OPTUS BRINGS AFFORDABLE BROADBAND TO OAKLEIGH

Optus, one of Australia's leading telecommunications and IT solutions providers, announced today the availability of Optus broadband internet to businesses and consumers of Oakleigh. Optus has installed broadband enabling technology into telephone exchanges within the area, which facilitates very fast internet through ordinary telephone lines. The technology, known as Digital Subscriber Line Access multiplexers or DSLAMs, bring a number of benefits to businesses and residents within the area, including access to faster internet speeds at extremely competitive prices. Rob Parcell, Optus Director Victoria, said Optus was focused on bringing broadband to all parts of Victoria. "We are making broadband more accessible and more affordable," Mr Parcell said. "Until today, people in Oakleigh were only able to access Optus internet via a dial-up connection. But now they will be able to access it at broadband speeds - providing greater advantages to both business and home users. "Optus Business Broadband provides high-speed connections which can help boost businesses productivity and time efficiency, by making web browsing, emailing and data transfers much faster. "Our aim is to provide simple yet differentiated plans that provide clear savings and value to all our customers," he said. The technology rollout by Optus is part of its plans to expand its network even further across Australia. In Victoria, it aims to install its infrastructure across the metropolitan area and in all major regional centres. Since 1992, Optus has invested over $10 billion in infrastructure in Australia and is continuing to build on its offering of fixed, mobile, wireless and satellite networks. The rollout of DSLAMs across Victoria is a result of Optus being chosen as a key supplier to the Victorian Government under its broadband framework. Note to Editor: As at 31 March Optus had more than 355,000 consumer broadband subscribers. Optus triggered a turning point in the broadband industry when it entered the DSL market in early 2004. The competitive price points introduced then have seen Optus' broadband subscriber numbers more than double in the last twelve months. www.optus.com.au Optus Business Broadband provides: always on connectivity; fast speeds; one bill; and a range of pricing plans to suit your business needs. www.optusbusiness.com.au Media contact: Luisa Ford Optus Corporate Affairs Tel: (02) 9342 5045