Cable & Wireless Optus announced today that a new high capacity internet link with the United Kingdom was complete and would start servicing internet traffic from this weekend. The link has been established with Cable and Wireless Communications.

Director Industry Services, Stephen Beynon said that this link with the UK was a very important step in Australias high speed internet connections with the world and a clear demonstration of the value of the Cable & Wireless world wide networks.

"This link will enable Optus customers to send their Internet traffic directly to its destination instead of going via the USA as most other ISPs do. It will improve quality and provide Optus customers with a better service - better performance and better value.

"In the last 12 months, Cable & Wireless Optus has built connections with Hong Kong, China, Singapore, New Zealand and expanded capacity to Japan. When combined with the work we are doing as part of the consortium building the Southern Cross deep sea cable to the United States, Australia is set to become one of the key world hubs for high speed data services. This would include everything from the Internet, telephony, digital broadcasting through to e-commerce." Mr Beynon said.

"This is a very exciting step and puts Australia at the leading edge providing next generation high capacity Internet, a network that fully integrates Internet, data, voice and messaging communications, and data transfer.

"When coupled with the announcement made yesterday by Cable & Wireless plc and Cable & Wireless USA, it can be seen that we are taking the issue of data transfer very seriously. Cable & Wireless' goal is to be the number one provider of Internet services and solutions.

"We are deploying a state-of-the-art network using cutting-edge fibre optic routing, switching and transmission technologies. This will deliver the speed our customers need to compete in tomorrow's electronic marketplace." Mr Beynon said.

About Cable & Wireless Optus

Cable & Wireless Optus is one of Australia's fully integrated communications companies servicing over two million customers. The company provides a broad range of communications services including mobile, national and long distance services, local telephony, business network services, Internet services and pay television.

Since commencing operations in 1992, Cable & Wireless Optus has constructed fixed, mobile and satellite networks, including central business district and suburban local access networks. These networks provide the company with an advanced technology platform capable of delivering integrated communications, information and entertainment services.

Cable & Wireless Optus is a member of the Cable & Wireless Group, a leader in global communications around the world.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
National Media Manager
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: 02 9342 7850
Mobile: 0413 318 455
Email: stephen.woodhill@cwo.com.au