It’s been a little over two years since we announced our stake in the Fetch TV business and plans to move on from our existing Telstra TV devices. As Aussies stream more than ever, we needed to move to a platform that we can continue to evolve to meet these increasing demands. Fetch is already packed full of the features you enjoyed on Telstra TV, plus some new functionality like recording live TV on the Fetch Mighty, with even more advances on the roadmap.
We’re almost there, too. From 31 October 2024 Telstra TV devices will no longer operate, and all functions including watching free-to-air TV, browsing, streaming, app usage, or making changes to settings will no longer be available.
If you’re still using your Telstra TV device, you probably have a few questions about what’s next.
What will happen to my Telstra TV box?
From 31 October, 2024 Telstra TV devices will no longer function, including watching free-to-air TV, browsing, streaming, app usage, or making changes to settings. If you had any repayments remaining on your Telstra TV device, these were waived as of 1 June 2024.
No action is needed on your part to shut down the service, as all Telstra TV devices will automatically be deactivated on this date. After this date, you can recycle your Telstra TV at any of our 280 Telstra stores or visit Mobile Muster to find a recycling drop off location close to home.
How Fetch makes your TV smarter
Fetch is an all-in-one home entertainment service that makes any TV smarter. It comes as a set-top box that pairs with your existing TV, and lets you pause and rewind free-to-air TV, access a curated selection of premium live TV channels, on-demand content, and integrated streaming applications,. all on one easy-to-use menu.
There are two options available in the range – the Fetch Mini and the Fetch Mighty.
Fetch Mini is a great replacement for your old Telstra TV. It features a Universal Remote to control your TV and Fetch together, Universal Voice Search so you can easily search across all your available streaming services for movies and TV shows at once, and it allows you to not just watch free-to-air TV but also pause and rewind it live. You can also pair up to six wireless headphones to the Mini for enhanced private listening.
The Fetch Mighty has all of the features we love from the Fetch Mini and throws in the ability to record live TV straight to your box with 1TB of storage – record up to six channels at once, and store up to 585 hours of recorded content.
Why can’t I keep using my Telstra TV?
Our previous device partner has decided to discontinue its support for Telstra TV. This means that all Telstra TV devices will no longer operate.
What happens to content I've purchased on the Telstra Box Office?
We closed Telstra Box Office earlier this year and customers haven’t been able to purchase or rent content since June. Most previously purchased content on your Telstra TV Box Office can be moved across to Fetch until 31 January, 2025 Due to licensing restrictions, a small number of titles cannot be moved.
Moving your content to Fetch is easy and can be done in just a few steps. A QR code should be available to scan to start the account linking process, or if you don’t want to or can’t use that method – you can head here to complete the process.
Are all the same apps available on Telstra TV?
There are dozens of steaming services and premium channels available to watch via Fetch.
On top of your favourite streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Stan (just to name a few), one of the best parts of Fetch is the ability to access premium channel packs from just $6.
Some highlights include the Discovery Channel, BBC UKTV, BBC Earth, Comedy Central,Nickelodeon and all the top international News channels. You can find all the channels available on Fetch here.
There are currently 18 apps available via Fetch, with more on the way, however Foxtel apps including Binge, Kayo, Foxtel Now and Flash News are not available on Fetch. You can stream Kayo and Binge using their mobile apps, your web browser or your smart TV.
I have added my subscription service to my Telstra billing account, can I still watch it on Fetch and other supported devices?
Yes, simply login to the app on your new Fetch TV set-top box or other supported devices using your existing login details. Your subscription will continue to be billed by Telstra.
Are there any apps to watch live sport on Fetch?
Fetch isn’t just about your favourite TV shows and movies, it’s also a great place to watch live sport. On top of the AFL, NRL, cricket and other sports available across the free to air channels, sports fans have their appetites covered across both our premium channel packs and supported apps.
For fans of basketball, NFL and American college sports you can watch both ESPN and ESPN2 from just $6 a month.
And of course, for football fans it doesn’t matter if you’re watching the English Premier League, the A-League, the Matildas, you’ll also be able to find every match across one of our partners on Fetch.
Plus there’s plenty of rugby union, netball, grand slam tennis and motorsports to stream live with Stan Sport.
Can I still redeem and earn Telstra Plus points with Fetch?
Yes! Telstra Plus points can be used to either buy Fetch or movies or TV shows in the Fetch store. Depending on your account status, there are also bonuses:
Telstra Plus Silver: Get 25% off selected Movies & TV shows in the Fetch store with points.
Telstra Plus Gold: Enjoy 50% off selected Movies & TV shows in the Fetch store with points
How do I move from Telstra TV to Fetch?
Until 4 November, 2024 you can buy a Fetch Mini for just $96. So, now is the best time to get your new streaming device. You'll also get three months of the Ultimate Pack and Movie Box subscription included with your first Fetch device purchase.
To check out any relevant offers just for you, log into hub.telstra.com.au. If you’d like to talk to us about your replacement options or require financial assistance moving over to Fetch, you can get in touch through our different channels or message us in the MyTelstra app.
By Marty McGrath
Fixed Connectivity Executive
Marty is an experienced senior executive who has worked in the telecommunications and finance industry for over 15 years. Marty is currently leading Telstra’s Fixed Connectivity products team covering all products across home internet, entertainment properties and business data products. Prior to this, Marty led Telstra’s consumer segment team and digital transformation program. Outside of work Marty is the proud dad of three kids and enjoys sport, running and amateur landscape gardening..
