Cable & Wireless Optus today officially opened a new $10 million telecommunications exchange at Woods Street in Darwin.

Opened by the Chief Minster, the Hon Denis Burke, the Woods Street Exchange represents a new era in the Territory's telecommunications development.

In Darwin today, Mr Chris Anderson, Chief Executive, Cable & Wireless Optus said that the Exchange would handle all the company's long distance, mobile and international calls in the Northern Territory using the latest technology.

In addition the Exchange will support the growing demand by business and government for Internet Protocol (IP) services including, Voice Over IP, e-commerce, web-hosting and mobile data services such as WAP (Wireless Application Protocol).

"The Wood Street Exchange is state-of-the-art - the best in Australia. Territorians can be confident that we are delivering on our promise to provide them with world class infrastructure," he said.

"The Exchange will be the nerve center of our operation here in the Territory. It will help us deliver high quality service and ensure that Territorians enjoy the benefits of the increased competition," said Mr Anderson.

Since winning the contract to provide communications services to the Northern Territory Government last year, Cable & Wireless Optus has been building a strong operation, growing business and customers.

"We are investing $10 million in this exchange, $8 million in extending mobile coverage and another $7 million increasing our capacity. This is far beyond the requirements of our contract with the Government and shows our commitment to the Territory," he said.

Cable & Wireless Optus, together with its Consortium partners, has created over 110 full and part-time jobs.

"We are delighted to be part of bringing competition, jobs and more business to the Northern Territory," Mr Anderson said.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: 0411 274 887