OPTUSNET CABLE ACCELERATES INTERNET EXPERIENCE

Optus today unveiled new branding for its high-speed cable internet service.

From 26 March 2002, Optus@Home will be re-named OptusNet Cable. The re-naming will ensure consistency between all Optus internet sites.

The move follows the recent announcement that the Excite.com.au website, now 100 per cent owned by Optus, will be re-branded OptusNet.

Martin Dalgleish, Acting Managing Director, Consumer and Multimedia said the company is investing in Optus's strong brand association when it comes to internet services.

"Our investment in portal technology, local hosting, intellectual property and maintaining the network is paying off. We are winning awards and experiencing rapid growth in both cable and dial-up services.

"Our 55,000 OptusNet Cable customers will benefit from our single-minded proposition and our continued focus on quality 24 by 7 customer service," Mr Dalgleish said.

In the short term, customers will see cosmetic changes only.

"The first thing to change will be the Optus@Home website (www.optushome.com.au) which will get a new address and be rebranded as OptusNet Cable," Mr Dalgleish said.

"The good news is that our customers will still get access to Australian websites up to 100 times faster than the regular internet via our reliable network.

"And they will continue to enjoy the same pricing plans with flat monthly fees with no extra call or usage costs," he said.

Visit www.optus.com.au/optusnet.

For more information:
Melissa Favero
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 5030

Note to editors:
Excite @Home Australia was the joint venture between Optus and US-based internet company At Home Corporation. From June 1999, the joint venture delivered Optus @Home the high-speed cable internet service and also delivered content to the OptusNet dial-up service. In September 2001, Optus assumed full control of Excite @Home Australia and began the integration of the business into Optus Consumer & Multimedia.

Excite @Home Australia transitioned from the At Home cable internet access technology to Optus's own system late last year, and that technology was not purchased from At Home. The integration into Optus Consumer & Multimedia was completed in February 2002 when Optus gained complete ownership of the internet portal-related technology and intellectual property from At Home US.