TIME TO UNSHACKLE THE HOME PHONE WITH LAUNCH OF OPTUS HOME ZONE

Unlimited standard national calls from $5 a month with Optus 3G Home Zone

Australia's first national femtocell service, Optus 3G Home Zone, is set to transform the home phone market, by providing personalised mobile coverage to the home or home office combined with a great value unlimited call offer.

Optus mobile customers who purchase the Optus 3G Home Zone will be able to make unlimited standard national calls from as little as $5 a month within the Home Zone footprint, bringing more choice to households who want better value calls.

The Home Zone device, which is similar to a modem, plugs into any compatible fixed broadband service delivering up to five bars of personalised and dedicated mobile coverage for up to four simultaneous users. The Optus 3G Home Zone allows users to reliably make and receive calls and access 3G data services like email, internet browsing and social networking websites within a 30-metre radius of the Home Zone unit.

The launch of the Optus 3G Home Zone service follows a commercial pilot which commenced in April 2011. With today's launch, Optus is extending the service to all major capital cities as well as large regional centres.

Michael Smith, Managing Director, Optus Consumer said, "We believe today's announcement signifies the biggest challenge to the Australian home phone since services began nearly 130 years ago.

"As many Australians struggle with the rising cost of living, Optus is delivering new innovations to help our customers stay connected and, in the process, pay less. The Optus 3G Home Zone meets these needs – providing up to five bars of coverage in the home and unlimited standard national calls for the primary user – all from just $5 per month.

"As our major competitor raises line rental costs Optus is providing a great value alternative for the home calling needs of our customers. Customers involved in our recent trial love the fact that they are receiving personal and dedicated coverage where they need it most," Mr Smith said.

Improved coverage can be easily activated through an online portal where customers can add and remove up to twelve friends, family and colleagues to ensure they have a secure and dedicated signal within the home or small office environment.

Rohan Ganeson, Managing Director, Optus Small and Medium Business said, "The Optus 3G Home Zone allows small businesses to manage costs more effectively by offering a real value alternative for voice services within the home and small office. With more businesses using smartphones, the Optus 3G Home Zone is also a cost effective option for providing the dedicated coverage that a small business needs.

Pricing and availability
Optus mobile customers on plans of $59 per month or more will be able to purchase the Optus 3G Home Zone service for just $5 per month over 24 months, while customers on mobile plans of $49 per month, or less, will pay $15 per month for the service.

The Optus 3G Home Zone devices will be available through selected Optus retail outlets from 31 July 2011.

For more information visit www.optus.com.au/homezone

For media enquiries, please contact:
Joshua Drayton
Optus Corporate Affairs
02 8082 7850