OPTUS EXPANDS SATELLITE ROLE WITH ABC

Cable & Wireless Optus today announced a five and a half year agreement to provide satellite services to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Under the terms of the agreement, Optus will carry the national broadcaster's television interchange signals between ABC studios in capital cities and regional centres across Australia. These services are used around the clock to exchange content for television news and local events for compiling ABC broadcast programs.

Bob Murray, General Manager, Satellite Services said the agreement included project management support for the initial re-configuration of the ABC earth station infrastructure in all capital cities, as well as 12 regional facilities - an activity that is well advanced.

"We are delighted to further our long-standing relationship with the ABC," he said.

"This deal broadens the range of satellite services that we provide to the ABC. It also demonstrates the unlimited reach of satellite technology, which provides the capacity and cost-efficiency demanded by national organisations such as the ABC."

Mr Murray said the service provided to the ABC is part of Optus' ongoing commitment to regional areas of Australia.

"Optus has Australia's largest fleet of satellites and with our track record of reliability and twenty-four by seven support, we are well positioned to service the needs of the ABC," he said.

Optus and the national broadcaster have worked together since domestic satellite services were introduced to Australia in 1985. The interchange service commenced in December 2000.

For more information:
Linda Collard
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: 02 9342 5045