Optus is working hard to restore mobile services in fire-damaged areas - bringing in portable power generators and mobile base stations.

In addition, Optus has also sent 100 prepaid mobile phones and over $10,000 worth of recharge cards to the NSW Rural Fire Service to be distributed to firefighters and affected families.

Paul Kitchin, Director Mobile Marketing for Optus, said the majority of Optus's mobile network is fully operational but the bush fires had impacted services in a few areas.

The bush fires have caused damage or power failures at five mobile base station sites including; Helensburgh, Stanwell Park, Garrawarra Ridge and Darkes Forest in Sydney's south and 12 Mile Peg near Ulladulla on the South Coast.

We are currently unable to access these sites to ascertain the damage. However, we have a number of portable base stations and power generators on standby and we will do our best to restore services as soon as possible, Mr Kitchin said.

In the meantime, our teams of network engineers have restored mobile services in other fire-damaged areas including; Wallacia Golf Club, Mulgoa, Vincentia, Falls Creek, Lake Conjola and Boyne Trig.

Mr Kitchin said he hoped that Optus's gift of mobile phones and recharge cards will prove useful.

We understand that in times of crisis like this the need to speak to family and friends is vital.

We hope the residents affected by this tragedy and the firefighters, who have come from near and far, can take advantage of these mobiles to contact friends and loved ones, he said. Optus will continue to closely monitor its network operations throughout the weekend.

For more information:
Louise Ingram
Optus Public Affairs
Tel: 02 9342 5042