MT SYLVIA RECEIVES PERMANENT MOBILE COVERAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH OPTUS

Optus has switched on a new, dedicated 3G mobile tower at Mt Sylvia, in the Lockyer Valley, Queensland – marking the first time that the area has received permanent 3G mobile coverage. After extensive work by Optus during the 2011 Queensland floods to support residents with mobile satellite phones and a temporary mobile facility, there was a recognised need for permanent coverage in the area. In consultation with the Mt Sylvia community and the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Optus has now completed the construction and switch-on of a 50 metre mobile tower, providing a permanent mobile coverage solution for the area. David Epstein, Vice President, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at Optus, said, “The devastating floods that affected much of Queensland in recent years highlighted the important role that mobile telecommunications play in assisting emergency services and communities during crisis and recovery.” “No one wants to be out of touch with family, friends, or loved ones at the best of times, let alone isolated during natural disasters such as flood events. With today’s mobile tower launch, the community of Mt Sylvia will have access to mobile calls, SMS, social media, email, apps – all available in more places than ever before.” “Working together with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council and energy partner Energex, our network deployment team negotiated some particularly difficult geography to get this new tower up in advance of the coming summer, and in time for the upcoming school holidays,” Mr Epstein said. Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones said that in light of the challenges posed by local terrain, the switch-on of Optus’ permanent 3G mobile coverage in Mt Sylvia has been especially welcomed by the community. “Before Optus came to town, Mt Sylvia had to rely purely on landline service. With a permanent mobile tower serving the area, we hope to be less isolated in times of natural disaster. Residents can take advantage of things like email, social media and mobile apps, while businesses can operate more flexibly.” Optus, the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, and Mt Sylvia locals will be celebrating the tower launch today at an information session and barbeque lunch at Mt Sylvia State School, with phone and tablet demos and an outline of new mobile plans from the team at Optus. “It’s a great time for Mt Sylvia to join the Optus network – we’ve recently launched our simplest mobile plans ever with ‘My Plan’, and we’re continuing to upgrade and expand our network coverage across the country,” Mr Epstein said. Optus is committed to providing a great experience for its customers by continuing to invest in the expansion of its mobile network across metro and regional Australia. With more than 5,500 sites across the country, the Optus mobile network now reaches 98 percent of the Australian population for voice and data.   What you need to do to get on the Optus network: You can get a phone or plan at your local ‘yes’ Optus store (find an Optus store at www.optus.com.au/storelocator), on the Optus website (www.optus.com.au) or from anywhere that sells Optus Prepaid (available at over 9,000 retailers across Australia).   Media contacts Gabrielle Crittenden / Derek Lau Optus Corporate Affairs (02) 8082 7850