SINGTEL CHIEF CONFIRMS OPTUS' COMMITMENT TO THE TERRITORY

In a demonstration of Optus' ongoing commitment to the Territory, the President and Chief Executive of Optus' shareholder SingTel, Mr Lee Hsien Yang, is visiting Darwin for two days of discussions with Northern Territory leaders on expanding links into Asia and, to participate in high level discussions and a major conference on logistics.

"Optus has invested more than $30 million in ICT infrastructure and facilities to the Government, businesses and the people of the Territory - however we feel that the work has only just begun," Mr Lee said speaking at the Global Freight Connect 2004 conference.

"Optus has shown its confidence in the Territory with our major investments in terrestrial and satellite infrastructure building a competitive information highway.

"We are very pleased to see others doing the same, with the latest example being the brand new freight corridor linking Asia and Southern Australia via the Territory - a physical connection to complement the virtual connections which Optus provides.

"Last year Optus launched the Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) initiative giving NT students the ability to see their teachers and learning aids for the first time. IDL allows teachers to fully interact with their students across considerable distances.

Mr Lee said the delivery of these premium communication solutions would continue when Optus built and launched two new satellites in the next few years.

"Territorians are set to reap further rewards from Optus' two new satellites. They will continue to provide Interactive Distance Learning to 185 schools across 1.35 million square kilometres of the Territory, in addition to providing two-way voice and data communications services.

"We have also invested in boosting the NT's business community with Optus significantly expanding its business- grade broadband solution," he said.

"Optus Business Broadband is just one of the technologies we are introducing that will help Territory businesses meet their business needs - while giving them the power, control and flexibility to optimise the delivery of their business applications anywhere, anytime."

Mr Lee said Optus' relationship with SingTel could provide the vital link for Territorians to expand into the Asia Pacific.

"Telecommunications is an enabler of business and our capabilities will ensure people in the Territory have access not only to the same services as the people in other Australian cities but also throughout the region.

"But technology is changing all the time. Companies need to work with service providers that are reliable, forward looking and able to stay ahead of technology development.

"That is why we are excited about the opportunity of working with the Northern Territory and the Singapore Governments, to develop an ICT Business Centre in Darwin and assist in building innovative ideas, particularly in the delivery of remote services," Mr Lee said.

For more information:
Luisa Ford
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5045