OPTUS IMPROVES NETWORK COVERAGE ON THE COFFS COAST

Optus today announced a further enhancement to its network coverage in NSW with the installation of a new mobile facility at Wooli in the Coffs Coast region of NSW. The facility will provide Optus GSM network coverage to the holiday township of Wooli and its immediate surrounds. The expansion of coverage facilities 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 Coffs Coast. Allen Lew, Managing Director Optus Consumer said, "The new site is part of Optus' strategy to expand our network on the east coast of Australia, providing the highest quality of GSM coverage. "With the influx of tourists in the Coffs Coast region, Optus is playing a major role in servicing the population's needs. The increased coverage will not only help local residents and rural businesses communicate more effectively, but will make it easier for travellers to make mobile phone calls while on holiday," he said. John Welch, Optus' official wholesaler in Coffs Harbour said, "The new mobile facility at Wooli has dramatically improved network coverage and performance for Optus customers in the region. Over the next few months Optus plans to further expand network coverage to Corindi, Grafton south, Whiporie and New Italy. These additional sites, combined with planned site upgrades at Glenugie and Halfway Creek, will benefit both locals and visitors to the Coffs Coast region." 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