MARLEC TO DELIVER WORLD'S FIRST SMART SATELLITE PHONE WITH OPTUS THURAYA

Marlec Pty Ltd, a satellite specialist company, announced today the signing of a three year wholesale agreement with Optus to sell the Optus Thuraya satellite range of handsets across Australia.

Thuraya is the world's leading supplier of satellite hand held products with its SG2520 model billed as the world's first smart satellite phone small enough to fit in your pocket.

Peter Crawford, Marlec spokesperson stated that the new handsets will provide customers with the ability to communicate in remote locations using the worlds smallest satellite phone.

Marlec is retailing the Thuraya SO2510 satellite only handset for $990 and the SG2520 dual band satellite/GSM handset for $1,650 when connected on a plan. Customers eligible for the Government satellite subsidy can acquire the new handset for a reduced price depending on eligibility.

Paul Sheridan, Director of Optus Satellite said with the new Optus Thuraya service it is near impossible to get lost in Australia.

"With the dual mode Thuraya satellite phones customers will no longer need to carry around multiple handsets. And with built in GPS customers exact location can be sent as an SMS," said Mr Sheridan.

Marlec expects the new service to appeal to the existing satellite market and also the broader market because of the size of the phones and low cost. The Thuraya satellite footprint covers the continent and also the seas around Australia and beyond.

For more information on Optus Thuraya handsets, customers can visit Marlec's website www.marlec.com.au or call 02 4340 4123.

Media contact:
Peter Crawford
Marlec Pty Ltd
Tel: (02) 4340 4123
Email: sales@marlec.com.au

Simone Bergholcs
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7846