OPTUS LAUNCHES VOIP

The VoIP product other telcos don't want you to know about

Optus announced today it would launch a new and groundbreaking Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) product to Small and Medium Business (SMB) customers during the second quarter of this calendar year.

As part of an ongoing drive to meet the needs of the SMB market, Optus will be launching a high quality VoIP service that will allow small business customers to experience all the benefits of VoIP, without compromising on the quality of standard fixed line services.

This innovative product will carry internet, intranet and voice and has the ability to replace the need for large numbers of fixed lines. This is the first large scale rollout of this product in Australia.

Paul Kitchin, Managing Director, Optus Small and Medium Business said, "The launch of Optus ipPhone Premier will transform the way SMBs do business.

"With this VoIP product our customers will be able to enjoy the benefits and flexibility of the internet while continuing to experience the same level of call quality they have become accustomed to on their current fixed line services.

"While VoIP is an area of much market hype, steady growth is occurring among businesses with existing IP data networks and SMBs are now looking for 'big business' solutions to handle their 'small business' needs.

"Optus ipPhone Premier has created a way for SMB customers to cut fixed line costs with VoIP without compromising on voice quality," Mr Kitchin said.

Optus will also offer Optus ipPhone Express delivering a simple, low cost solution tailored for businesses needing additional phone lines.

"Optus VoIP will allow SMB customers to manage their telecommunication needs with features traditionally enjoyed by big businesses such as advanced call routing and a simple call management interface," Mr Kitchin said.

In addition, Optus is working with two leading IP phone and router manufacturers LG-Nortel and Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems Inc., to offer customers the latest high powered devices to ensure they get the most out of their VoIP service.

"Optus' VoIP is the technology that other telcos don't want customers to know about. We anticipate that both new and existing customers will be impressed with the cost efficiency and functionality of our VoIP products," Mr Kitchin said.

Note to editor

• Pricing and more detailed product information is to come.
• For further information on Optus VoIP please visit www.optus.com.au/voip
• To be classified as a small and medium business customer, customers must supply Optus with a valid and current ABN for their business.

Media contact:
Melissa Clare / Siobhan Quinn
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 9021 / (02) 9342 8432