OPTUS BOOSTS NETWORK COVERAGE ALONG THE PACIFIC HIGHWAY

Optus today announced a further enhancement to its network coverage in NSW with the installation of a new mobile base station at Clybucca on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The facility raises the level of Optus GSM network coverage along the Pacific Highway between Clybucca and Eungai Rail, and towards South West Rocks. The expansion of coverage provides local residents with a real alternative to other carriers and allows current Optus Mobile customers to use their mobile phones in more places on the Mid North Coast. Allen Lew, Managing Director Optus Consumer said, "The new site is part of Optus' $5 million upgrade of network coverage along the Pacific Highway. The NSW Mid North Coast has benefited from this project with an estimated 50 percent improvement in network performance along this stretch if the Pacific Highway. "Optus is committed to providing quality coverage to regional areas. This extended GSM coverage makes it easier for local residents and travellers to make mobile phone calls while on the road," he said. Rebecca Powick, Network Communications, Kempsey said, "This new facility, together with the recently completed site upgrades at Mt Yarrahappinni and Kundabung, has dramatically improved network coverage and mobile capacity for residents and businesses on the Mid North Coast." Optus has invested more than $536 million to roll out 1,534 mobile base stations across New South Wales, providing network coverage to 97 percent of the state's population. For further information on Optus visit: www.optus.com.au Media contact: Cindy Beukes Optus Corporate Affairs Phone: +61 2 9342 8138