Optus delivers the newest and smallest satellite mobile phones to Australia

Optus is set to deliver a larger choice of mobile handsets to people in the bush by partnering with Thuraya Telecommunications (Thuraya).

As Thuraya's Australian supplier of choice, Optus will retail two of Thuraya's new mobile handsets - a Satellite Only and GSM/Satellite dual mode handset.

Paul Sheridan, Head of Optus Satellite said, "This partnership means that customers in regional areas will no longer need to carry around multiple or bulky handsets. With the GSM/Satellite dual mode handset customers will be able to use the same phone on both the Optus GSM and Thuraya Satellite networks.

"We are increasing the choices available to mobile customers in remote areas of Australia. These unique handsets will refresh our mobile handset range offering next generation, GSM style phones to our customers. They are the world's smallest satellite mobile phones and are almost unrecognisable as traditional satellite handsets, not to mention their features and intelligence.

"Via this strategic partnership we are pleased to offer more handset choice, competition and greater flexibility to our customers in regional or remote areas including farmers, fisherman, boating enthusiasts and cross country travellers.

"This announcement is another stake in the ground for Optus as we continue our focus on investing and expanding mobile products and services in rural and regional Australia and on delivering real competition to these areas.

"Optus has over 15 years of experience in mobile technology and leads the market with an unmatched track record in innovative satellite-based communications. This offer will build on that even more," Mr Sheridan said.

Yousuf Al Sayed, CEO of Thuraya Telecommunications, said, "Optus is a valued partner and will act as a major Australian national service provider for Thuraya's proven mobile handheld offerings. Our partnership will be expanding very soon to include other innovative solutions for broadband, marine, rural and other specialised applications. With an excellent track record in satellite delivery and mobile services, Optus was a natural choice in the Asia Pacific region."

Optus will offer customers two choices; the Thuraya next generation single mode Satellite Only handset and the dual mode GSM/Satellite handset, packed with feature rich applications and capabilities including:

• Convenience, with the world's smallest, lightest and compact Satellite phone
• Network selection between the Optus GSM and Thuraya Satellite networks (dual mode handset only)
• Feature rich applications including; SMS, Built in GPS and Camera (dual mode handset only), as well as the ability to connect a Bluetooth device

Optus plans to offer the Thuraya Satellite Only and dual mode GSM/Satellite mobile handsets nationally through Optus MobileSat dealerships and Optus Business sales channels in August and continue roll out to Optus World stores and Optus Wholesale partners in late 2008.

Other services such as portable high speed data terminals and marine kits are planned to be offered in the future.

Note to Editor:

• For more information on Optus please visit www.optus.com.au
• Further information on Thuraya can be found at www.thuraya.com
• Thuraya completed a successful sea launch of the Thuraya-3 Geo-mobile Satellite in January 2008.

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About Optus
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated telecommunications, delivering cutting-edge communications, information technology and entertainment services. In 2001 SingTel became the parent company of Optus, paving the way to become a strong and strategic telecommunications player within the Asia-Pacific region.

About Thuraya (www.thuraya.com)
Thuraya is a world leading mobile satellite operator, providing its cutting-edge services in around 170 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Services provided by Thuraya include mobile voice, broadband, maritime, rural telephony, fleet management and other advanced applications that enable people and businesses everywhere under its coverage to enjoy constant access to communications and information.

The Company launched its third satellite (Thuraya-3) in January 2008, which has brought countries of the Asia-Pacific region under its footprint and extended its coverage to nearly two thirds of the globe's population.

Thuraya was founded in 1997 by a consortium of leading national telecom operators and reputed investment firms from the region.