Cable & Wireless Optus has joined forces with the Northern Territory Government, the Department of Defence and Power And Water Authority (PAWA) to build a new fibre optic cable delivering Territorians increased access to the latest high speed data services at competitive prices.

The $7.5 million joint venture project will build a new 49km fibre cable from Darwin to Palmerston along the Stuart Highway and returning via Robertson Barracks, the Peter McAulay Centre and Casuarina.

Matti Urvet, General Manager Northern Territory, Cable & Wireless Optus said the new cable would join Optus' existing 38km fibre cable surrounding the Darwin CBD providing Territorians with a greater choice of telecommunications services.

"We're connecting the Top End to the information age, ensuring that Territorians have access to the latest technology," he said.

"By working with our joint venture partners we are helping to ensure that Government, business and consumers will soon enjoy increased access to high capacity data services including the internet, voice and e-commerce services at competitive prices," said Mr Urvet.

"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 customer numbers," he said.

"Earlier this year we opened a new $10 million exchange, we've spent over $8 million in extending mobile coverage and now a similar amount increasing our capacity. This shows our commitment to the Territory," he said.

Work will begin on the cable in December and the project is expected to be completed by June 2001.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 5042