OPTUS TO PROVIDE WA POLICE WITH SATELLITE DATA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

Cable & Wireless Optus today announced it had been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to provide the Western Australian Police Service with satellite-based data communications services.

Under the agreement, Cable & Wireless Optus will deploy satellite transmission equipment in 88 police stations in rural and remote Western Australia (WA), providing access to e-mail, internal management systems and policing applications.

The announcement follows Cable & Wireless Optus' appointment as a supplier of data communications services under the Western Australian Government's State-wide Telecommunications Enhancement Program (STEP).

According to the Director of Cable & Wireless Optus Enterprise Division, John Filmer, the Western Australian Police Service is the first WA Government agency to take advantage of the increased competition and access to a broader range of data communications service made available under STEP.

"In a state as large as Western Australia, satellite is obviously the most effective and flexible means of delivering data and communications services. As Australia's premier provider of satellite services, Cable & Wireless Optus will use its natural advantages in developing and deploying the Police Service's data communications network," said Mr Filmer.

Installation of the network equipment in the nominated police stations is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the system becoming operational in early 2000. Cable & Wireless Optus will work in partnership with AlphaWest, West Australia's largest multidisciplinary IT&T service provider.

As part of STEP, Cable & Wireless Optus signed a development deed with the WA Government worth $6 million to assist with the development of capital infrastructure in regional and remote areas of the state. The deployment of a competitive, satellite-based data communications network will aid the delivery of numerous services, such as on-line education and training, Internet access, e-commerce and video conferencing.

"The development of additional satellite infrastructure in Western Australia would also assist Cable & Wireless Optus deliver USO services should the Federal Government decide to introduce a competitive tender process for the provision of the USO," added Mr Filmer.

Cable & Wireless Optus will use the B3 satellite to deliver the Police Service's data communications network.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
Ph: 02 9342 7850