Optus Media Release: Hark! The Festival Text And Ring

Hark! The festive Text and Ring
Optus predicts dramatic spike in mobile traffic on Christmas Day

Media release
17 December 2009

Optus is predicting its customers will send over 50 million text messages and make over 42 million mobile phone calls on Christmas Day.

The telecommunications provider anticipates text message volumes will be more than three times that of a normal day and more than 35 million fixed line calls are expected to be made.

On Christmas Day last year, Optus mobile customers sent 39 million SMS' and made 37 million mobile phone calls. In 2009, Optus expects to see a 30 per cent increase in text messages and a 15 per cent rise in mobile calls.

Michael Smith, Optus Consumer Managing Director said, "In recent years the mobile phone has become an integral part of the way we live our lives. More and more people now turn to their mobile to stay in touch with friends and family, keep up to date with the latest news and access entertainment."

"Optus' half year financial results showed how we have been growing market share, and when coupled with consumers increasing desire to stay in touch we expect this year to be massive."

"Text messaging continues to be a popular way for Australians to send season's greetings to loved ones both nationally and overseas. We are also predicting a strong increase in overseas calls made on Christmas Day, with the three most popular calling destinations for Optus customers likely to be the UK, New Zealand and USA.

"Hundreds of Optus staff will be working around the clock over the holiday period to support our customers, keep our networks running smoothly and ensure family and friends across the globe can keep in touch," Mr Smith said.

Optus is delivering more this festive season with great gift ideas and fantastic offers for Christmas giving customers the freedom to phone and SMS friends.

Optus has also added even more value by partnering with Sony to offer a Slim line 120GB PlayStation 3 with the Optus 'yes' $149 Fusion package, making it the perfect Christmas gift. The pack includes broadband and telephony services, a Slim line 120GB PlayStation 3 as well as two HD Blu-ray movies, gaming and internet browsing[1].

Optus customers can also access the new Optus Application Store. This easy to navigate 'one stop shop' lets customers purchase a full suite of mobile applications via Optus Zoo. With close to 1000 applications across a variety of categories customers can be entertained by their mobile over the holiday season[2].

Optus has 8,225,000 mobile customers around Australia and is continuing to invest in expanding mobile coverage beyond 96 per cent of the Australian population.

For further information on Optus visit: www.optus.com.au

Media contact
Simone Bergholcs, Optus Corporate Affairs, Tel: (02) 8082 7850

[1] Minimum total cost over 24 months is (payment by direct debit) is $3,576 Cancellation fees apply. Optus 'yes' Fusion $149 plan includes unlimited standard calls to any Australian fixed line and GSM mobile. Unlimited data allowance unthrottled up to 30GB and then speed limited to 256kbps until the end of your billing month. No excess usage charges.
[2] The Optus Application Store is now available for Optus mobile customers to purchase and download applications for use on their compatible 2G and 3G enabled Symbian, Android, Blackberry, Windows media and Java handsets.


SOURCE: Optus