The Northern Territory Government and Cable & Wireless Optus today began a five-year relationship which will see Northern Territorians provided with state-of-the-art telecommunications.

Cable &Wireless Optus has been awarded a contract worth $110 million to provide the Northern Territory Government with a fully integrated suite of digital communications services.

Cable & Wireless Optus (and its eight bid partners) will provide voice, data, mobile and Internet services, leading edge IT&T skills and encourage ongoing development of the Territory's IT&T industries.

Chris Anderson, Chief Executive, Cable & Wireless Optus said he was looking forward to supporting the Northern Territory Government's Advanced Communications Strategy.

"Everyone in the Northern Territory will benefit from increased competition and further development of the telecommunications network. An advanced network is absolutely necessary for future industry growth and development of community services," Mr Anderson said.

"Cable & Wireless Optus will invest many millions of dollars in world class telecommunications infrastructure - from the CBD of Darwin to the regional and remote areas of the Territory. This will be the catalyst to bring the benefits of sustainable competition - choice of service, investment, jobs and economic stimulation to Territorians.

"As part of our expansion into the Northern Territory, I am pleased to announce that we will expand our mobile coverage significantly in metropolitan Darwin, as well as in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Tindal, Uluru, Nhulunbuy and Jabiru," Mr Anderson said.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
Phone: 02 9342 7850