In a first for Australia's mobile phone industry, Cable & Wireless Optus today announced its customers can now recharge their Optus Express Pre-Paid Mobile balances over the phone using a credit card.

Paul O'Sullivan, Managing Director Mobile, Cable & Wireless Optus said that this was another example of Optus leading the way with innovative and convenience-focused offers.

"We are giving our customers the power to top-up their balances from anywhere at anytime of the day or night," he said.

"Our customers simply dial 444 from their handset, give their credit card details, nominate their $30, $50 or $100 recharge value and their Pre-Paid Mobile Phone can be topped-up immediately."

Mr O'Sullivan said, "We're taking the hassle out of recharging pre-paid phone balances. We were the first mobile company to offer recharging at ATMs - Now our customers can also recharge from the comfort of their own homes!"

The credit card recharging service is powered by B Digital's electronic commerce subsidiary Telequity Pty Ltd.

"B Digital is a valued mobile service provider of Cable & Wireless Optus. This deal further strengthens our relationship," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Sean Gentry, Managing Director, B Digital said, "We developed this real time solution specifically for Optus and we'll operate it from our transaction processing centre. We're excited because it allows us to participate in Australia's growing prepaid mobile market."

This Optus Express Pre-Paid Mobile recharge service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to customers with major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa and American Express.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 7850

Kim Allen
B Digital
Phone: (08) 9463 5800