Optus

Optus can trace its beginnings back to the formation of the Government-owned AUSSAT Pty Limited in 1981. In 1982, Aussat selected the Hughes 376 for their initial satellites, with the first, AUSSAT A1, launched in August 1985.{{cite web | title = Aussat A-Series | work = Australia's Satellites & Programs | publisher = Lowdown | url = http://www.lowdown.com.au/sat_assat.html | access-date = 2007-06-16 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070608034807/http://www.lowdown.com.au/sat_assat.html |archive-date = 2007-06-08}} AUSSAT satellites were used for both military and civilian satellite communications, and delivering television services to remote outback communities.

{{see also|Optus fleet of satellites}}

With Aussat operating at a loss and with moves to deregulate telecommunications in Australia, the government decided to sell Aussat, coupled with a telecommunications licence. The licence was sold to Optus Communications – a consortium including:{{cite book|title=Report 333 - The sale of Aussat|date=September 1994|publisher=The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia – Joint Committee of Public Accounts|isbn=0-644-35468-2|pages=12}}

• logistics firm Mayne Nickless (24.99%);{{cite web |url=http://www.symbionhealth.com/files/FinancialReport1999.pdf|title=1999 Annual Report |access-date=2007-06-04 |author=Mayne Nickless |pages=4 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080409002946/http://www.symbionhealth.com/files/FinancialReport1999.pdf |archive-date = 2008-04-09 }}
• UK telecommunications company Cable & Wireless (24.50%);
• US telecommunications company BellSouth (24.50%);
• AIDC Limited (10.00%);
• insurance and investment company AMP (10.00%); and
• insurance and investment company National Mutual (6.02%).

The new telecommunications company was designed to provide competition to then government owned telecommunications company Telecom Australia, now known as Telstra.

Optus gained the second general carrier licence in January 1991.[http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/technology/optus-rings-up-20-years-sticking-to-its-guns/news-story/d357df679f5db28b7a09184e0f27ee9f Mitchell Bingemann, (30 January 2012), Optus rings up 20 years, sticking to its guns, The Australian] Retrieved 9 February 2017

After privatisation, AUSSAT became Optus and its first offering to the general public was to offer long-distance calls at cheaper rates than that of its competitor Telstra. The long-distance calling rates on offer were initially available by consumers dialing 1 before the area code and phone number. Following this, a ballot process was conducted by then regulator AUSTEL, with customers choosing their default long-distance carrier.{{cite news | last = Zucker | first = Paul | title = Australia's Telecom apologizes for misleading ads | publisher = Newsbytes News Network | date = 1993-06-04 | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NEW/is_1993_June_4/ai_14017101 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081014084416/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NEW/is_1993_June_4/ai_14017101 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2008-10-14 | access-date = 2007-06-05 }} Customers who made no choice or did not respond to the mailout campaign automatically remained as a Telstra long-distance customer. Customers who remained with Telstra could dial the override code of 1456 before the area code and phone number to manually select Optus as the carrier for that single call. Since 1 July 1998, consumers have the choice of preselecting their preferred long-distance carrier or dialling the override code before dialling a telephone number.

The group began by building an interstate fibre optic cable and a series of exchanges between Optus' interstate network and Telstra's local network. It also laid fibre optics into major office buildings and industrial areas, and focused on high bandwidth local, (interstate) long distance, and interstate calls for business. In its early years, Optus was only able to offer local and long-distance calls to residential customers through Telstra's local phone network. Telstra would carry residential to residential calls to Optus' exchanges, and then the calls would be switched to Optus' long-distance fibre optic network.

1n 1993 Optus, along with Telstra and Vodafone were licenced by the regulator Austel (now ACMA) to provide 2G GSM mobile telephony. Optus's mobile service launched in May of that year.{{cite web |url=http://3gwiz.com.au/ozmobilenet/?page_id=24 |website=A History of Cellular Mobile in Australia |access-date=2025-04-18 |title=History | Oz MobileNet }}

In 2024, Singtel held advanced talks with Brookfield to sell a 20% stake in Optus. Brookfield and Singtel were unable to agree on terms, with Singtel claiming afterwards it remained committed to Optus and the Australian market.{{Cite web |date=3 April 2024 |title=Singtel Says No Optus Deal After Report Brookfield Talks Ended |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-03/singtel-s-optus-sale-talks-with-brookfield-collapse-australian |access-date=12 April 2024 |website=Bloomberg |language=en}}

File:Midland gnangarra 0324-305.jpg.]]

