OPTUS' D3 SATELLITE SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH IN AUGUST

Optus confirmed today that its state-of-the-art D3 satellite is scheduled for launch in mid-August 2009.

Paul Sheridan, Director of Optus Satellite said, "Optus has been the leading provider of satellite services across Australia and New Zealand for nearly 30 years, having successfully launched and operated a total of eight satellites since 1985, with the ninth, Optus D3, to follow in mid-August.

"We are especially excited about Optus D3 because, for the first time in a decade, the new satellite will increase Optus' fleet capacity by more than 30 per cent, providing new business opportunities in broadcast television, direct-to-home market, new data services and services bundling," said Mr Sheridan.

Following the successful launch of Optus’ D1 (October 2006) and D2 (October 2007) satellites, Optus D3 will be launched by an Ariane-5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.

For mission updates, please visit http://www.arianespace.com/news/mission-status.asp

Media contact:
Siobhan Quinn
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 8432