Live and Free 2010 FIFA World Cup™ streaming reaches 300,000 streams

Optus today announced that its 2010 FIFA World Cup™ live streaming has now achieved over 300,000 live streams, a significant step forward in mobile content streaming in the Australian market. Optus has also registered over 250,000 unique visitors to the Optus World Cup mobile sites since its launch on June 1 - highlighting the huge interest in FIFA World Cup™ content from the Australia public.

Offering the free service to its 3G mobile customers, Optus has seen the live streaming service take off and exceed expectations. With the knockout phases of the tournament still in full swing, Optus expects momentum to grow for the service.

Mark Mulder, Optus' General Manager Content and Portals said that the staggering uptake is an indication of the growth potential for the live streaming market.

"What we're seeing here is a tipping point - where technology and demand is intersecting and people really embrace this new technology.

"We've heard stories of people staying in bed and watching the live streams as opposed to braving the cold of their living room. This is the type of choice which we looked to provide this service, so seeing this sort of usage is very exciting.

"We're delighted that our customers have enjoyed watching the FIFA World Cup™ on their mobile and look forward to continuing to provide innovative and intuitive live streaming options to our 3G customer base," Mr Mulder said.

Optus is offering all 64 games of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, including all the final matches ,live and free to customers with a compatible 3G device. To access the site, customers can text 'World Cup' to 966, where a URL link to an optimised presentation for their specific handset will be provided.

The footage is uninterrupted and optimised especially for the mobile phone with dedicated cameras at the stadiums for close-up shots of the action. This feed ensures that mobile customers can see the details of the game easier.

Optus is a supporter of football at all levels in Australia through its sponsorship of the Australian national team through to Optus Small Sided Football - a youth initiative which supports the next generation of Australian players and the grassroots of the game. Optus' live and free streaming of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ has been supported extensively by television, outdoor, online and print advertising throughout the event.

Fast Facts:

• The largest single game streamed by Optus customers was Australia vs Serbia - viewers for the game exceeded 25,000.
• The second most popular game was Korea vs Greece followed by Germany vs Serbia.
• The two most popular teams, aside from Australia, have been Serbia and Korea.

Media contact:
James Wright
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7565