Key Optus products and services include:

• Residential and Commercial POTS for local and long-distance telephony
• Commercial VoIP and VoDSL
• Intelligent Network applications, such as free call, 1300 and Interactive voice response services{{cite web |url=http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/business/menuitem.90ccced4cdd8eb2af42ff7109c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=b415667da82c8010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d00cd47b227c8010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default |title=Optus Total Access Services |access-date=2007-06-16 |author=Optus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904115218/http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/business/menuitem.90ccced4cdd8eb2af42ff7109c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=b415667da82c8010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d00cd47b227c8010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default|archive-date=2007-09-04|url-status=dead }}

• 3G/HSPA provided on 2100 MHz for large regional centres and metropolitan and 900 MHz for regional as well as metropolitan coverage. The dual frequencies covers 98% of the population.{{Cite web |title=Mobile solutions |url=https://www.optus.com.au/wholesale/solutions/mobile}}
• 4G/LTE provided on 700 / 1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600 MHz covering 96.6% of the population.
• 5G provided on 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz.
• Satellite telephony covering all of Australia.

• NBN Internet (via Cable, FTTB, FTTC, FTTN, FTTP, Fixed wireless and Satellite)
• Residential Dial-Up Internet in all states
• Residential Broadband Internet (via cable and DSL) in all states (except the Northern Territory).
• Commercial and wholesale internet access
• Secure Gateway services for Federal Government departments
• NBN Wireless – not continued for new connects

• Optus Television service provided in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, including Foxtel Digital

Retail services are sold to customers via phone, internet or through retail outlets, especially franchise chains such as Optus World, Network Communications, Strathfield, TeleChoice, and Allphones.

Optus' Customer Solutions and Services (CS&S) organisation is responsible for providing support to Optus Business customers. CS&S works with Optus' subsidiary Alphawest to support information technology services across Optus' large business, corporate and government{{cite web |last=Optus |first=Singtel |title=Optus Business - Mobile Phones, Internet Plans & Fleet Services |url=http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/business/menuitem.02d15d9963cfbb2af42ff7109c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=a5e3cbc917422010VgnVCM100000c8a87c0aRCRD |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416220923/http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/business/menuitem.02d15d9963cfbb2af42ff7109c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=a5e3cbc917422010VgnVCM100000c8a87c0aRCRD |archive-date=16 April 2009 |access-date=27 April 2009}} client base.

{{Update|section|date=June 2023}}

A number of notable wholly owned subsidiaries operate as part of the Singtel Optus group. These are:

• Information Technology & Network Services
• Alphawest
• Uecomm
• Mobile Telephony
• SIMplus
• Virgin Mobile Australia
• Amaysim

Until 20 January 2013, Optus sold mobile services under the brand name Boost Mobile.{{cite press release | title = Optus gives youth a boost with new mobiles | publisher = Optus | date = 2000-08-15 | url = http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=dc4a8336054f4010VgnVCM1000009fa87c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3d4cfaf924954010VgnVCM10000029a67c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default | access-date = 2007-12-22 | archive-date = 17 September 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070917230001/https://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=dc4a8336054f4010VgnVCM1000009fa87c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3d4cfaf924954010VgnVCM10000029a67c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default | url-status = live }}

Optus also has a 50% stake in the now defunct OPEL Networks.{{cite press release | title = Elders and Optus to build rural and regional broadband network | publisher = Optus | date = 2007-06-18 | url = http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=6836b16053d33110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ef582ad29cf63110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default | access-date = 2007-07-15 | archive-date = 1 September 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070901203839/http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=6836b16053d33110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ef582ad29cf63110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default | url-status = live }}

Other wholly owned subsidiaries of note no longer have a significant active role as individual entities. These are as follows:

Reef Networks was formed in 1999 to provide an optical fibre link between Brisbane and Cairns in Queensland. Optus gained exclusive access to this link in 2001, ahead of acquiring the organisation in 2005.{{cite news | title = Optus buys Reef | publisher = ZDNet Australia | date = 2005-03-31 | url = https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/optus-buys-reef/ | access-date = 2007-06-04 | archive-date = 6 May 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070506200902/http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Optus-buys-Reef/0,130061791,139186609,00.htm | url-status = live }}

XYZed was established by Optus in 2000 to provide wholesale business-grade DSL services under an individual brand, but today provides a collection of products only as part of the Optus Wholesale & Satellite division. XYZed established a network of DSLAMs inside Telstra telephone exchanges, utilising Unconditioned Local Loop services to reach end users.{{cite press release | title = Cable & Wireless Optus and Lucent to Build National DSL Network | publisher = Cable & Wireless Optus and Lucent Technologies | date = 2000-06-14 | url = http://www.xyzed.com.au/admin/uploads/pdf/00.06.14.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151018135007/http://www.xyzed.com.au/admin/uploads/pdf/00.06.14.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2015-10-18| access-date = 2006-06-05 }}

File:NorthSydneyCity Optus.jpg.]]

