Australian encumbent Telstra has had a lot of news today… first up, Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo has confirmed Telstra is in talks with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) to offer the iPhone, and also noted that everyone had a version of the iPhone which Telstra could offer, reports the Daily Telegraph. However, he said that deals struck between Apple and other carriers which involve revenue sharing “would have no bearing on a possible deal between Apple and Telstra”. Telstra also announced a range of new handsets for its Next G HSDPA network. (release)

Smartcodes: Next was the report that Telstra is trialing Mobile Codes, which from this video appear to be QR Codes, or very similar. “Selected mobile phone users on the Telstra Next G network will be able to use their handset cameras to scan specially-designed barcodes on posters, LCD screens and in magazines to connect directly to third-party websites such as KFC and Pizza Hut, in a trial announced today by the telco...In conjunction with Sensis, the system, called Mobile Codes technology, will allow customers to receive directional maps and obtain discount offers from vendors including Nike and Toyota, along with fast-food outlets...Ultimately, the technology will be used in conjunction with the Telstra website allowing users to share contact details, blogs and messages as part of a social networking system” reports Smart Office. It’s not the first time the codes have hit Australia—QMCodes has been pushing it for about a year now.

Experience Center: The telco has also announced a Telstra Experience Centre which follows similar stores in the US and elsewhere. It’s basically a place for people to try Telstra’s services, and also where Telstra’s partners can set up demo’s of their new technologies. As far as I’m aware the concept is new to Australia. (release) ZDNet Australia has a walk-through of the store, with photos. Apparently it’s dubbed T.Life.

Increased Earnings Forecast: Telstra also increased its growth forecast to between 5 and 7 percent for the 12 months ending June 30 2008. It also noted it has signed more than a million customers on its Next G in the year since it launched, reports Bloomberg.