Telstra will cut nearly 500 roles as the telecommunications company works to streamline operations under new chief executive Vicki Brady.

The changes will involve a net reduction of about 472 jobs, a spokesman said on Thursday.

“Decisions like this are always difficult. We know and feel the personal impact on our people and their families,” the spokesman said in a statement.

The job cuts address impacts from exiting legacy products and services as well as gaining efficiencies from digitisation, automation and new technology.

“They are critical for us to remain competitive and achieve our customer ambitions,” the spokesman said.

There will be no reductions to Telstra consumer teams that serve customers in store, over the phone or at home.

– AAP