Telstra’s mobile strategy in Asia will involve network investment as well as more consultancy-style arrangements, said CFO Andre Penn.

The operator, which has a cash pile of more than A$5 billion (US$4.4 billion), has three pillars to its strategy in Asia.

The three areas are leveraging its core capability in networks, as well as offering enterprise services to multinational companies and developing some of its long-term investments, such as eHealth or Autohome, a Chinese online car sales business in which Telstra has invested.

Speaking during an investor day last week, CFO Andrew Penn (pictured) was asked about Telstra’s strategy for mobile networks in Asia. Would it involve an investment in operators, or more of a consultancy type arrangement?

Acknowledging foreign investment restrictions and high priced-assets, Penn said Telstra was also looking at advising Asian operators.

“So in summary I would say it could involve some infrastructure investment and it could involve some consultancy and other softer involvements as well,” he said.

Telstra has significant resources at its disposal having offloaded a controlling stake in Hong Kong operator CSL, as well as selling struggling Australian directories business Sensis.

The operator has already committed to returning some of the cashpile to shareholders via an increased dividend, as well as a share buyback.