Last week the network experienced a 50 per cent increase in usage and the coronavirus pandemic has led to staff at a number of its overseas call centres being unable to work.

"We've had a very major spike in calls and we've had some challenges, as with other organisations, with overseas call centres," Telstra regional manager Mike Marom said.

"They've done the same as in Australia with self-isolation, but their capacity to stay connected is not as good as ours is."

Applications are already being received by the telco after it put a call out for 1000 new workers across six sites in Australia, including: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, Bathurst and Townsville

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The temporary roles will be a mix of full time, part time and casual and they will help Telstra manage the surge in business.

"Our centres operate over a rotating roster on a 24 x seven basis and we are looking for people who have call centre or retail customer service experience in a large-scale organisation, are problem solvers and can learn and use new systems quickly," Mr Marom said.

More than 8000 applications have already been received nationwide, but Mr Marom said jobs are still open and he urged people to apply.

Due to so many people working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Telstra has uncapped all broadband plans for customers until the end of April.

While pensioners with a landline will be able to make national and calls to Australian mobile numbers at no additional charge.

Mr Marom said 22,000 Telstra staff across Australia are currently working from home due to COVID-19.

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