Australian communications Minister Helen Coonan has admitted overseas experience is being sought to ensure the board is of the "highest caliber".

While refusing to pre-empt any decisions, Coonan told a Senate estimates committee hearing yesterday that international experience is appropriate although that doesn't necessarily mean an American will be appointed.

She was joined by Telstra company secretary, Douglas Gration who said it would be valuable to have someone with international experience on the board.

Since being appointed Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo, who is an Amercian, has appointed other countrymen including Greg Winn, as chief operations officer.

The telco was at the center of plenty of parliamentary debate yesterday as Coonan was quizzed on a range of Telstra issues.