REGIONAL COMMUNITIES BENEFIT FROM BROADBAND INITIATIVE

Optus and Apertura will offer enhanced broadband services to regional and rural communities across the nation via satellite.

As a result, regional businesses, education and health users will have access to the latest technology - delivering services like videoconferencing, interactive multimedia, virtual private networks (VPNs), broadband internet access and the transmission of high-speed data.

Chris Hancock, Managing Director for Optus Business, said the two companies would challenge the status quo for broadband delivery.

"This is a unique approach. Setting up satellite facilities in regional areas can be costly. Optus and Apertura can now install one dish per group, offering broadband services to entire communities and allaying the cost significantly.

"The key to this deal is the provision to communities. By networking a group or community of users, this alliance can offer flexible and affordable broadband to groups who are otherwise not well serviced," Mr Hancock said.

The new service will be delivered using Optus's satellite network and Apertura's wireless broadband expertise.

Director of Apertura, Michael Kenneally, said the alliance was a win for both companies, and an even bigger win for regional communities.

"Our customers can now purchase a broadband network for their users. One example where this technology is already working is the private network we have installed for Tatachilla Lutheran College in the McLaren Vale district of South Australia.

"The school now offers broadband services to students and teachers - and in an innovative arrangement, can now onsell these services to parents and others in the broader McLaren Vale community.

"Network users can recoup some of their costs by providing high-speed services to others in their community," Mr Kenneally said.

The services are delivered via a satellite hub located at the Optus Earth Station in Sydney. A satellite receiver dish is installed in each user community and acts as a 'gateway' for a wireless Internet Protocol local loop service from the dish to individuals in the community.

For more information:
Linda Collard
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 5045

Michael Kenneally
Apertura
Phone: 08 8362 6855