OPTUS WIRELESS CONNECT HEATS UP

Optus announced today it has partnered with Azure Wireless to expand the number of hotspots available for Optus Wireless Connect customers. The agreement with Azure, a leading provider of wireless internet access, allows Optus Wireless Connect users access to an additional 450 hotspots and hotzones nationwide at no extra roaming cost. Chris Lane , Director Optus Products and Delivery said, “Optus already has a network of 120 hotspots in strategically chosen high use locations such as Sydney and Brisbane airports, courts and metropolitan cafes. As a result of this deal Optus Wireless Connect customers will have access to one of the largest hotspot networks in Australia , enabling our customers to access close to 600 WiFi hotspots by mid August.” “In the past few months Optus has experienced a growth in customers choosing our monthly Optus Wireless LAN Plan. The new deal is part of Optus' commitment to answer the needs of our customers. In providing the best of wireless technology Optus brings customers one step closer to anywhere, anytime mobile connectivity,” he said. According to David Gold, CEO and founder of Azure, “With our network at their fingertips, Optus Wireless Connect customers will be able to access the internet, email, wireless voice over IP and other communication services using a range of devices from laptops, to smartphones and PDAs. “This deal is another indicator that major Australian telecommunications companies are acknowledging that wireless broadband at hotspots using WiFi technology is now a mainstream communication method,” he said. David Gold also confirmed that the number of unique users using Azure's national network of hotspots has increased by more than 400 per cent over the last 12 months. With hotspot locations including hotels, restaurants and cafes, Optus Wireless Connect customers have wireless Internet access available to them while on the move. The agreement makes it easy for both Business and Consumer customers to stay connected with the home or the office. Using their existing user names and passwords, Optus Wireless Connect users can log on from any Azure hotspot or hotzone around the country. The cost for Optus customers will be consistent whether logging on via an Optus hotspot or an Azure hotspot. The Optus Wireless LAN Plan offers a number of rate plans for both casual and more frequent WiFi users:

For more information on Optus Wireless Connect and an updated list of hotspots and hotzones available to Optus customers, visit www.optus.com.au.

About Azure Wireless

Azure Wireless is a privately owned company headquartered in Melbourne . It is the leading Australian provider of public wireless Internet access using WiFi technology, operating its network from a rapidly growing number of public venues around Australia.

Further information on Azure Wireless is available at www.azure.com.au

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