Cable & Wireless will co-sponsor the event with industry rival Telstra. The workshop will provide a forum at which carriers within the Asia-Pacific region can discuss issues related to ensuring Y2K network readiness prior to 2000.

According to Cable & Wireless Optus' Director of Strategic Programmes, Mr Chris Gabriel, "Y2K is a problem which transcends the normal competitive environment which exists between carriers. Real advances can be made simply by sharing experiences and identifying common approaches to this issue."

The Cable & Wireless Group is an active member of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Year 2000 Task Force and has representatives in all its subgroups.

Millennium Networks Manager for Cable & Wireless plc, Mr Colin Williams, will provide a keynote address to the workshop on behalf of the Cable & Wireless Group addressing the important issues of Y2K contingency planning and service continuity.

Cable & Wireless Optus has been a member of the global Cable & Wireless Millennium Programme since early 1997. The company benefits from shared expertise and resources, as well as increased global leverage derived from other Cable & Wireless companies and affiliates worldwide.

Within Australia, Cable & Wireless Optus has been actively involved in industry testing with the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF). It is also a member of the Inter-bank Working Group (IWG) and regularly meets with Australian carriers to facilitate Y2K industry readiness.

For more information:
Glen Thomas
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: 02 9342 6064
Mobile: 0411 254 380