{{multiple image

| title = Former logos of Optus

| image_style = border:none

| align = right

| total_width = 300

| image_gap = 10

| image1 = Optus communications logo.png

| alt1 = Former Optus logo (1991–1999)

| caption1 = 1991–1999

| image2 = Optus New.svg

| alt2 =

| caption2 = 2005–2013

}}

Kelly Bayer Rosmarin commenced as CEO of Optus and Consumer Australia on 1 April 2020. She resigned on 20 November 2023.[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-20/optus-ceo-kelly-bayer-rosmarin-resigns-nationwide-outage/103125462 Kelly Bayer Rosmarin resigns in the best interest of Optus after nationwide outage] ABC News 20 November 2023

{{unreferenced section|date=June 2012}}

These practices meant that Optus was the largest customer of Telstra. To become competitive Optus would need to lay its own local phone network. To provide a killer application for this, the Australian Federal government sold subscription television licences. Optus, as well as the Seven Network, businessman Kerry Stokes and American cable company Cablevision, formed the Optus Vision consortium. News Corporation and Telstra created the rival Foxtel consortium.

Telstra's local phone network did not have the capability to deliver Foxtel pay television to consumers in the early 1990s, so Telstra identified a need to create a broadband network to support this new product.

As Telstra and Optus could not agree on terms for a joint broadband cable roll out, they laid two competing cable networks, in addition to Telstra's existing copper network, at a combined cost estimated of over A$6bn.

Whilst Telstra focused on creating a broadband network specifically for broadcast, Optus designed their cable network to provide telephony services in addition to broadcast television.

Optus is no longer a customer of Telstra's after deciding to move the funding used to lease Telstra's copper network into constructing their hybrid fibre-coaxial network, the first in Australia.

Cable & Wireless with 24.5% stakeholder bought out BellSouth's equal 24.5% shareholding in July 1997.{{cite news|title = Bell South Agrees To Drop Stake in Australian Company|work = The New York Times|date = 1997-07-02|url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F06E5DE1530F931A35754C0A961958260|access-date = 2008-07-19}} The company returned to profitability in 1998 and changed its name to Cable & Wireless Optus.{{cite press release|title = Optus continues strong turnaround performance|publisher = Cable & Wireless Optus via Australian Securities Exchange|date = 1998-08-31|url = http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showSignalgAnnouncement.do?issuerId=788&documentNumber=140432&documentDate=1998-08-31|access-date = 2008-07-19}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Government relaxation of foreign ownership restrictions paved the way for the company to be floated – with Cable and Wireless increasing its holding to 52.5%){{cite web|title = Cable & Wireless: "Optus"|publisher = Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (Communications Division)|date = August 1999|url = http://www.union-network.org/Unisite/In_Depth/Multinationals/Cable_Wireless/Cable_Wireless_optus.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010727205300/http://www.union-network.org/Unisite/In_Depth/Multinationals/Cable_Wireless/Cable_Wireless_optus.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 2001-07-27|access-date = 2008-07-19}}{{cite press release|title = Cable & Wireless Optus Prospectus|publisher = Cable & Wireless Optus via Australian Securities Exchange|date = 1998-09-30|url = http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showSignalgAnnouncement.do?issuerId=788&documentNumber=141427&documentDate=1998-09-30|access-date = 2008-07-19}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} – and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange on 17 November 1998.{{cite press release|title = Cable & Wireless Optus trades on ASX|publisher = Australian Securities Exchange|date = 1998-11-17|url = http://www.asx.com.au/about/shareholder/media_releases/MR171198_AS3.htm|access-date = 2008-07-19|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080511101551/http://www.asx.com.au/about/shareholder/media_releases/MR171198_AS3.htm|archive-date = 11 May 2008}}

During 2001, Singtel launched a takeover bid for Cable and Wireless Optus{{cite news|last = Hall|first = Eleanor|title = Singtel confirms Optus merger|work = The World Today|publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date = 2001-03-26|url = http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s266103.htm|access-date = 2008-07-19|archive-date = 18 February 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110218210856/http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s266103.htm|url-status = live}} which was ultimately successful{{cite press release|title = Singtel Australia Completes Acquisition of Optus|publisher = Singtel)|date = 2001-10-23|url = http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showSignalgDetail.do?issuerId=4704&announcementId=618688|access-date = 2008-07-19}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and the company became known as Singtel Optus.

