Unleashing broadband speeds with 'Optus Direct'
Optus has sparked a fresh wave of competition in broadband, unveiling its new broadband network and uncapped download speeds of up to 20Mbps.
The new $150 million network will deliver two premium services: Optus DSL Direct (broadband services) and Optus Local Direct (home telephony services).
"Optus is the first major telecommunications provider to offer broadband speeds of up to 13 times faster than the top speed of 1.5Mbps, available off the incumbent's wholesale DSL network today," Acting Managing Director Optus Consumer, Warren Hardy said.
The faster speeds delivered by Optus DSL Direct will make internet browsing, downloading and email use much faster. It will also provide superior support for more speed-sensitive applications such as streaming video, online gaming in real-time and live audio transfers.
Apart from the improved performance and faster speeds, customers can also expect savings on Optus Local Direct.
Customers currently paying 22c for local calls, will now pay 20c under Optus Local Direct; and depending on a customer's current plan they may also receive a $4 monthly line rental discount.*
"The launch of Optus DSL Direct reinforces Optus' position as a challenger - providing customers with top quality services at affordable prices. In a period where some telecommunications companies are seeking to reduce competition - Optus is stepping it up to a new level," Mr Hardy said.
"As we build out our $150 million network using the 'unconditioned local loop' (ULL) service, we are able to bring these better services and better prices to our customers.
"Sadly the incumbent is so desperate to protect its fat profit margins that it has gone whining to Government - asking for last minute changes to the ULL rules. But we will not be deterred."
The extended footprint has also created more opportunities for Optus' business customers - with Optus Business relying less on the incumbent for access and focusing more on delivering a full suite of voice, data and IP products to a greater number of Australian corporate and government organisations.
Optus remains committed to the wholesale market and will offer Optus Wholesale Residential Services including Optus Residential Telephony and Optus Residential Broadband along with a range of services to other telecommunication providers. (See Note to Editor)
Optus also reaffirmed today it had been successfully migrating existing telephony and broadband customers onto the new network since December last year.
To date, Optus has rolled out the Optus Direct service to 100 exchanges.
In a separate announcement today, Optus unveiled a new entry level broadband plan at $19.95 per month. Commencing April 1, the Optus Easy Start plan at $19.95 is available with a 30 day trial offer.
Media contacts:
Sheila Dhillon or Tracy Monkman
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: 02 9342 9021 or 02 9342 5302
Note to Editor
In September 2005, Optus announced it would invest more than $150 million in its new DSLAM network, reaching another 2.9 million households and businesses in addition to the 1.4 million homes currently serviced by the Optus cable network in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Optus Wholesale provides a range of services to other telecommunications companies throughout Australia. It is currently testing wholesale DSL services via the Optus network with its customers and expects the service to be commercially ready in the second half of 2006.
*Customers on Optus Direct are required to have Optus home telephony. Existing Optus home telephony customers will remain on their current plans when they migrate to the Optus Local Direct service, with some small changes depending on the plan. Optus DSL customers will also remain on their current broadband plans when their service is migrated to Optus DSL Direct.