OPTUS LAUNCHES IPHONE MOBILE APPLICATION AND DEDICATED 3G MOBILE SITE FOR 2010 SYDNEY FESTIVAL

Optus Festival Buddy part of exclusive partnership with Sydney Festival

Optus announced today the launch of the first custom made iPhone application and 3G mobile guide for Sydney Festival as part of a new and exclusive partnership that will enhance the experience for all festival goers with 3G mobiles.

The Optus Festival Buddy will be the ultimate guide to Australia's most attended cultural event by providing easy access to daily updated event information, venue information including location and parking options and ticketing information for all events.

Michael Smith, Managing Director, Optus Consumer said, "We are excited to launch this innovative iPhone application and 3G mobile site called the Optus Festival Buddy which will be available to all iPhones and compatible 3G mobiles.

"Customers are increasingly using their mobile to stay connected in all areas of life. The Optus Festival Buddy takes this to a new level by allowing customers to integrate Sydney Festival information into a personalised event planner on their iPhone or 3G mobile.

"Optus' partnership with Sydney Festival reflects our commitment to give back to the communities and people who support us, providing the ultimate guide to one of Australia's biggest annual events," Mr Smith said.

Optus has also developed enhanced functionality for iPhone customers with integrated maps to provide directions to event venues. The direct feedback options mean festival goers can rate events or post comments directly to Twitter and Facebook.

iPhone users also have a unique feature called "Inspire Me" where users can shake their iPhone to see images and video from festival events. This is a great way to give customers a snapshot of the diversity of the Sydney Festival program

"We are delighted that Optus has taken up the opportunity to provide fantastic mobile access to our program. Optus has given our audience the chance to plan their festival, purchase tickets, find out about special offers and get updates daily all via their phones," Jill Colvin, Head of Marketing and Communications, Sydney Festival said.

As the exclusive telecommunications and information partner, Optus is also providing 'Optus Meeting Points' during the outdoor events, a wireless live site at Becks Bar, free internet hubs in the theatre foyers, priority entry for Optus 'yes' Rewards card holders into the Festival Garden plus access to other great ticket offers and competitions for Optus customers via 'yes' Tickets at www.yestickets.com.au.

To get your Optus Festival Buddy, SMS the word "FESTIVAL" to 1977 7779^{^} (SMS cost is 55 cents) or iPhone users can simply download it from the iTunes App Store. For more information please visit; www.sydneyfestival.org.au/OptusFestivalBuddy.

^Available on compatible handsets. Data charges from your network operator may apply to access the iPhone application or the mobile site. Call 1300 762 902 (toll free) for help.

Media contact:
Melissa Clare
Optus Corporate Affairs
Ph: 02 8082 7850

Note to Editor: Please find below an overview of Optus Festival Buddy functionality.