SEVEN LEADING ASIA PACIFIC MOBILE OPERATORS TO FORMREGION'S LARGEST JOINT VENTURE MOBILE COMPANY

Regional mobile services for potential base of over 300 million customers

Shared regional mobile infrastructure to be built

Singapore, 3 November 2004 - Seven leading Asia Pacific mobile operators today signed an agreement to form a regional mobile alliance, Bridge Mobile Alliance, which will operate through a Singapore-incorporated company, Bridge Mobile Pte Ltd ('Bridge Mobile'). The joint venture company will look at driving commercial and other benefits for the operators and delivering regional mobile services to their subscribers.

The seven operators are Bharti (India), Globe Telecom (Philippines), Maxis (Malaysia), Optus (Australia), SingTel (Singapore), Taiwan Cellular Corporation (Taiwan) and Telkomsel (Indonesia). Together, the group has a combined base of over 56 million subscribers, making it the largest mobile joint venture in the Asia Pacific region.

Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of Bridge Mobile, and CEO of SingTel Mobile, noted: "Currently, there are several strategic issues facing the mobile operators in the Asia Pacific. The region is made up of highly diversified cultures, economies, mobile market maturity and varying degrees of technological development. As a result, mobile operators in the region are unable to fully capitalise on economies of scale. Through varied implementation, cross border interoperability beyond basic voice service at best remains poor. In addition, there is a risk of further market fragmentation with the emergence and adoption of different technological standards.

"The forming of Bridge Mobile, to drive the alliance, is an indication of the level of commitment by the mobile operators to work closely to overcome these challenges, and share the risks and benefits involved in making the partnership work. Together, we can bring about a better mobile experience for users across the region."

Bridge Mobile will be the commercial vehicle in which the seven operators jointly invest to build and establish a regional mobile infrastructure and common service platform. This will enable the creation and seamless delivery of regional mobile services across geographical borders, and enhance the service experience of their mobile customers when they roam from one country to another.

Bridge Mobile will also develop new products and services on a regional basis, and create competitive advantages and differentiation for the mobile operators in their respective markets.