Optus today launched GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) handsets into its retail channels - for the first time making faster connections to mobile data services widely available to Australian consumers.

Mr Keir Preedy, Acting Managing Director for Optus Mobile, said Optus is selling three new GPRS handsets across all retail channels including the Nokia 8310, the Siemens ME45 and the Siemens S45.

"Optus was first with WAP, first with GPRS to corporate customers, now we have the largest range of high-quality GPRS handsets available on the market in time for Christmas," he said.

"Australians can now enjoy high-performance WAP information at faster connection speeds.

With GPRS consumers only pay for the kilobytes they use. As a result they can better control their costs by downloading information that is immediately relevant to them.

"Convenience is the key to mobile communication," Mr Preedy said. "With GPRS, when you"re in a cafe, you can read the news headlines, check the weather forecast and email a friend, all for less than the price of a cup of coffee.

"On the business front, GPRS helps make it practical for people working away from home or the office to keep in touch electronically via their PDA or PC.

"Our corporate GPRS customers are using the service to help manage their sales forces and to get information quickly and effectively to their staff in the field.

"The pay-per-byte approach for GPRS is similar to internet pricing and is the first step towards moving consumers into the new world of mobile data that will eventually become 3G," Mr Preedy said. In recognition of the growing interest in mobile data communications, Optus is also re-branding its mobile data services under the 'yes' info badge to make it simpler for customers to access services.

"Our focus is on ensuring that consumers can choose whatever access technology best suits their needs, comfort level and budget," Mr Preedy said.

GPRS handsets are available now at Optus World stores, Optus resellers and online via Optus Mobile Direct. The Nokia 8310 will retail for $499 on a 33 Tailored plan. The Siemens ME45 and the Siemens S45 are both $399 on a 33 Tailored plan.

As a special offer, Optus will provide access to the 'yes' info WAP Plus service free to new customers for the first two bills. Information services accessed using GPRS will be charged at 2.2 cents per kilobyte on weekdays. On weekends, charges will be 1.1 cent per kilobyte. A 22 cent flagfall applies.

For more information contact:
Louise Ingram,
Optus Public Affairs,
Tel: (02) 9342 5042

Backgrounder

Optus GPRS

What is the difference between GPRS and the current standard mobile which uses circuit switched data (CSD)?

GPRS Pricing

What can I get for a kb or kilobyte?
Here is a general guide on what it will cost customers to access information on 'yes' info WAP Plus. The prices are based on the weekday rate and exclude flagfall.

Special Introductory Offer
Giving consumers a chance to explore all the benefits of GPRS. New customers to GPRS will enjoy free access to 'yes' info WAP Plus and 'yes' info Internet for the first two bills.