AUSTRALIA'S NEWEST SATELLITE - OPTUS D3 - IS FULLY OPERATIONAL

Optus announced today that Australia's newest state-of-the-art satellite, Optus D3, is fully operational after successfully completing extensive in-orbit testing ahead of schedule.

Following the successful launch of the Optus D3 Satellite on 22 August 2009 (AEST) from French Guiana, Optus has now completed a number of crucial tests at its geo-stationary 156°E location. D3 will complement Optus' existing four satellites providing services across Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica.

Vicki Brady, Managing Director of Optus Wholesale and Satellite said "I am delighted to confirm that our newest satellite, Optus D3, is fully operational, increasing our satellite fleet capacity by more than 30 per cent.

"Successfully launching and operating satellites is a complex and precise business but it's something Optus has been doing now for more than 25 years.

"The Optus D3 satellite has completed a rigorous amount of testing throughout August and September 2009. We've been very pleased with the test results, which demonstrate the satellite's readiness to provide quality broadcast services to Australian homes and businesses. Because things have gone so smoothly, Optus D3 is ready for service ahead of schedule.

"Now that Optus' dedicated and experienced team of satellite experts have successfully tested and configured the Optus D3 satellite, our customers can begin their own testing in preparation for service commencement in the near future.

"Not only will D3 provide new business opportunities for Optus, it will also allow our customers to provide new and advanced digital services to their customers across Australia and New Zealand," Ms Brady said.

FOXTEL recently announced that the new Optus D3 satellite will enable them to offer customers 30 additional channels, including 10 additional HD channels, enhanced navigation features, and significantly more interactive and on-demand features.

Optus' satellite fleet reaches all corners of the country delivering subscription television, free-to-air TV, voice, internet and radio services making it an important source of news and entertainment for the entire population.

The successful launch and operation of D3 demonstrates Optus' commitment to keeping Australia and New Zealand at the forefront of satellite technology as we continue to invest in bringing communications capability, such as high definition television, to more households.

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