The Postmaster-General

A float for the Postmaster-General's Department in the 1956 Moomba parade. Founded in 1901, the Department looked after all telecommunications and post until 1975, when it was split into Telecom and Australia Post.

A phone...for your computer

Long before politician Philip Ruddock quizzed a Parliamentary inquiry about Skype, calling it a "telephone you use on a computer," Telecom was spruiking the computer phone in 1985.

The Ericofon

The Ericofon had a 2-metre spiral cord for 'mobility' and a handset in a nice shade of 'acrylic nail' red.

The Wallfone

The Wallfone, which introduced us to the concept of 'parking the handpiece' when the phone wasn't in use.

The Commander-T

In the '80s, the Commander-T combined a telephone with an intercom, making visits from boy scouts easier than ever before.

A retro advertisement for the Touchfone -- now all but obsolete in Australian homes.

Going mobile

Telecom made a big splash when it launched its mobile network, creatively dubbed 'MobileNet', in the 1980s, sending skydivers down over the Opera House and recruiting plenty of men in Lycra (one of whom appears to be modelling the popular '80s fashion of 'calculater on the chest').

Take it anywhere!

A photograph used to promote the launch of MobileNet.

Freedom

Nothing says freedom like a portable phone bolted onto an 'attache' case.

I said 'sell' McCloy!

Telecom promoted its Mobile Phone as a great solution for the savvy businessman on the go.

Versatility

More marketing for the Telecom Mobile Phone.

Celebrity appeal

'Baby Face' John Burgess put his star cred behind a different wheel to promote Telecom's Mobile Phone.