OPTUS ANNOUNCES NAMING PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GC2018 AQUATIC CENTRE

Australia’s best swimmers and divers will be focused on breaking records and collecting gold medals at the newly named Optus Aquatic Centre during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Optus announced the partnership today with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), expanding on Optus’ role as the official support network of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Ian Smith, Optus Vice President and Executive Lead for the Commonwealth Games was pleased to be building on Optus’ existing support of swimming in Australia.

“Optus is a principal partner of Swimming Australia and the Australian Dolphins Swim Team, so we saw it as complementary to continue our partnership with swimming in Australia by securing the naming rights of the Optus Aquatic Centre,” said Mr Smith.

“Australia is a leader in world swimming and I hope to see plenty of our athletes atop the dais at the Optus Aquatic Centre during the Commonwealth Games.”

Optus is the official support network of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and will provide the event’s communications infrastructure and managed services, including the permanent upgrade of 4G services around the Optus Aquatic Centre.

Optus will also be boosting the network coverage during the Commonwealth Games by deploying two portable Cells on Wheels at the Optus Aquatic Centre, to ensure fans have the best network experience.

“Our network infrastructure at the Optus Aquatic Centre will allow fans to share every gold medal moment as it happens to their friends and family around the world,” Mr Smith added.

“Optus is committed to providing a great experience for all athletes, support staff and fans during the Commonwealth Games and our network investment in the Gold Coast will benefit its residents and visitors well after the completion of the games.”

GOLDOC Chairman, Peter Beattie AC, said Optus is working closely with GOLDOC to deliver an unforgettable global Games for spectators, broadcasters, working media and a cumulative television audience of up to 1.5 billion.

“Optus’ commitment to GC2018 and Australian sport in general needs to be publicly applauded, said Mr Beattie.

“They’re backing the Commonwealth Games, supporting our champion swim teams and investing in the Gold Coast to leave a lasting legacy for locals.

“While our swimmers will be recording fast times, the infrastructure being deployed in venues will help spectators share the golden moments with the rest of the Commonwealth and the network upgrades across the Gold Coast will be heavily utilised well after the Closing Ceremony.”

Optus recently announced its $30 million network investment program for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, with 411 infrastructure projects planned to be completed ahead of the GC2018’s Opening Ceremony to improve and enhance Optus mobile network experience during the Games and beyond.

Today’s announcement comes just days before the Australia Swimming Trials commence at the Optus Aquatic Centre, as athletes compete for their selection in the Australian Commonwealth Games Team.

Media enquiries:

Shay Menyweather

Optus Corporate Affairs

Tel: (02) 8082 7850