OPTUS SATELLITE ENABLES SOUTHERN CROSS, ABC, SBS AND IMPARJA TO DELIVER NEXT GENERATION DIGITAL FREE-TO-AIR TV ACROSS AUSTRALIA

Optus announced today that it has been awarded four multi-million dollar contracts by Australian broadcasters, Southern Cross Media Group, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and Imparja Television to deliver next generation digital free-to-air television services via Optus Satellite across Australia.

Each ten year agreement will enable these broadcasters to deliver digital television to those households in black spot areas, who can't receive terrestrial digital TV signals, as they work with Federal Government towards switching off analog free-to-air television signals and replacing these with digital-only signals between 2010 and 2013.

"Optus is proud to be working with the broadcasters to bridge the digital divide and ensure no Australian misses out on receiving next generation digital free-to-air television services," said Paul Sheridan, Director of Optus Satellite.

"Delivery of services via Satellite continues to make sense for the size and scale of the Australian landscape and Optus' satellite solutions are a proven technology for the delivery of television services. We look forward to continuing to work with the broadcasters and the Government in ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy free view television," said Mr Sheridan.

These contract agreements mean that Southern Cross, ABC, SBS and Imparja can deliver Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST™), as part of the Government's digital switch over program, via Optus Satellite to any household in an area which cannot receive a terrestrial digital signal. VAST will offer viewers access to the full suite of digital channels comparable to the services available from terrestrial digital TV.

With a proven track record spanning more than 25 years, Optus is the leading satellite provider across Australia and New Zealand. As the only Australian telecommunications company to own and operate satellites, Optus is already trusted to carry the majority of the country's broadcast services.

Optus Satellite delivers free-to-air TV, subscription television, high speed data, voice, internet, Mobile Satellite and radio services. Satellite is a key differentiator for Optus' business, providing broadcasting, broadband and mobile services to every corner of Australia.

Optus' customers are the biggest names in broadcasting including Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Southern Cross and Imparja. Optus is the critical link in enabling our customers to meet the needs of their viewers.

For more information on Optus Satellite, please visit www.optus.com.au/satellite.

Media contacts:
Siobhan Quinn
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850