OPTUS IMPROVES MOBILE COVERAGE IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Optus has significantly improved its mobile coverage in far north Queensland, following the installation of a new mobile facility in Wangetti, and the near completion of another site at Oak Beach.

Allen Lew, Managing Director Optus Mobile, said Optus was focused on enhancing and extendingits global system for mobile (GSM) coverage in regional towns and along important roadways.

"Far north Queensland has benefited from the commitment we made last year to build an additional 80 base stations in the state.

"The objective of the new site in Wangetti is to improve coverage along the Captain Cook Highway, between our existing site in Buchan Point, and the site under construction at Oak Beach.

"Together, these sites will enhance coverage along the Captain Cook Highway, between Buchan Point and Port Douglas.

"We are confident people living, working and travelling in the region will now enjoy good signal levels, which is why we are offering a Coverage Satisfaction Guarantee," Mr Lew said.

David Coe, Manager of Optus World Cairns, said the new sites provide customers with a greater choice of GSM mobile network.

"The new sites will complement coverage enhancements in Redlynch, Whitfield, Centenary Park, and the airport.

"Over the next two years, Optus plans to build more sites in Craiglee, Deep Gorge, Gordonvale, Green Island, Kewarra, Lumley Hill, Trinity Beach, and Yarrabah," Mr Coe said.

Optus has built more than 200 mobile sites in Queensland during the past four years, and its GSM mobile network provides coverage to more than 94% of the state's population.

For further information on Optus visit: www.optus.com.au

For more information:
Cathy Knezevic
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5302