Telcos step into the ring

Telecommunications giants Telstra and AAPT are facing up in Federal Court this week in a $700 million damages claim and counter-claim.

Telstra, which claims AAPT owes it more than $123 million for services provided between 1994 and 1997, initiated the proceedings, which are expected to last until late next year.

However, AAPT has counter-sued Telstra for what it claims are breaches of an agreement and negligence.

Initially, AAPT claimed $300 million, however, when the case kicked off yesterday, that figure had grown to $580 million, and is expected to increase even further.

The hearing continues.