In May 2004, Optus announced a $226.8 million bid for UEComm.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/optus-in-226-8m-takeover-bid-for-uecomm-20040521-gdiyzv.html|title=Optus in $226.8m takeover bid for Uecomm|date=2004-05-21|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-24|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324204744/https://www.smh.com.au/national/optus-in-226-8m-takeover-bid-for-uecomm-20040521-gdiyzv.html|url-status=live}} The takeover was approved in July{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/optus-to-take-over-uecomm-20040708-gdjail.html|title=Optus to take over Uecomm|date=2004-07-07|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-24|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324204742/https://www.smh.com.au/business/optus-to-take-over-uecomm-20040708-gdjail.html|url-status=live}} and completed in August.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/optus-acquires-rest-of-uecomm-20040804-gdjh9j.html|title=Optus acquires rest of Uecomm|date=2004-08-03|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-24|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324204740/https://www.smh.com.au/business/optus-acquires-rest-of-uecomm-20040804-gdjh9j.html|url-status=live}}

In July 2005, Optus announced it would acquire Alphawest Ltd. for A$25.9 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/671999/microsoft-starts-beat-windows-10-2004-drum-business/|title=Microsoft starts to beat Windows 10 2004 drum for business|website=ARN|access-date=2020-03-24|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324204745/https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/671999/microsoft-starts-beat-windows-10-2004-drum-business/|url-status=live}} The buyout was completed in November 2005 and Alphawest is now an operating division of Optus Business.

On 12 January 2006, Optus acquired the remaining 74.15% of Virgin Mobile Australia for U$22.6 m, giving it 100% ownership.

File:OptusNet Logo Cropped.PNG

Optus Communications offered its first business-focused internet products in 1998 under the OptusNet product family, offering in-house developed dial-up and high-speed services. Optus purchased one of Australia's pioneer ISPs, Microplex, in 1998 to provide consumer dial-up internet services.{{cite news | title = Optus Buys Microplex | publisher = Australian Cybermalls News | date = 1998-05-25 | url = http://ausmall.com.au/acnarch/acnews27.htm#980525 | access-date = 2007-06-16 | archive-date = 16 June 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070616192112/http://ausmall.com.au/acnarch/acnews27.htm#980525 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | last = Clarke | first = Roger | title = A Brief History of the Internet in Australia | date = 2001-05-05 | url = http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/II/OzIHist.html | access-date = 2007-06-16 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070613041613/http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/II/OzIHist.html | archive-date = 13 June 2007}} Separate to this, under the Optus Vision brand, a cable broadband arm began as a joint venture with U.S. cable and content provider Excite@Home and was known as Optus@Home from its introduction in 1999{{cite press release | title = Optus @Home priced for unlimited access | publisher = Optus | date = 1999-12-16 | url = http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=26498336054f4010VgnVCM1000009fa87c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=585cfaf924954010VgnVCM10000029a67c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default | access-date = 2007-01-01 | archive-date = 5 September 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070905085959/http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=26498336054f4010VgnVCM1000009fa87c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=585cfaf924954010VgnVCM10000029a67c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default | url-status = live }} until it was renamed in 2002.{{cite news | last = Borgo | first = Matt | title = Optus@Home renames to OptusNet Cable | publisher = Whirlpool | date = 2002-03-25 | url = http://whirlpool.net.au/article.cfm/777 | access-date = 2007-06-16 | archive-date = 30 September 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181611/http://whirlpool.net.au/article.cfm/777 | url-status = live }} ADSL services were offered from February 2004.{{cite news | last = McNeill | first = Fiona | title = Telstra-Optus price war erupts | publisher = Whirlpool | date = 2004-02-16 | url = http://whirlpool.net.au/article.cfm/1235 | access-date = 2007-06-16 | archive-date = 8 March 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070308151936/http://whirlpool.net.au/article.cfm/1235 | url-status = live }} ADSL2+ services were provided from December 2005.{{cite news |last=Elijah |first=Michel |date=2006-03-30 |title=Optus Launches ADSL2+ Services, Offers Wholesale Access |url=https://techxtelco.com/news/optus-launches-adsl2-services/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |publisher=TechXTelco}}

{{Main|OPEL Networks}}

In June 2007, joint venture subsidiary OPEL Networks was awarded government funding towards the cost of building a regional broadband network. Optus was to be contracted to build the network on behalf of OPEL.{{cite web|title=Broadband Access and Choice for rural and regional Australia |publisher=OPEL / Elders |date=2007-06-18 |url=http://www.futuris.com.au/images/presentations/presentation_38.pdf|access-date=2007-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830203938/http://www.futuris.com.au/images/presentations/presentation_38.pdf |archive-date=30 August 2007 }}

In April 2008, after a change of the Federal Government from the Liberal Party of Australia coalition to the Australian Labor Party, the new government terminated the funding agreement and the project was halted, with its functions to be replaced by the National Broadband Network.

