OPTUS NAMED MOBILE AND SATELLITE SUPPLIER TO NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT

Optus today announced it has been awarded multiple contracts to supply mobile and satellite communications services to the Northern Territory Government (NT).

Under the terms of the three-year agreement, all NT Government agencies can procure the full suite of Optus mobile voice and data services, including mobile broadband, as well as Optus Thuraya mobile satellite services for voice coverage in remote areas. The NT Government's existing fleet includes more than 7000 mobile and 600 satellite phone services.

The announcement follows a comprehensive tender process in support of the Northern Territory Government's ICT sourcing program. Worth approximately $100 million per annum, the sourcing program covers the procurement of whole of government ICT services, including telecommunication carrier services, data networks (WAN and LAN), voice communications (fixed and mobile), workstation services, messaging, video conferencing, help desk services, and internet services.

Mark Williamson, Director of Northern Region Sales at Optus, said the company was pleased to have been awarded the contracts and is well placed to supply the NT Government with mobile and satellite solutions.

"Combining Thuraya satellite services with our 3G Dual Band mobile network will allow NT Government agencies to mobilise their workforce while staff working and living in remote areas can stay connected," Mr Williamson said. "This win adds to our long history of working with State Government agencies."

The contract win follows an extensive investment by Optus to boost its mobile network coverage in both metro regional areas, bringing more choice and competition to business and consumers. "In the last financial year, Optus added 600 mobile sites across Australia, activating new sites in areas such as Lambells Lagoon, Humpty Doo South and Malak," Mr Williamson said.

The NT Government contract is non-exclusive and covers the following services:

• Mobile Voice and Data Services
  NT Government agencies will have access to the full suite of Optus Business mobile voice and data services, including mobile broadband and mobile data plans.
• Satellite Voice and Data Carriage Services
  As Optus is a leading provider of Thuraya mobile satellite services, NT Government agencies can purchase a range of products, including Thuraya dual-mode GSM/satellite phones, GmPRS data services and the Thuraya XT handset, the toughest Satphone on the market. Optus also offers the Thuraya IP Data modem, capable of delivering speeds up to 444kbps, and the Thuraya Data module for data collection from remote assets such as pipeline monitoring in the oil, gas and utility industries. These services use sophisticated mobile satellite technology to deliver coverage right across the territory and throughout Australia with line of sight to the Thuraya satellite.

For more information:
Kasia Ciszak
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 8315