Cable & Wireless Optus today confirmed it would not enter contracts or sign deals with organisations involving native forests or other natural resources as payment.

In response to recent speculation about a logging deal in Papua New Guinea, Alan Petts, Director International for Cable & Wireless Optus said the company had not held any discussions concerning native forests being used to pay for submarine cable.

"We are interested in continuing our relationship with Papua New Guinea in the telecommunications field, however at no time has Optus discussed barter transactions for infrastructure, nor would we condone the destruction of native forest to finance infrastructure.

"Optus works closely with many environment groups to ensure we carry on our business in an environmentally friendly fashion. Such a deal would be unacceptable to us," Mr Petts concluded.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
Phone: 02 9342 7850