The new Kids Zone channel on the OptusNet dial-up and broadband portal is an exciting activity-based environment for children to experience online and offline.

The site was launched last week and is an exciting example of Optus' commitment to listening and responding to customer feedback.

Optus regularly surveys its customer base in order to understand customer needs and emerging trends. The Kids Zone channel has been created in response to research that shows over 40 per cent of customers would like access to quality children’s content.

The OptusNet content philosophy is to partner with best-in-class content providers. Part of the creative process for Kids Zone included understanding the attention span and requirements of young Internet users.

The channel is packed with games, on and offline activities, stories, colouring-in stencils, recipes, sing-alongs and puzzles, provided by OptusNet's content partners the ABC (Play School) and the BBC (Fimbles and soon Teletubbies and Walking With Dinosaurs).

Optus Consumer and Multimedia Acting Managing Director Scott Lorson, believes the channel encourages children to make discoveries and have new experiences.

"The majority of our broadband customers are families and a significant percentage have children under 12 years old. We also know that parents want to ensure a safe experience for their kids online."

"OptusNet Kids Zone is unique because it encourages children to engage in activities both on-line and off-line with their parents and friends. It is a safe environment for children to explore and it encourages thinking and adventure," Mr Lorson said.

The channel utilises the expertise of leading new media content providers, the ABC and BBC. Robyn Watts, Director ABC Enterprises, said, "The ABC is pleased to reach broader audiences via this Optus agreement through the provision of our innovative broadband children's content."

Managing Director BBC Worldwide Asia Pacific, David Vine said the deal marks another step forward in the BBC's strategy to create innovative content specifically designed for broadband platforms.

Log onto www.optusnet.com.au/kidszone and sample some of the activities and meet the host of characters that personalise the OptusNet Kids Zone channel.

For more information:
Sarah Blakers
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 7363