OPTUS LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL SMS FOR CHRISTMAS

Optus Mobile customers can now exchange international SMS (short message service) with their friends and colleagues overseas following the launch of international SMS capabilities.

Paul Kitchin, Director Mobile Marketing for Optus, said international SMS would further add to the rapid growth of SMS usage.

"Our customers currently send over 10 million SMS messages a week from their mobiles. Over the Christmas and New Year break we expect our customers will send over 20 million SMS.

"To help share Christmas cheer we are now giving them the ability SMS to their friends overseas."

Mr Kitchin said Optus customers can send and receive SMS to 27 networks in 24 countries. Optus will continue to add more carriers and countries over the next month or so.

"In addition to SMS, Christmas carol ringtones and mobile phone picture messages are also a very popular way for our customers to keep in touch and celebrate the festive season.

"If Christmas cards are inconvenient, you can send seasons greetings to all your friends with an SMS or picture message," he said.

To help celebrate the 'silly season', Optus is giving away one free Christmas ringtone and operator logo to its customers. Customers can view download instructions on www.info2you.com.au

Logos and picture messages cost $1.99 each to download. Before downloading, consumers should check the website (www.info2you.com.au) to ensure they have a compatible handset. For example; ringtones and logos can be downloaded onto most Nokia digital mobile phones.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Optus Public Affairs
Tel: 02 9342 5042