{{Main|Terria (consortium)}}

Optus is part of a consortium – now known as Terria – that in July 2006 announced their intention to make a combined bid to build the proposed National Broadband Network.{{cite press release

| title = Nine leading telecommunications companies release their FTTN model

| publisher = Optus

| date = 2006-07-10

| url = http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=b6a122aa9d64c010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=44b4ce4b55728010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

| access-date = 2008-09-06

| archive-date = 1 August 2008

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080801163251/https://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=b6a122aa9d64c010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=44b4ce4b55728010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

| url-status = live

}}

Since 2005, Optus has outsourced some customer service functions to Concentrix and 247.ai, with the outsourcer providing 800 staff operating offshore in India, supplementing Optus' 3,000-plus onshore call centre staff.{{cite news | title = More Australian jobs coming to India | publisher = rediff News | date = 2006-07-06 | url = http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/jul/06bpo1.htm | access-date = 2007-06-04 | archive-date = 15 November 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071115150017/http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/jul/06bpo1.htm | url-status = live }} Some functions have also been supplemented in the Philippines.{{cite news|last = Sainsbury|first = Michael|title = Telstra sends 500 jobs offshore|work = Australian IT|date = 2007-08-30|url = http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,22332069-15306,00.html|access-date = 2008-01-06|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080708210700/http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,22332069-15306,00.html|archive-date = 8 July 2008|url-status = dead}} Optus also uses 24/7 Inc. for telephone & chat based offshore support.

In October 2006, Optus announced that it would outsource 100 contracting jobs to another Singtel subsidiary, IT company NCS, in Singapore.{{cite news | title = Optus moves 100 jobs offshore | publisher = ABC Finance News via Yahoo Finance | date = 2006-10-25 | url = http://au.biz.yahoo.com/061025/31/y1ci.html | access-date = 2007-06-04 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070314221407/http://au.biz.yahoo.com/061025/31/y1ci.html | archive-date = 14 March 2007}}

Optus' fully owned network infrastructure consists of the following:{{cite web |url=http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/wholesale/menuitem.58d2265ecf5c99a54f7416058c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=ea3058ebbebd1010VgnVCM100000c8a87c0aRCRD |title=Optus Network |access-date=2007-06-04 |publisher=Optus |archive-date=26 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826010214/http://optus.com.au/portal/site/wholesale/menuitem.58d2265ecf5c99a54f7416058c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=ea3058ebbebd1010VgnVCM100000c8a87c0aRCRD |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/wholesale/menuitem.58d2265ecf5c99a54f7416058c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=8c6058ebbebd1010VgnVCM100000c8a87c0aRCRD |title=DSL Network and Coverage |access-date=2007-06-04 |publisher=Optus |archive-date=27 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827073152/http://optus.com.au/portal/site/wholesale/menuitem.58d2265ecf5c99a54f7416058c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=8c6058ebbebd1010VgnVCM100000c8a87c0aRCRD |url-status=live }}

• ExtraTerrestrial Fibre Optic Network
• Cairns to Brisbane
• Brisbane to Sydney (fully diverse over two physically separate paths)
• Sydney to Melbourne (fully diverse over two physically separate paths, one via Canberra, one via the coast)
• Melbourne to Adelaide
• Adelaide to Perth
• SDH Digital Microwave
• Hobart to Launceston
• Satellite
• Fleet of geostationary satellites (See Optus fleet of satellites)
• International Earth Stations in Sydney and Perth
• National Earth Stations in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin
• Regional exchanges in Sydney (Rosebery), Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.
• Telehousing Data Centres in Melbourne and Sydney

{{see also|Access network}}

• Hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) network in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, providing consumer fixed telephony, cable internet and cable television services.
• CBD optical fibre rings in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Wollongong, providing direct access for corporate and government services.
• DSLAMs in certain Telstra local telephone exchanges in all states. Originally only providing business-grade DSL services, newer installations also provide consumer DSL and POTS telephony.

