Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Telstra Touchphone TF200

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Subcollections

Communications Gallery - Centenary of Royal Australian Corps of Signals

Overview

1960's Australian made Telstra touchphone TF200. The first version introduced in 1988 with a membrane keypad had some technical problems so later models had a more robust keypad and improved electronics. Several updated versions of this telephone plus some optional colours were produced during the 1990s culminating in the TF400C. These phones could also be wall mounted using the optional wall kit.

Historical information

For most of the 20th century, the Australian telephone network was highly regulated and government owned. With limited exceptions, telephone instruments were owned by the PMG/APO and rented to subscribers. It wasn't until the 1980s that restrictions eased and privately owned telephones appeared in any numbers. Regulations were slowly relaxed and a range of “novelty” phones were offered for sale alongside the standard rental phones.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-619

Inscriptions and markings

The Postmaster-General's Department (PMG) was a department of the Australian federal government, established at Federation in 1901 Departmental responsibilities included the provision of postal and telegraphic services throughout Australia. It was abolished in December 1975 and replaced by the Postal and Telecommunications Department. Two separate legal entities had been established in July 1975 to take over the department's operations: Telecom Australia (colloquially "Telecom"; later became Telstra) and Australia Post.

Contextual Information

This telephone is located in the Communications Gallery commissioned by the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia as part of the Centenary commemorations of the Royal Australian Corp of Signals. Communication devices used by the Australian Army also are presented in their operational context throughout the Museum.

Links to additional resources

Australian telephones 1901- 1915

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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