OPTUS FURTHERS COMMITMENT TO BALLARAT

Plans $3.5 million investment to further improve mobile coverage

Optus today revealed plans to spend an additional $3.5 million to further improve mobile phone coverage across the Ballarat region over the next two years, with new towers planned for Ballarat Base Hospital, Newington, Alfredton, Delacombe, Lake Wendouree North, Ballarat Airport, Smythes Creek, and Bonshaw. Optus’ investment will also improve coverage along the Western Highway at Ballan, Rockbank and Brookfield; the Midland Highway at Castlemaine and Creswick South; and the Glenelg Highway at Smythes Creek. Allen Lew, Optus’ Chief Executive Officer said this investment will increase Optus’ 4G coverage and performance in Ballarat, making it possible for more customers to have the reliable mobile coverage they need. “We understand the need for better mobile coverage for people living, working and commuting in Ballarat. Whether it’s helping small businesses stay connected, or supporting local tourism attractions such as Sovereign Hill or the Ballarat Agricultural Show, Optus recognises the importance of reliable mobile coverage to the local economy.” “These new towers will further improve mobile coverage through the region, making it easier for customers to make a call and connect to the internet. Ballarat is one of hundreds of regional areas enjoying the benefits of Optus’ superfast 4G Plus network, which now reaches 95% of Australians.” Today’s announcement follows the $6 million investment Optus has made over the past two years, to upgrade mobile sites to 4G at Mt Buniyong, Wendouree, Wendouree North, Sebastopol, Mt Helen, Ballarat West, Ballarat East, Ballarat North, Mount Clear, Ballarat CBD and Eureka. These network enhancements have expanded Optus’ 4G data coverage, increased download speeds and improved mobile voice quality for the Ballarat region. The Optus network handles over 50 million calls and 65 million SMS messages every day. This growing demand for mobile services is why Optus is continuously raising the bar when it comes to improving mobile coverage in regional Australia. “We want to give customers the freedom to try the Optus mobile network for themselves without being locked into anything. Locals can try our network and if they’re not satisfied, simply contact us within 30 days to cancel the service, return the handset in good working order, pay what they owe and there won’t be be any plan cancellation fees,” Mr Lew said.   Media contact: Gabrielle Crittenden Optus Corporate Affairs (02) 8082 7850 media@optus.com.au