OPTUS INTRODUCES $19.95 BROADBAND AND 30 DAY TRIAL OFFER

Optus announced today it would offer a new entry level broadband plan for $19.95 per month - making broadband available to consumers at an extremely affordable price.

Commencing April 1, the Optus Easy Start plan at $19.95 will give new customers, who bundle with Optus home telephony or Optus mobile, benefits including 100MB data usage allowance and 200MB of 'yes' data for off peak use. The offer will be available until May 31, 2006.

"Optus' Easy Start plan is ideal for households who have been considering broadband but have been uncertain about making the move as well as dial up internet customers who will find the faster speeds extremely appealing," Warren Hardy, Acting Managing Director, Optus Consumer said.

"Unlike other broadband offers which tease buyers with a low price, only to charge for excess usage or increase the monthly price mid-contract, Optus' $19.95 fixed rate plan gives true ongoing value for money."

To make it even simpler for consumers, Optus is also introducing a 30 day broadband trial.

"Our research confirms that some customers are uncertain about the benefits of broadband, and have concerns about how it all works. Optus' 30 day trial offer lets customers enjoy the features of broadband and sample the benefits of being an Optus customer without any risks," Mr Hardy said.

Optus will release customers from any broadband contractual obligations within 30 days should for any reason they find broadband isn't for them. However Optus is confident that once customers experience the speeds of broadband, they won't look back.

Customers on the $19.95 plan who bundle on a 24 month contract will also enjoy a $0 connection fee. If they require a modem, Optus will include an ADSL2+ modem for only $99.

"The Optus Easy Start plan coupled with the amazing speeds we are now providing from our newly announced Optus Direct service means more choice for consumers and greater competition across the telecommunications industry," Mr Hardy said.

Optus Direct will reach an additional 2.9 million households and businesses, adding to Optus' cable footprint which passes 1.4 million homes in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Optus will begin a major advertising program nationally this weekend to support the Optus Easy Start broadband plan and 30 day trial offer.

For more information:
Sheila Dhillon or Tracy Monkman
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: +61 2 9342 9021 / 9342 5302

¹ 'yes' Data is a bonus off-peak data allotment provided for use between 12 midnight and 12 midday to customers who have not exceeded their monthly data allowance.