Cable & Wireless Optus today launched Ozitalk - a network of unique worldwide alliances with the aim of putting an Optus mobile into the hands of every overseas visitor.

The alliances include major telecommunications carriers, airlines and overseas retailers.

Ozitalk caters for inbound travellers' communication needs by providing services from mobiles to calling cards as well as offering travel assistance.

Paul O'Sullivan, Managing Director Mobile, Cable & Wireless Optus said over 4.7 million short term visitors are expected to visit Australia this year, 5 million next year, 25 million by 2020.

"Many will want to use a mobile during their stay. And we want these people to be Optus customers."

"Using Ozitalk tourists will be able to buy or rent a pre-paid mobile phone or purchase a global calling card, quickly and easily from anywhere in the world," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"Through our alliance partners we can deliver a phone to you before you leave home, on the plane on your way here or at the airport when you arrive.

"We're providing mobiles on the ground and at 30,000 feet. We're flying high and low to deliver Australian mobile phones to tourists anytime, anywhere in the world," he said.

In addition Ozitalk will also provide a 24 hour help hotline including medical and legal advice, automotive assistance, translator services and travel tips.

Ozitalk has its own website, www.ozitalk.com and will be promoted overseas with marketing support from a number of alliance partners. Tourists will be able to order a mobile for use in Australia either direct through the website or from an alliance partner.

Optus has recruited some of the world leading brands to become alliance partners in Ozitalk including; Cellhire, TNZ, Ericsson, City Telecom Hong Kong, Radio Shack Canada, Cable & Wireless IDC Japan, Ericsson, Global In-flight, Sprint USA and SOS International.

Domestically, Ozitalk products will be available through Optus World retail stores, Australia Post, Tandy, C21, Shell Shops, Newslink and selected duty free outlets.

Mr O'Sullivan said, "Initiatives such as Ozitalk yet again highlight Optus' innovation and leadership in the mobile market. Only Optus has been able to put together the total package encompassing a mobile network, competitive products and pricing, value added travel services and global alliances."

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

Backgrounder

Ozitalk Products includes:

Mobile Rental - Rent a mobile for the duration of your stay and hand it back when you leave. Packages include an Ericsson T-10S or A1018S mobile phone complete with an Ozitalk SIM card and a $100 Pre-Paid Recharge Card. Customers can also take the phone and have the call costs charged directly to their credit cards.

Ozitalk Pre-Paid Travel Kit for travelers who own their own phone but whose SIM card is not compatible with Australian networks, includes an Ozitalk SIM card complete with $50 or $100 Pre-Paid Recharge Card.

Ozitalk Pre-Paid Mobile Phone Pre-purchase a mobile phone that can be used in Australia and take it with you when you leave. Packages include a new Ericsson T-10S or A1018S mobile handset complete with an Ozitalk SIM card and $100 Pre-Paid Recharge Card, from $349.

Ozitalk Pre-Paid Global Phone Cards With a Ozitalk Global Phone card you can pre-pay an amount to suit your travel budget, then use Australian telephones. Ozitalk phone cards can be purchased in $10, $20 or $50 values.

Ozitalk Services

Ozitalk Helpline provides multi-lingual operators who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week who can assist with:

Pre-paid Mobile Call Costs

Ozitalk International Rates

*charged in 30 second increments. 27cent flagfall applies per call. All pricing subject to change without notice. International roaming and 1900 calls not available. To continue making outgoing calls after your call credit expire, you must top up with at least $30 in call credits.