OPTUS LENDS HELPING HAND IN WAKE OF TYPHOON HAIYAN

Optus today announced support for customers wishing to check on family and friends in typhoon affected areas of the Philippines.

Optus’ support for customers includes:

• Free calls to the Philippines for fixed customers, from 11 November and available through to midnight on Sunday 17 November 2013
• Free SMS and calls from postpaid mobile services, from 11 November and available through to midnight on Sunday 17 November, 2013; and
• 20 minutes of free call credit for prepaid customers who regularly call the Philippines, excluding $2 Days, Connect 4 Less and Talk&Text4Less customers who will receive a $4 call credit.

David Epstein, Vice President Corporate and Regulatory Affairs said: “Australians know all too well the devastation of natural disasters, so Optus recognises that this is a very difficult time for many of our customers.”

“Optus wants to help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety of not being able to contact loved ones by offering a helping hand. Our thoughts are with affected customers and communities at this time,” Mr Epstein said.

Optus is also working with our Filipino-based SingTel Associate, Globe, to provide 150 satellite phones to help people stay connected in areas where towers and networks are down.

We are supporting our people in the affected areas with an employee assistance program as we check on families and friends of staff.

Optus employees are also donating money to support World Vision’s Typhoon Haiyan Appeal. The SingTel Group will donate $43,000 (SGD $50,000) on behalf of the Singapore and Australian operations to local Filipino relief efforts.