OPTUS ACCELERATES 3G AND 4G EXPANSION VIA EXTENDED SITE SHARING ARRANGEMENT

Optus signs a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand current network joint venture agreement with Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) and Vodafone Network.

• 3G coverage improvements extended to additional mobile sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Geelong, Central Coast, Gold Coast and Canberra.
• Delivery of Optus 4G services to be strengthened by accessing additional mobile sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

Optus announced today the signing of a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) and Vodafone Network. Optus customers will receive wider coverage through access to nearly 1,000 additional mobile sites strengthening Optus’ 3G and 4G services across Australia.

The expanded agreement will provide an approximately 20% increase in the overall number of mobile sites on the Optus mobile network by 2015 that will deliver even better network consistency, faster data speeds and broader coverage for customers.

“Optus is committed to delivering what matters most to our customers – a network that strives to provide better services every day. Today’s agreement ensures Optus can accelerate its aggressive push to bring customers a leading mobile network for today and tomorrow,” said Kevin Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Australia.

“We will bring quicker data speeds, better call quality, and improved performance in more places to ensure Optus customers stay closer to family and friends through the latest mobile services,” Mr Russell said.

The expanded arrangements will provide five key benefits for Optus:

• Enhanced coverage: The expanded site sharing arrangements will allow Optus to expand 3G and 4G coverage through additional mobile sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Geelong, Central Coast, Gold Coast and Canberra – improving the network experience for customers in these areas.
• Accelerated delivery of services: The expanded joint venture agreement will accelerate the delivery of improved 3G and new 4G services to customers by 12-18 months by using existing mobile sites.
• Improved cost efficiencies: The expanded site sharing agreement enables Optus and VHA to share costs for new and existing mobile sites while significantly expanding overall network coverage.
• Exclusive roaming partner: For a period of 5 years from April 2013, Optus will be the exclusive roaming partner for VHA customers in selected regional areas – a strong endorsement of Optus’ mobile network and its significant regional expansion over the past three years.
• Community benefit: Optus and VHA will be able to co-locate the majority of their new infrastructure on existing sites minimising the impact of a large infrastructure rollout on local communities.

The expanded joint venture network arrangement is subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

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