CABLE & WIRELESS OPTUS WINS MAJOR NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT CONTRACT

Cable & Wireless Optus has been awarded preferred bidder status for a five year outsourcing contract worth $110 million to provide the Northern Territory Government with a fully integrated suite of digital communications services.

Under the terms of the contract, to be awarded by the Department of Corporate and Information Services, Cable & Wireless Optus (and its eight bid partners) will provide voice, data, mobile and Internet services, leading edge IT&T skills and encourage ongoing development of the Territory's local IT&T industries.

Chris Anderson, Chief Executive, Cable & Wireless Optus said the company is pleased to be forming a true partnership to support the Northern Territory Government's Advanced Communications Strategy.

"This is a significant win for Cable & Wireless Optus as it establishes a new market for us, it is an exciting outsourcing initiative and gives us a beachhead into Asia. It is also a significant win for the Government, businesses and people of the Northern Territory, as all are set to benefit from increased competition and a telecommunications infrastructure necessary for future industry growth and community services," Mr Anderson said.

Mr Anderson applauded the Government's strategy and the way its Ministers and Agency staff had conducted a competitive and professional process.

"As a result of its strategy, the Government will enjoy a reduction in its telecommunications expenditure of around $24 million over the contract term, improved service levels and the freeing up of funds and people to concentrate on its core "Foundations for the Future" policy.

"Additionally, the Government has created an environment where Cable & Wireless Optus will invest many millions of dollars in world class telecommunications infrastructure - from the CBD of Darwin and to the regional and remote areas of the Territory. This will be the catalyst to bring the benefits of sustainable competition - choice of service, investment, jobs and economic stimulation - to Territorians.

"Regional areas including Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy, Yulara and Jabiru will benefit from additional mobile base stations and other investments in the latest technology. We also see significant opportunities to exploit the emerging benefits of satellite technologies for the remote areas of the Territory," Mr Anderson said.

Cable & Wireless Optus' industry development initiatives are worth well over $100 million. Included are the lowering of telecommunications costs to all market sectors, as Cable & Wireless Optus rolls out its network, the revenues its local business partners will earn from the project; the creation of 117 direct private sector jobs; various research and development and IT&T education initiatives; and, as a result of our win, a $10 million IT&T Centre will be constructed.

"We have built our own business on delivering a range of innovative products and services over our various networks and by partnering with best-of-breed organisations. This same strategy has been employed for this project.

"We have embraced global and local partners to ensure that a thriving local IT&T industry base is created and enhanced", Mr Anderson said.

Cable & Wireless Optus developed the successful bid by partnering with global companies including Compaq Computer Australia and NEC, and local organisations including the Power & Water Authority, Nilsen Electric, ITS, CSM, LinkCorp, Octa4 and Austar. The experience and skill of all partners was combined to deliver the comprehensive solution.

According to John Filmer, Director Enterprise, Cable & Wireless Optus the initiative will bring significant benefits to local industry.

"Our partners will derive a large share of the $110 million of Government spend. At the same time, Cable & Wireless Optus and our multi-national partners will implement a considered knowledge transfer program to up-skill the local Darwin businesses in our consortium. This will provide them with a base to tender for major contracts nationally and around the world.

"Similarly, we will create annual IT&T seminars and programs to educate businesses of the Territory about how to leverage IT&T to improve their operational performance and create additional business opportunities", Mr Filmer said.

Mr Filmer also commented on the importance of a comprehensive Human Resources plan for this project.

"Since our early dealings with the NT Government, we were made aware that some 38 staff from the Department of Corporate & Information Services would be affected by this outsourcing initiative. Immediately, we began a consultative program to develop a solution where those staff would be given first consideration for employment by Cable & Wireless Optus and our consortium partners. We look forward to welcoming many staff and offering them excellent career prospects and employment conditions in the exciting world of IT&T", he said.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
National Media Manager
Cable & Wireless Optus
Ph: (02) 9342 7850