More homes and businesses in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will receive choice and competition for broadband services with the expansion of the ‘Optus Direct’ network into Belconnen and Deakin.

Optus’ $150 million national fixed-line broadband network delivers two services: Optus DSL Direct (broadband services) and Optus Local Direct (home telephony services).

Warren Hardy, Optus Consumer Managing Director said, “Since 2005, Optus has installed broadband technology into local telephone exchanges to deliver fast internet over traditional fixed telephone lines.

“This gives Optus greater control over the connection from our network to the customer’s premises-providing customers with a real alternative to Telstra both in delivery and value.

“Optus Direct delivers speeds of up to 20 megabits per second and great offers like ‘yes’ Fusion to a number of local areas in the ACT including Civic, Manuka, Scullin, Mawson, Crace and Kambah,” he said.

The faster speeds delivered by Optus DSL Direct make internet browsing, downloading and email much faster.  It also provides superior support for more speed-sensitive applications such as streaming video, online gaming and live audio transfers.

“Through the expansion of Optus’ fixed-line and mobile networks we deliver increased choice for consumers, with ‘Optus Direct’ planning to reach a total of 366 exchanges by mid year 2008 – this will enable Optus to deliver high speed broadband to a total of 2.9 million homes.

“We also bring choice in the delivery of broadband services in the ACT, with a number of areas receiving wireless broadband services through Optus’ 3G High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) mobile network.

“Optus Wireless Broadband (OWB) provides competitive monthly fees and the freedom and flexibility for customers to access the internet where there is Optus 3G/HSPA coverage,” Mr Hardy said.

The extended network footprint also creates more opportunities for Optus' small and medium business (SMB) customers to make the most of their broadband, and grow their business online in a secure, cost effective, and easy to manage way.

“Optus will continue to provide customers in the ACT with choice - so they can gain the benefits they deserve from competition,” Mr Hardy said. 

Note to Editor on Optus’ Network and ‘yes’ Fusion plans:

• Optus has invested more than $10 billion in the construction of fixed, mobile and satellite networks across Australia and is focused on continuing to invest and expand its network to deliver real competition, especially in rural and regional Australia.
  
• Optus Direct is a $150 million national fixed-line broadband network that plans to reach 2.9 million households and businesses by mid-year 2008, adding to Optus’ existing cable footprint which passes 1.4 million homes in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This investment has the direct effect of increasing competition and choice for home phone and broadband services.
  
• Optus is building a new third generation mobile communications network that will reach 96 percent of the population by December 2008, replicating and, in some areas, enhancing the coverage of Optus' existing national 2G mobile network. The Optus 3G HSPA network provides Live TV, video calling, exciting content and mobile broadband through Optus Wireless Broadband (OWB)*.
  
  *OWB is available in areas covered by the Optus 3G/HSDPA network area. Maximum theoretical speed for Optus Wireless Broadband is between 3 and 3.6Mbps. Based on Optus network testing, customers can expect speeds between 512kbps and 1.5Mbps. Actual speeds will vary and may be slower. The service is subject to network availability. Broadband speeds not available in GSM-only coverage areas, including NT and TAS. Refer to www.optus.com.au/coverage
  
• Optus offers Australia’s first combined phone and broadband plan – ‘yes’ Fusion. For one fixed price per month customers get unlimited standard local and national calls; unlimited calls to Optus GSM mobiles; fast broadband; and included line rental.** 
  
  **Unlimited call offer applies to standard residential calls only, excludes International calls and calls to non-Optus mobiles, CDMA and MobileSat calls and some other call types, service cannot be used for commercial purposes. Optus Local and Long Distance Fair Go™ policy applies. Included value expires at the end of each month and is not refundable or transferable. Normal call charges apply to calls and services that are not part of the included value.

Media contact:
Joshua Drayton
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850