OPTUS EXPANDS MOBILE COVERAGE IN HERVEY BAY

Optus announced today the continued expansion of its 3G Dual Band mobile network in Hervey Bay with two new sites being activated at Hervey Bay airport and Torquay.

These facilities will increase Optus 3G coverage and performance in Hervey Bay making it possible for more communities to have choice for the mobile services they need.

Anthony Shiner, General Manager, Optus Country said Optus is continuously raising the bar when it comes to improving mobile coverage.

"Optus is continuing its commitment to regional Australia by delivering a truly flexible and competitive alternative through quality network coverage and better value mobile services for its customers.

"In addition to sites planned at Point Vernon and Dundowran in Hervey Bay, Optus is planning investment in new infrastructure over the next 12 months in a number of areas in the Wide Bay and Fraser Coast region including Fraser island, Burrum heads, Buxton and River Heads.

"This new investment confirms Optus' commitment to supporting the local community in Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast region by delivering services that our customers are asking for and technology that helps make their lives easier," Mr Shiner said.

Optus is continuously expanding its mobile coverage across the country with its network handling over 35 million calls and 21 million SMS messages every day and covering more than 20,000 kilometres of highway and over 690,000 square kilometres of land.

Over the past four years, an average of three new base stations has been rolled out every working day. This represents a significant investment by Optus into both metropolitan and regional Australia.

For more information on Optus' products and services please visit Optus' website at www.optus.com.au

Media contact:
Joshua Drayton
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 8138