OPTUS JOINS WITH OTHER TELCOS TO STAND UP TO TELSTRA

Telecommunications companies united today to stand up for competition - and highlight Telstra's aggressive campaign to wind back regulation and regain its monopoly.

Optus joined with AAPT, iiNet, Macquarie Telecom, PowerTel, Primus and Soul Telecommunications in placing a full-page advertisement in a national newspaper, in the interests of an informed public debate.

Titled "Stand up for competition. And stand up to Telstra", the advertisement highlights Telstra's recent attempts to pressure the ACCC, the Australian Government and the Australian people into changes to the laws that will benefit Telstra - and weaken competition.

Paul Fletcher, Director, Optus Corporate and Regulatory Affairs said, "Telstra has been running a concerted campaign of attacking the regulation of telecommunications for several months.

"Today's advertisement highlights the flaws in Telstra's arguments - and suggests that Telstra's real motivation is to resist competition.

"The people of Australia deserve the truth - and our advertisement gives it to them in black and white," Mr Fletcher said.

Note to Editor:
See copy of print advertisement.

Media contact:
Melissa Favero
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5030