OptusNet also provides Cable internet. In August 2010, OptusNet released an upgrade of its HFC network to the DOCSIS 3.0 standard,{{Cite web |url=http://www.optus.com.au/aboutoptus/About+Optus/Media+Centre/Media+Releases/2010/Optus+upgrades+cable+broadband+to+deliver+supersonic+speeds+in+Brisbane%2C+Melbourne+and+Sydney |title=Optus.com.au |access-date=10 August 2010 |archive-date=18 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818005342/http://www.optus.com.au/aboutoptus/About+Optus/Media+Centre/Media+Releases/2010/Optus+upgrades+cable+broadband+to+deliver+supersonic+speeds+in+Brisbane,+Melbourne+and+Sydney |url-status=live }} which enabled customers to access a maximum theoretical downstream bandwidth of 100 Megabits. OptusNet is also one of the few ISPs in Australia to currently provide ADSL2+ via its own DSLAMs, which it also resells to other ISPs.{{cite web | title = Australia — Broadband — ADSL2+ Providers | publisher = BuddeComm | url = http://www.budde.com.au/Reports/Contents/Australia-Broadband-ADSL2-Providers-4159.html | access-date = 2007-06-16 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070919200127/http://www.budde.com.au/Reports/Contents/Australia-Broadband-ADSL2-Providers-4159.html | archive-date = 19 September 2007}}

Mobile network equipment is from Nortel, Nokia and Huawei and antennas are sourced from Andrews, RFS, Argus and Kathrein.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}

The Optus network operates on the following bandwidth frequencies across Australia:

• 3G UMTS 900/2100 MHz
• 4G LTE 700 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600 MHz network which has been in progressive rollout since 2012.{{cite web | url=http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/09/optus-announces-lte-plans-for-2012/ | title=Optus Plans LTE For April Next Year | publisher=Gizmodo | date=15 September 2011 | access-date=16 November 2011 | author=Alex Kidman | archive-date=1 October 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001194731/http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/09/optus-announces-lte-plans-for-2012/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.itnews.com.au/News/272077,optus-forges-ahead-with-lte.aspx | title=Optus forges ahead with LTE | publisher=ITnews | date=15 September 2011 | access-date=16 November 2011 | archive-date=26 October 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026140155/http://www.itnews.com.au/News/272077,optus-forges-ahead-with-lte.aspx | url-status=live }} VoLTE is currently being rolled out across Australia. For now, VoLTE is only available in CBD and metro areas in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra on selected devices purchased on postpaid contracts. Until VoLTE has been fully rolled out, voice calling is still reliant on the 3G network (and formerly the 2G network until it was terminated).{{cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/optus-joins-voice-over-lte-race/ |title=Optus joins Voice over LTE race |last1=Taylor |first1=Josh |date=25 November 2013 |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=4 April 2015 |archive-date=9 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409042249/http://www.zdnet.com/article/optus-joins-voice-over-lte-race/ |url-status=live }}
• 5G NR 3500 MHz rollout started in October 2019

The 2G GSM 900/1800 MHz network was terminated on 3 April 2017 in Western Australia and Northern Territory.{{cite web|url=https://media.optus.com.au/media-releases/2015/optus-to-cease-2g-services-from-april-2017/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302010302/https://media.optus.com.au/media-releases/2015/optus-to-cease-2g-services-from-april-2017/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 March 2016|title=Optus to cease 2G services from April 2017|date=5 August 2015}} 2G GSM was completely terminated on 1 August 2017 when 2G was disconnected in Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia. To remain connected, a device that is capable of running 3G at 900 MHz is now required after 2G was completely disconnected across Australia.

On 28 October 2024, the 3G UMTS service provided by Optus was shut down. This affects other providers reliant on their network, including Amaysim and Virgin Mobile Australia. To remain connected, customers are required to have a phone capable of connecting to their 4G LTE or 5G NR services. All phones incapable of using VoLTE will be prevented from accessing the Optus network due to legal requirements to ensure access to emergency 000 calls. {{Cite web |date=28 October 2024 |title=Our 3G network is switching off from 28 October 2024. |url=https://www.optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/important-changes-3g |website=Optus}}

Part-owned network infrastructure includes:

