OPTUS TV TURNS 10 AND GOES DIGITAL

After reaching 10 years of continuous operation in subscription television this month, Optus TV is taking a transforming step in its history in launching its digital television service in November. The new digital television service will be called 'Optus TV featuring Foxtel Digital'.

Allen Lew, Managing Director, Optus Consumer, said the digital television launch was about offering Optus customers access to the latest digital television technology and services.

"Consumer response to digital television has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to offering our customers more than 100 channels of enhanced programming and all the unique and popular interactive features that digital television provides.

"Digital television will strengthen Optus' ability to offer our customers compelling bundled plans that include home telephony, broadband internet and mobile services," Mr Lew said.

Digital programmes and services Optus customers can look forward to include:

• Enhanced picture and sound quality;
• Foxtel Box Office - offering movies on demand every 30 minutes;
• Weather Active;
• Sky News Active - personalisation of news with eight different news screens simultaneously;
• Sports Active - interactive coverage on selected live NRL, AFL, Rugby Super 12s, tennis, NBL and cricket;
• Fox Sports News Active - interactive sports news and results available 24 hours a day;
• Digital Guide; and
• Timeshift Channels - replay channels where the original channel is delayed by two hours to accommodate additional viewing times.

The new Optus TV featuring Foxtel Digital will be available to customers on the Optus Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Customers can register their interest by calling 1800 502 233 or visiting http://optustv.sites.optin.com.au/optus/optustv/index.html.

Optus TV (formerly known as Optus Vision) was formed in September 1994 and activated its first subscription television customer on September 20, 1995.

Media contacts:
Sheila Dhillon or Sarah Turner
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: 02 9342 9021 or 9342 8432