Cable & Wireless Optus and Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group announced today that they have now formally established their Australian joint venture company, Virgin Mobile Australia. This moves Virgin Mobile closer to launch.

Today's establishment of the company cements an announcement in February that Optus and Virgin had signed a Heads of Agreement to form a joint venture.

Paul O'Sullivan, Managing Director Mobile, Cable & Wireless Optus said, "This deal with Virgin Mobile represents another major achievement in our Mobile wholesale strategy. We look forward to their future success in the Australian mobile market."

Andrew Grant, formerly General Manager, Strategy & Business Development with Cable & Wireless Optus, has been appointed as the Managing Director of the new venture. A top grade management team has already been recruited and will be formally appointed to their new roles this week.

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