OPTUS SERVES AN ACE WITH AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPONSORSHIP

Optus today announced its renewed support for Australian tennis by extending its long-standing relationship with Tennis Australia and the Australian Open with a new two year sponsorship agreement.

Since 2001 Optus has supported Australian talent from grassroots to the elite level by sponsoring the Optus Junior National Tour, the Optus Junior National Championships and the Australian Wheelchair Open. In 2005 Optus extended its relationship with Tennis Australia when it became the official telecommunications partner of the Australian Open.

"Optus is committed to fostering the next generation of tennis players as they take on the world's best at tournaments such as the Australian Open," Maha Krishnapillai, Optus Director, Government and Corporate Affairs said.

"Every year the Australian Open serves up fantastic tennis as an elite field of players challenge top seeds including reigning title-holders Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. Optus is proud to be part of this prestigious event, one of the highlights in the Australian sporting calendar and a firm favourite with Optus customers."

Through its Australian Open agreement, Optus has an extensive on-ground presence at the home of the Australian Open, Melbourne Park, with exclusive offers for Optus customers and an area where customers can touch and feel the latest technology and content offerings.

In addition, Optus provides world class communications infrastructure to Tennis Australia, enabling them to communicate to billions of tennis fans globally throughout the two week Australian Open tournament.

"During the 2009 Australian Open, Optus customers were able to keep up with all the action from Melbourne Park with live streaming of the tournament direct to their Optus 3G mobiles. This proved a popular addition to our content portfolio," Mr Krishnapillai said.

The Australian Open 2010 will take place at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, from 18 to 31 January.

Note to Editor:

• Optus is a finalist in the sponsorship category for its Australian Open 2009 campaign with Tennis Australia in the 2009 Australian Institute of Marketing Awards.

Media contacts:
Tracy Woodley
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850