• 3G mobile network, a joint venture with Vodafone Australia{{cite press release | title = Optus and Vodafone Australia finalise agreement to roll out shared 3G network | publisher = Optus and Vodafone Australia | date = 2004-11-19 | url = http://www.optus.com.au/aboutoptus/About+Optus/Media+Centre/Media+Releases/2004/Optus+and+Vodafone+Australia+finalise+agreement+to+roll+out+shared+3G+network | access-date = 2012-03-04 | archive-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120330045229/http://www.optus.com.au/aboutoptus/About+Optus/Media+Centre/Media+Releases/2004/Optus+and+Vodafone+Australia+finalise+agreement+to+roll+out+shared+3G+network | url-status = live }}
• Southern Cross Cable, a fully diverse submarine optical fibre link across the Pacific Ocean between Sydney, New South Wales and California in the United States. The Singtel group owns a 40% interest in Southern Cross Cables Limited. This interest was originally owned by Singtel Optus Pty Limited, before ownership was transferred to parent company Singtel during the March 2006 – June 2006 quarter.{{cite news | last = Corner | first = Stuart | title = Optus and Aussie dollar push down SingTel results | publisher = iTWire | date = 2006-08-03 | url = http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/optus-and-aussie-dollar-push-down-singtel-results.html | access-date = 2007-06-04 }}

File:E37 Perth Stadium Open Day 016.JPG to Perth Stadium where it is known as Optus Stadium.]]

Between 1994 and 2005 Optus had the naming rights to the Carlton football clubs original home ground in Princes Park. It was called Optus Oval until the ground was retired by the AFL in 2005.

Optus was the main sponsor of the 1997 ARL season.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

In 2016, Optus signed a 10-year partnership agreement with the Australian Olympic Committee to be the official partner of the Australian Olympic Team and the Australian Paralympic Team until 2026.{{cite web|title=2020 vision: Optus joins the Olympics Unleashed team potential|url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2019/07/2020-vision-Optus-joins-the-Olympics-Unleashed-team#:~:text=Optus%20is%20an%20Official%20Partner,with%20the%20Australian%20Olympic%20Committee.|website=Singtel Optus|access-date=12 July 2020|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712023842/https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2019/07/2020-vision-Optus-joins-the-Olympics-Unleashed-team#:~:text=Optus%20is%20an%20Official%20Partner,with%20the%20Australian%20Olympic%20Committee.|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Optus won naming rights to Perth Stadium where it would be known as Optus Stadium. Optus and the Government of Western Australia agreed to a 10-year naming right worth approximately A$50 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/perth-stadium-officially-named-optus-stadium/news-story/00958b4811d548852ddd3e2a54ff960f|title=Perth Stadium officially named Optus Stadium|work=Perth Now|date=8 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108094516/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/perth-stadium-officially-named-optus-stadium/news-story/00958b4811d548852ddd3e2a54ff960f|archive-date=8 November 2017}}

Optus also has a long-term partnership with the Adelaide Crows in the AFL. Optus has been a partner of the Collingwood Magpies in the AFL Women's since 2018.{{cite web|title=Brand Partnerships|url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/corporate/partnership|website=Singtel Optus|access-date=12 July 2020|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715073200/https://www.optus.com.au/about/corporate/partnership|url-status=live}}

Optus is the current major sponsor for the No. 25 Walkinshaw Andretti United Holden ZB Commodore driven by Chaz Mostertc{{Cite web|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/02/17/new-big-backer-unveiled-for-mostert/|title=Optus becomes Major Backer for Chaz Mostert|date=2022-02-17|website=Speedcafe.com|last=Chapman|first=Simon|access-date=17 February 2022|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217082921/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/02/17/new-big-backer-unveiled-for-mostert/|url-status=live}}

{{main|2022 Optus data breach}}

Around 22 September 2022, Optus systems sustained a significant cyberattack that resulted in a major data breach of both current and former customers' personal information, including customers’ names, dates of birth, phone numbers and email addresses, with a smaller subset of customers having their street addresses, driving licence details and passport numbers leaked. Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin urged customers to exercise "heightened awareness" regarding transactions with their Optus and other accounts. Rosmarin emphasised that passwords were not compromised.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-22 |title=Optus data breach: who is affected, what has been taken and what should you do? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/22/optus-data-breach-who-is-affected-what-has-been-taken-and-what-should-you-do |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923031931/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/22/optus-data-breach-who-is-affected-what-has-been-taken-and-what-should-you-do |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2022-09-22 |title=Optus says customer information compromised in cyber attack |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-22/optus-hit-with-cyber-attack-impacting-customers-/101466036 |access-date=2022-09-23 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923031909/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-22/optus-hit-with-cyber-attack-impacting-customers-/101466036 |url-status=live }} The CEO said that the "worst-case scenario" regarding the number of customers whose data had been leaked was 9.8 million customers, but believes the actual number to be far lower.{{Cite news |date=2022-09-23 |title=Optus rejects insider claims of 'human error' as possible factor in hack affecting millions of Australians |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-23/optus-rejects-claim-hack-likely-result-of-human-error/101468846 |access-date=2022-09-24 |archive-date=24 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924055906/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-23/optus-rejects-claim-hack-likely-result-of-human-error/101468846 |url-status=live }}

