OPTUS TO EXPAND MOBILE COVERAGE ACROSS THE LOCKYER VALLEY

Optus announced today that it will expand its mobile coverage across the Lockyer Valley and provide the first dedicated mobile coverage to the community of Mt Sylvia by early 2012.

Today's announcement also includes new and dedicated mobile coverage for Murphy's Creek, the expansion to existing coverage at Gatton and Gatton South, and upgraded mobile services to Helidon.

This initiative is in response to approaches made to Optus by the local community of Mt Sylvia and the Lockyer Valley Regional Council to provide permanent mobile coverage solutions for the Lockyer Valley and the Mt Sylvia area.

The request for better coverage came after Mt Sylvia and Murphy's Creek were isolated by the January floods which left residents without reliable mobile communications. During the floods, Optus provided Mt Sylvia residents with mobile satellite phones and a temporary mobile facility was installed at the Murphy's Creek site which will now be expanded and made permanent.

Careful planning has been taken for the Murphy's Creek location to maximise coverage to the surrounding region. The tower is currently under construction and services are expected to be operational by January 2012.

Due to challenging terrain in the region Optus is working closely with the Lockyer Valley Council and the Mt Sylvia community to select a suitable location that will maximise the benefits to the communities in and around Mt Sylvia.

Optus Chief Executive, Paul O'Sullivan said, "As Optus has expanded its regional mobile coverage we have seen how critical reliable mobile coverage is for many local communities around Australia. After working closely with the Lockyer Valley Council and the Mt Sylvia community, Optus is pleased to expand its commitment to the Lockyer Valley region and provide dedicated mobile coverage to the Mt Sylvia community for the first time."

Julia Crust, Communication Committee of Mt Sylvia Co-ordinator said, "With thanks to Optus the Lockyer Valley community can, for the first time, feel safe in knowing that they have dedicated and enhanced mobile coverage for the Mt Sylvia area."

Council's Mayor Steve Jones welcomed the announcement. "Many of our Lockyer Valley communities were disadvantaged during January’s floods as a result of the lack of mobile coverage in the region.

"Today's announcement by Optus is a huge step forward and the Council applauds Optus for their commitment to the Lockyer Valley region and its people," Cr Jones said.

In addition to the above expansion announcements Optus will work with the local community to address further communication needs in the area.

Media contacts:
Joshua Drayton Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 8138
Optus Media Hotline: (02) 8082 7850