Network Ten announced today that Optus will be the principal integrated sponsor of, and the exclusive communications partner for, TEN's hit show, Big Brother.

In this key sponsorship role, Optus will provide multiple services to the program, including:

• internet hosting facilities for the Big Brother website
• mobile features, such as SMS updates, ring tones and logo downloads
• SMS eviction voting

Optus will also demonstrate Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) throughout the series, highlighting the new and expanding services of video to mobile phones.

Andrew Taylor, TEN's network business development manager, said Big Brother would benefit greatly from an integrated IT&T company of Optus' stature being intimately involved with the series.

"With Optus in the pivotal role of communications partner, we can extend the Big Brother concept into a 24/7 experience across multiple platforms: broadcast, mobile and internet."

Martin Dalgleish, managing director, Optus Consumer and Multimedia, said: "Optus is delighted to be the principal integrated sponsor of Big Brother.

"Optus will display its state-of-the-art technology during Big Brother highlighting its innovative mobile content and demonstrating the capacity of the fastest growing ISP in Australia. And Optus mobile and internet customers will have access to premium online content," Mr Dalgleish said.

Mr Taylor added that Big Brother would launch in May, and said other key sponsors, and extensive Big Brother promotional activities, would be announced closer to the event.

For more information:
Simone Bergholcs
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 7850