Telstra has reintroduced its popular free hotline to Santa Claus, allowing children across Australia to make festive calls to the North Pole. The initiative, which launched on November 13, 2023, enables kids to dial #HOHOHO (#464646) from any of Telstra’s more than 14,000 public phones nationwide. This seasonal opportunity will remain available until Christmas Eve, giving young callers ample time to share their Christmas wishes.
The hotline is part of a festive tradition that began in 2021, aimed at helping children learn the valuable skill of using public phones. Since its inception, the initiative has proven to be a popular holiday favourite, with over 1.5 million free payphone calls made to Santa. Even when Santa’s primary line is closed, calls continue to come through. According to Telstra, nearly 100,000 calls were registered on Santa’s out-of-office line since last Christmas.
Payphone Access and Kid-Friendly Options
In addition to the free hotline, Telstra has also set up kid-sized payphones in select retail stores in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. These specially designed payphones cater to younger children who may find standard handsets challenging to use. The mini payphones will be available until Christmas Eve, providing a fun and accessible way for the littlest callers to connect with Santa.
The initiative has sparked excitement among children and parents alike, reinforcing a sense of community and holiday spirit. Telstra’s commitment to this program highlights its role in fostering connections, particularly during the festive season.
For those looking to find their nearest payphone, Telstra offers a locator tool on its website, ensuring that no child misses the chance to reach out to Santa this Christmas.
