OPTUS NETWORK AND CUSTOMER UPDATE FOR QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Optus is continuing to support the recovery efforts in the flood affected areas of Queensland with particular focus on helping to restore services to customers whose property or business was impacted.

As of 21 January 2011, the Optus mobile network in Queensland is returning to normal service with additional field technicians from interstate helping to repair damaged infrastructure. Some fixed line customers however, may still experience problems in parts of Ipswich and the Brisbane CBD as a result of power outages or water damage.

Optus has utilised its satellite capability to install a temporary mobile tower at the evacuation centre in Murphy’s Creek and continues to monitor closely the performance of its mobile network throughout Ipswich, Brisbane and Regional Queensland including the Lockyer Valley.

Optus’ residential and small business customer assistance package also includes extended timeframes for bill payment; bill waiver in instances of extreme financial hardship on a case by case basis; free call diversion from an Optus fixed home phone to any mobile or fixed number; and no service reconnection fees within the next 12 months.

For Optus customers who are awaiting mobile handset repairs or replacements from Optus Insurance, ‘yes’ Optus Shops in Queensland will be carrying increased stock levels of loan phones to help provide greater access to services.

We have extended our hours of operation and increased our staffing levels across our customer service centres nationally to provide additional assistance for our residential and small business customers and fault and technical support is available 24/7. Customers can contact Optus Customer Care on 133 937, while Small Business customers can contact 133 343.

Noel Jarrett, Optus Director, Fixed Engineering said, “We understand this is a difficult time for many of our customers in Queensland and we are working closely to restore services as quickly as possible for residential, business and wholesale customers.

“We urge affected customers to contact us if they have any concerns relating to their Optus service.

“For those customers who have lost services due to the floods temporary solutions such as a loan phone or prepaid mobile broadband services are available.

“Optus is committed to provide ongoing support to our customers and the wider Queensland community throughout the recovery period. We encourage everyone to continue donations to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal at www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate,” Mr Jarrett said.

Media contact:
Simone Bergholcs/Joshua Drayton
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850