Cable & Wireless Optus today announced that it has signed a six-year, $42 million contract with Airservices Australia to provide a national integrated communications network.

Cable & Wireless Optus has been a long-term supplier of satellite service to Airservices. This new contract will see Cable & Wireless Optus also provide a range of land-based communication capabilities.

Airservices Australia is the commercial authority responsible for airspace and air traffic flow management, navigation services, search and rescue alerts and fire fighting at airports.

Under the contract, Cable & Wireless Optus will be responsible for the communications infrastructure that supports Airservices' air traffic control system.

"Airservices needs a reliable, speedy and cost efficient communications network that covers vast areas of Australia," said John Filmer, Director Enterprise Cable & Wireless Optus.

The Cable & Wireless Optus solution will provide a sophisticated combination of communication infrastructure including satellite, fibre optic cable and frame relay services to link over 30 locations around Australia, including the major airports.

"Our strength in satellite technology together with our range of terrestrial based services gives us the edge in delivering high speed communications backbones to business," he said.

"Our aim is to provide the best value for money communication services to our clients.

Cable & Wireless Optus proposed an innovative solution that provided immediate savings to Airservices," said Mr Richard Dudley, Manager Corporate Communication, Airservices Australia.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 5042