Optus has a lower call congestion rate than Telstra in every state and territory in Australia, according to the Australian Communication Authority (ACA) Performance Monitoring Bulletin for the June quarter 2001.

The survey confirms strong network performance results across the country, giving Optus a major boost the day before Mobile Number Portability (MNP) comes into effect.

The ACA survey also found:

• Optus has the lowest call congestion rate in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria when compared to other carriers.
• Optus has a lower call drop-out rate than Telstra in mainland Australia.
• Optus reported its lowest drop-out rate ever in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
• Optus is the only carrier to have reduced its call drop-out rates in every state and territory since last quarter.

Keir Preedy, Director Networks, Systems and Programmes for Optus said the results vindicated the hard work and investment Optus has made over the last two years on improving its overall network performance.

"We don't need to have the biggest network - we just want the best performing network."

"We know that our customers want more than just reach, they want the ability to make and hold a call. So low drop-out rates and low congestion rates are vitally important to them."

"To business customers, in particular, it is critical that they enjoy quality coverage. So under MNP they can opt for Optus with confidence," he said.

Mr Preedy said Optus will continue to improve its network performance and will be rolling-out more base stations over the next year.

Optus currently has over 2,800 base stations providing GSM mobile coverage nationwide reaching 94 per cent of the Australian population.

For more information on Optus's mobile coverage, visit our website: www.optus.com.au

For more information contact:
Louise Ingram
Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 5042