Skip to Primary NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
  • Personal
  • Business
  • Enterprise
  • Deals
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993

January

(6)

February

(7)

March

(9)

April

(8)

May

(7)

June

(7)

July

(4)

August

(9)

September

(8)

October

(8)

November

(14)

December

(11)

SAY IT SILENTLY WITH SMS

14 September 2000

Cable & Wireless Optus today made its short message service (SMS) available to pre-paid mobile customers just in time for the Olympics.

Finola Thompson, General Manager, Mobile Internet and Data, Cable & Wireless Optus said Optus Express, Ozitalk and Boost pre-paid mobile customers would be quick to take advantage of SMS at the low rate of 20 cents per message especially during the Olympics.

"SMS is an inexpensive and convenient way to talk without talking, especially in high noise or quiet environments such as Olympic venues," she said.

"Because SMS is short, sweet and silent it is ideal for minding your mobile manners. Why shout to be heard when you can SMS your friends across the stadium?" said Ms Thompson.

"There is also no need for mobile phones to ring during events such as tennis, archery or shooting.

With SMS you can still keep in touch without disturbing athletes or those sitting around you.

"It's as simple as setting your phone on a low ring, silent or vibrate option. Then you can send and receive messages wherever you happen to be," she added.

SMS usage among Optus customers has risen by over 350 per cent since April this year with over seven million messages being sent every week.

Useful SMS shorthand language:

GR8 shot Great shot Ozi3 Oi3 Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi
XLNT Excellent GGG 4 Aust Gold, Gold, Gold for Australia
CU @ train See you at train Bus L8 Bus late
CU L8 R See you later BCNU Be seeing you

The Optus SMS service will be rolled-out to pre-paid customers over the next week. Customers will be notified via an SMS message when the service is available on their handset.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 5042

More from Optus

  • My Optus App
  • SubHub
  • Accessories
  • Student Hub

Customer Service

  • Contact Us
  • Help & Support
  • Store Locator
  • Payment Assistance Policy
  • Feedback & Complaints
  • Report a service outage

About Us

  • About Optus
  • Careers
  • Corporate Information
  • Media Releases
  • About Singtel
  • Accessibility

  • Blog
  • Connect With Us on facebook
  • Connect With Us on instagram
  • Connect With Us on tiktok
  • Connect With Us on linkedin
  • Connect With Us on twitter
  • Connect With Us on youtube

  • Critical Information Summaries
  • Standard Agreement
  • Privacy, Security & Safety

Connect with us

  • Blog
  • Connect With Us on facebook
  • Connect With Us on instagram
  • Connect With Us on tiktok
  • Connect With Us on linkedin
  • Connect With Us on twitter
  • Connect With Us on youtube
  • Critical Information Summaries
  • Standard Agreement
  • Privacy, Security & Safety
© 2026 Singtel Optus Pty Limited
Optus acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and skies across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and honour the strength and continuity of the world's oldest living cultures.