OPTUS SMASHES THROUGH 100,000 DSL CUSTOMER MARK

In less than 12 months since launching resale DSL, Optus has smashed through the 100,000 customer mark.

OptusNet broadband customers now total 310,000 including 210,000 customers on Optus cable broadband.

"Optus has rapidly established itself as the largest DSL reseller in the market even though we entered the market later than some competitors less than 12 months ago," Scott Lorson, Acting Managing Director of Optus Consumer and Multimedia said.

The 100,000 DSL subscribers milestone is particularly noteworthy given this figure excludes broadband subscribers on the HFC cable network which runs through the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

"Optus has also achieved exceptionally high bundling rates for its DSL base with over 95 per cent of DSL customers continuing to choose Optus for their home phone services," Mr Lorson said.

New technologies, increased competition and changing consumer behaviours will create a dynamic and challenging landscape in 2005.

Despite these challenges, Optus is well positioned to increase subscriber numbers by leading the market with simple and differentiated offers, and by continuing its dominance in superior customer service delivery.

"Optus is pleased to have achieved this milestone at a time when we are finalising plans to invest in our own DSL network - a move that will further drive retail competition in the Australian broadband market," Mr Lorson said.

"We will continue our assault on the broadband market in 2005 by multiplying and retaining our subscriber base through product innovation and our highly effective broadband bundling offers."

Optus plans to announce its third quarter results during the first week of February 2005. These results will include broadband subscriber numbers of 292,000 as at December 31, 2004.

For more information:
Sheila Dhillon
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: +61 2 9342 9021