Thursday’s forum comes after Telstra announced it would streamline the process to make it easier for business customers impacted by the Warrnambool exchange fire to make a claim for compensation. 

The fast-track process will provide business customers flexible ways to claim depending on their circumstances, including:

- dedicated call centre staff to be available for customers with inquiries to call and  provide advice on making a claim; 

- specially trained employees visiting impacted areas and towns; and 

- an online claim form.

An estimated 60,000 customers’ internet and phone services were affected following the fire at the Telstra exchange in south-western Victoria on November 22.

Telstra area general manager Bill Mundy said the company was in the process of setting up the fast-track process and would provide further information in the coming days about when staff would be in each area and details for the dedicated call centre telephone number.

“We understand the impact this has had on local businesses and the economy and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to make their claim,” he said.

Telstra has also set up a team, contactable on 1800 171 355, to take calls from business customers who require assistance in reconfiguring their phone and internet services. 

On Thursday, Telstra said phone and ADSL broadband customers impacted by the fire would have one month’s line rental credited to their account. 

Telstra said it would also ensure that any customer who used their mobile service as their primary phone or data service while their fixed line was unavailable would not incur additional standard usage charges above their included plan allowance.

The business forum will be hosted by Warrnambool City Council and Telstra and will be at the Lighthouse Theatre in Timor Street, Warrnambool, at 7.30pm.

Telstra representatives and local members of parliament and government will be at the forum.

No RSVP is required. Details: 5559 4800.?

With AAP

cquirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au