OPTUS SATELLITES TO LINK REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Cable & Wireless Optus has won a three million dollar contract from the Northern Territory Government to deliver communication services by satellite to fourteen remote communities.

As part of the Electronic Outback Project, the pilot program will involve establishing a central location in each community which will house satellite equipment, payphones, a fax machine, a computer with internet connection and a video conferencing facility.

Matti Urvet, Manager Northern Territory, Cable & Wireless Optus said that satellite provided the ideal way to deliver a full suite of communications services to regional and remote areas.

"Satellite technology is perfect for getting communications services to places where traditional copper and fibre lines are unavailable."

"We are delighted to be working with the Northern Territory Government and the Office of Communications Science and Advanced Technology to help Territorians get connected," he said.

"In addition to keeping in touch with family and friends by phone, fax and email, communities will be able to take advantage of applications like distance learning and e-commerce," said Mr Urvet.

Fully equipped facilities will be piloted in four communities including Aputula / Finke, Titjikala / Maryvale, Milikapiti / Snake Bay and Wadeye / Port Keats. Ten other communities will trial payphones.

These facilities are expected to be established by the end of June 2001.

Cable & Wireless Optus is a leader in delivering rural and regional telecommunications services using advanced satellite technology. Under the banner of 'down to earth', the company recently launched a range of satellite services aimed at the nation's isolated residents.

The Electronic Outback Project is made possible a by a grant from the Regional Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund administered by the Commonwealth Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts through the Networking the Nation program.

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