OPTUS TO IMPLEMENT NATIONAL LOCATION-BASED EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM

Optus today announced it has reached an agreement with the Victorian Government* to implement the national location-based mobile telephone emergency warning system by November 2013.

The new system will send SMS warning alerts to any mobile subscriber on the Optus mobile network who is in an area designated as an emergency zone. It will also support Optus wholesale customers, including Virgin Mobile.

Until the national solution is implemented, Optus will continue to use its existing capability to deliver SMS alerts to customers within specifically designated at-risk areas in co-operation with emergency services organisations.

“Optus is pleased to be a part of this important initiative to help emergency services organisations protect Australians, and is committed to delivering the new solution by November next year,” David Epstein, Vice President, Optus Corporate and Regulatory Affairs said.

“We take our obligations to the community very seriously. It’s important that Optus customers know our existing SMS system can send warning alerts to help them stay safe this bushfire season until we implement the new solution. While our existing capability utilises different technology, we have used it previously to reach customers in at-risk areas during Cyclone Yasi in Queensland.

“SMS alerts are only one part of the emergency alert system, so we encourage our customers to also stay tuned to TV, radio and the internet for updates on threats and emergency situations,” said Mr Epstein.

Over the next 12 months Optus will upgrade its existing technology and systems to integrate the new solution across its mobile network.

Media contact:
Joshua Drayton
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: 02 8082 7850

*The Victorian Government has led negotiations with telecommunications carriers on behalf of all States and Territories.