BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL MOVES TO IP; AWARDS NETWORK MANAGED SERVICES CONTRACT TO OPTUS

Asia Pacific's largest local council, Brisbane City Council, today awarded Optus a network managed services contract worth approximately $60 million for a contracted period of up to seven years. The agreement will see Optus manage a total refresh of Brisbane City Council's telecommunications network infrastructure, moving it to a new, fully managed, IP-based communications system.

Optus was awarded the contract by Brisbane City Council following a competitive tender which began in late 2008. In its request for proposals, Brisbane City Council outlined that it wished to embark on a technology and business transformation which would see it move to a fully managed network services environment with improved service levels, the rationalisation of contracts and services, an enhanced service delivery model and significant cost savings.

John Simon, Managing Director, Optus Enterprise and Business Group said, "Optus has a strong track record in Queensland where we have extensive network infrastructure having invested significantly in the state over many years. This investment, which includes the Reef Network acquired by Optus in 2005, has enabled us to bring competition to the Queensland telecommunications sector, leading to improved service levels and better value for business, government and consumer customers alike.

"While the Queensland State Government has been a major customer and partner of Optus for some time, this agreement with Brisbane City Council represents a significant win for us in the Queensland local government sector."

Under the terms of the contract Optus will implement a new data network, utilising the Optus Evolve IP network, to connect approximately 200 Brisbane City Council sites across the Queensland capital. Leveraging this investment, Optus will also implement a new IP telephony system for use by Brisbane City Council's 8,000 employees as well as a new IP contact centre solution for use in the council’s customer service centre.

"As we roll out our solution to Brisbane City Council we will be laying a foundation for the future electronic delivery of government services while also delivering substantial productivity benefits to the Council," Mr Simon said.

In addition to the network refresh, Optus will also provide all fixed voice, mobile and data services for the Council, including management of its 3,500+ mobile phone fleet.

Media contact:
Liz Greene
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 1132