TVMates, an interactive television matchmaking service, has proved passionately compatible with trialists involved in the technical testing of Optus Interactive TV.

Soulmates Technology, the company behind TVMates, boasts a lonely hearts database of more than 800,000 singles worldwide with a subscription growth rate of 4,000 a day.

"TVMates was one of the first sites to launch on Optus Interactive TV and has seen a high number of visits and transactions from trialists," said Dave Heysen, Operations Manager of Soulmates Technology Sydney.

"In fact, the Optus trial has proved so successful for us that we are about to launch the service with several interactive TV companies throughout Europe."

Optus Interactive TV trialists search the extensive database of members to find Mr or Ms Right. On identifying a prospective partner they can then make the choice to purchase 'contact stamps' to send an email and touch base.

"Interactive television now joins our Internet and mobile phone services so our members can be in continuous contact with each other, despite their fast-paced lives," Mr Heysen said.

Soulmates Technology services are already available in over 20 countries and are currently developing for 15 more.

Optus Interactive TV trial participants receive a wide range of features via their existing televisions including TV Net, TV mail, TV on demand, Optus Television content and a fully interactive electronic program guide.

The Optus Interactive TV technical trial has been extended to include selected Optus customers in the northern suburbs of Sydney. The trialist base has increased from 300 to more than 1,000.

For further media information, please contact:
Melissa Favero
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 5030