While most superannuation companies utilise telecommunications technology with their members, Telstra subsidiary KAZ has taken communication methods within the industry one step further, launching an SMS messaging vehicle for super funds.

KAZ’s superannuation admin services business, Australian Administration Services (AAS), will manage the vehicle in a bid to provide funds with a “quick and cost-effective manner” to communicate with members.

AAS MD Stuart Korchinski says since the introduction of the Choice regime, super funds have been looking to provide value-added services to their members “and differentiate themselves from their competitors”.

“This is a strong example of how our technology expertise leverages off Telstra’s capability to deliver the desired value-added services for our clients,” he said.

An example in which the technology could be used would include sending an employer a reminder SMS alert advising their contribution payments are outstanding, instead of calling them.

For members, an SMS can be used to confirm that their contribution payments have been made.