoc Publications have a rich history. The Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital economy (AJTDE) was renamed from TJA in 2013, marking a significant shift in the publication's focus.
Since its inception in June 1935, the publication has maintained an impressive publishing schedule, releasing at least two issues per year every year, even during the challenging years of World War II.
In 2015, Dr Mark Gregory took over as Managing Editor of AJTDE, succeeding Professor Peter Gerrand.
The journal continued to evolve, and in 2019, the Editorial Board decided to emphasize its international scope by changing the title to the Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy (JTDE).
Dr Leith Campbell succeeded Mark Gregory as Managing Editor in 2020, bringing new leadership to the publication.
Industry and Events
TelSoc holds major industry events, including the Charles Todd Oration in Sydney, which is delivered twice a year, and the Henry Sutton Oration in Melbourne, which is an annual event.
The Charles Todd Oration has featured notable speakers such as Mike Quigley, the CEO of NBN Co, who delivered the 2010 oration, and David Thodey, CEO of Telstra, who delivered the 2011 oration.
In addition to the orations, TelSoc also awards the Charles Todd Medal to individuals who have made significant contributions to the telecommunications industry, with recipients including Michael Malone, CEO of iiNet, and Simon Hackett, who received the medal in 2014.
Industry Events and Awards
The TelSoc industry events and awards are a big deal, with keynote events held twice a year in Sydney and Melbourne.
The Charles Todd Oration is one of the most notable events, held annually in Melbourne, and has been delivered by prominent industry leaders such as David Thodey, CEO of Telstra, and Graeme Samuel.
The Charles Todd Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry, with past recipients including Michael Malone, CEO of iiNet, and Simon Hackett.
TelSoc's Journal, the Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, was first published in 2013 and features quarterly issues.
The Henry Sutton Oration, held in Melbourne, is another key event, with past speakers including Robyn Williams and Håkon Eriksson.
In 2023, the Henry Sutton Oration was delivered by David Tudehope, CEO of Macquarie Telecom, and the Charles Todd Oration was delivered by Dr Rob Nicholls.
The Charles Todd Medal has been awarded to notable industry figures such as Teresa Corbin, CEO of ACCAN, and Paul Budde, founder of BuddeComm.
TelSoc's events and awards are a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments and recognize the achievements of industry leaders.
Nbn Futures Project
The NBN Futures Project is a significant initiative that aims to improve the National Broadband Network in Australia.
In 2019, TelSoc initiated the TelSoc NBN Futures Project, which is focused on developing and promoting non-partisan policies for the long-term improvement of the NBN.
This project's outputs include a series of public forums and expert articles published in TelSoc's Journal (JTDE). The project's goal is to ensure the NBN rollout is completed successfully between 2020 and 2021.
The project is backed by expert opinions and research, providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the NBN's challenges.
TelSoc has a strong track record of engaging with the Australian Government on telecommunications issues, including the recent restructure of the communications and infrastructure departments.
The project's focus on non-partisan policies ensures that its recommendations are based on evidence and expertise, rather than political agendas.
The NBN Futures Project is an important step towards ensuring that Australia's National Broadband Network is a world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of its citizens and businesses.
TelSoc News and Updates
TelSoc was formed in July 2013 by Professor Reg Coutts and his leadership group, who broke away from the ACS-TSA to continue the traditions of the historical TSA.
TelSoc offers monthly lectures and special industry networking events, making it a great resource for professionals in the field.
The society has continued to offer an informative website and the quarterly online Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy (JTDE), successor to the Telecommunications Journal of Australia (TJA).
TelSoc has also welcomed the Federal Government's public sector restructure, including the combining of the communications and infrastructure departments with responsibility for the National Broadband Network.
The back issues of the TJA (since it went online in November 2007) are archived online by Swinburne University of Technology for easy access.
TelSoc has been a driving force in the industry, providing a platform for professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends.
Here are some key dates in TelSoc's history:
- 2008: TSA was absorbed into the Australian Computer Society as its Telecommunications Special Interest Group (SIG), which became known as the ACS-TSA.
- July 2013: TelSoc was formed by Professor Reg Coutts and his leadership group.
- November 2007: The Telecommunications Journal of Australia (TJA) went online.
TelSoc Leadership
TelSoc Leadership is a governing body that oversees the Australian Telecommunications Association Inc. Jim Holmes was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2020.
The board consists of eight members, with three members from the Incyte team playing a key role. Leith Campbell was elected as Secretary, bringing his expertise to the table.
Matt O’Rourke was also elected as a Member of the Board, contributing to the board's decision-making process.
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