Cable & Wireless Optus today confirmed its reputation as the fastest growing mobile carrier gaining the most new mobile phone subscribers for the fourth successive quarter.

Optus gained 42 per cent of total mobile market net additions in the March quarter, well above its percentage of market share, increasing its digital mobile customer base by nine per cent.

Optus now has 33 per cent of the total mobile market, an increase of 0.5 per cent over last quarter and an increase of 2.8 per cent over the same period last year.

"These figures again consolidate our position as the challenger brand in Australia's mobile phone market. They demonstrate that consumers recognise that Optus offers the most innovative and value driven products," said Paul O'Sullivan, Managing Director Mobile, Cable & Wireless Optus.

Mr O'Sullivan said the result was even more remarkable as the Optus customer base was affected by the staged closure of the analogue network. In addition the high growth rate had been achieved despite having a large incumbent customer base.

"It is our flexibility and innovation which has driven our strong growth. We led the way in 'social tariffing' with offerings such as 'yes' time and 'yes' weekend. We were first to market with a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) service and were first with an operational GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) network.

"Our recent joint venture with Virgin has demonstrated our willingness to tap into new markets with exciting products while our launch of 'Optus Retriever' has put Optus at the forefront of supplying wireless products for business," said Mr O'Sullivan.

Key Facts (mobile customer numbers as at 31 March 2000):

• Fastest growing mobile carrier again with 42 per cent net additions;
• Seven consecutive quarters of mobile growth;
• Four successive quarters of being the fastest growing mobile carrier;
• Total mobile market share up 0.5 per cent to 33 percent;
• Strong growth despite analogue switch off;
• Digital mobile customers rose nine per cent to 2.59 million; and
• Total mobile customers 2.63 million.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 7850