Optus now has complete ownership of the internet portal-related technology and intellectual property used in the Excite Australia portal business.

The purchase of key portal technology from At Home US, including the highly prized Excite personalisation capability, completes the integration of Excite @Home Australia into Optus Consumer & Multimedia.

Martin Dalgleish, Acting Managing Director of Consumer & Multimedia said the portal technology purchase is a win for Optus and for customers.

"The final deal with At Home was secured on excellent commercial terms and has increased business efficiencies. The integration was a three-step process towards self-sufficiency."

"It began in September 2001 with the acquisition of At Home's shares in the Excite @Home Australia JV and was followed by our successful implementation of the portal technology locally, including hosting," Mr Dalgleish said.

"And now our ownership of all portal technology required to maintain the OptusNet and Optus @Home sites will ensure we maintain our best in class status."

Optus is committed to providing a quality high-speed broadband and dial-up internet service.

"We are delighted to continue to offer personalisation to our OptusNet customers. They will continue to see a user friendly interface and flexible platform where they can choose the placement of information on their Start pages," Mr Dalgleish said.

From early April, the Excite website will be re-branded OptusNet. During the transition, all Excite users will be transferred to the OptusNet start page and have access to their existing services. Both Excite and OptusNet users will continue to enjoy personalised content from the OptusNet homepage.

According to ACNielsen Consult's 11 th Australian Online Internet User Survey, OptusNet and Optus @Home continue to have the highest levels of customer satisfaction and the lowest levels of intention to churn, relative to the top five national ISPs.

For more information:
Melissa Favero
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 5030