Optus today announced it is "all systems go" for the introduction of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) next Tuesday, 25 September 2001.

Tony Rusten, Group Manager MNP for Optus said the company had completed all its technology and systems testing.

"We have been intensively testing our systems for weeks with good results. In addition, we have been participating in a final industry trial over the last 24 hours.

"We have successfully ported numbers both to and from all other carriers. So we are ready for action," Mr Rusten said.

"But MNP is not about technology its about customer choice and flexibility.

"Consumers will be the real winners with MNP because carriers will have to work harder to not only gain new customers but keep existing ones. So if consumers are not happy - now they can vote with their feet," he said.

Optus believes that MNP will increase its opportunity to attract a larger share of the business market.

"Having to change a mobile number when changing mobile carriers has proven a major disincentive for 'number bound' business customers. Now, for the first time, these customers have real choice," Mr Rusten said.

For more information contact:
Stephen Woodhill
Optus Public Affairs
Tel: 02 9342 785