On 24 September 2022, Australian news outlets The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Optus was investigating the authenticity of a ransom demand of US$1 million made on a hacking forum. The demand gave Optus one week to pay the ransom in cryptocurrency else the data will be sold for US$300,000 to whoever else wants it.{{Cite web |last=Cubby |first=Nick Bonyhady, Ben |date=2022-09-24 |title=Optus investigating $US1 million ransom threat for allegedly stolen data |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/optus-investigating-us1-million-ransom-threat-for-allegedly-stolen-data-20220924-p5bkog.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926110204/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/optus-investigating-us1-million-ransom-threat-for-allegedly-stolen-data-20220924-p5bkog.html |url-status=live }}

On 6 October, the Australian Federal Police announced the arrest of a 19-year-old man who had allegedly threatened 93 Optus customers by saying that he would use their information leaked in the attack to commit financial crimes, unless they paid AUD $2,000.{{Cite news |date=2022-10-06 |title=Sydney teen demanded $2,000 from Optus customers as part of data breach scam, AFP says |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-06/sydney-19-year-old-man-charged-alleged-use-optus-data-/101508404 |access-date=2022-10-06 |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006115935/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-06/sydney-19-year-old-man-charged-alleged-use-optus-data-/101508404 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Optus cyber attack: Man arrested for alleged data breach scam |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/optus-cyber-attack-man-arrested-for-alleged-data-breach-scam/gepdxq7s9 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=SBS News |language=en |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006115943/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/optus-cyber-attack-man-arrested-for-alleged-data-breach-scam/gepdxq7s9 |url-status=live }}

In response to the cyberattack, the Australian federal government announced emergency regulation on 6 October, in the form of a 12-month amendment to the Telecommunications Regulations 2021 to "enable telecommunications companies to temporarily share approved government identifier information with regulated financial services entities."{{cite web |last=Jake |first=Evans |date=2022-10-06 |title=Government strengthens powers for telcos to share affected data following Optus hack |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-06/optus-given-power-to-share-data-with-banks-following-breach/101507396 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009011318/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-06/optus-given-power-to-share-data-with-banks-following-breach/101507396 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=2022-10-06 |title=Changes to protect consumers following Optus data breach |url=https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/changes-protect-consumers-following-optus-data-breach |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Media release from the Treasurer |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008103450/https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/changes-protect-consumers-following-optus-data-breach |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Chirgwin |first=Richard |date=2022-10-06 |title=Gov to update telco regulations to help protect Optus breach victims |url=https://www.itnews.com.au/news/gov-to-update-telco-regulations-to-help-protect-optus-breach-victims-586129 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=ITNews |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008104957/https://www.itnews.com.au/news/gov-to-update-telco-regulations-to-help-protect-optus-breach-victims-586129 |url-status=live }}

On 11 October, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner launched an investigation, the aim of which is to explore the company's handling of customers' data.{{Cite news |date=2022-10-11 |title=Two new investigations into Optus hack announced |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-11/information-commissioner-acma-investigate-optus-data-hack/101522800 |access-date=2022-10-11 |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013121942/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-11/information-commissioner-acma-investigate-optus-data-hack/101522800 |url-status=live }}

{{main|2023 Optus outage}}

Early on 8 November 2023, an undetermined issue caused a nationwide outage in Optus Mobile and Fixed Internet services. The outage directly impacted more than 10 million customers, including government services, hospitals and businesses. Optus Mobile customers reported that their phones showed 'SOS' on the signal indicator, which is a sign the regular network is down, but mobile phones still have access to alternate networks in the event of an emergency call by using a so-called camping mechanism; however, Optus landlines were unable to make emergency triple-zero calls.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-07 |title=What caused the Optus outage, and when will it be fixed? Here's what we know |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-08/optus-outage-mobile-phones-internet-what-happened/103077180 |access-date=2023-11-08}}{{Citation |title=Communications Minister on the Optus outage update {{!}} 9 News Australia | date=7 November 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKZiU0zCszE |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en}} The outage affected the communication systems for Melbourne's train network, so for safety reasons the whole network was halted until backup communications commenced, leading to major delays and cancellations throughout the day.{{Citation |title=Optus outage crisis affects millions of customers {{!}} 7 News Australia | date=7 November 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLrBt1XrM0c |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ryan |title=Banks affected by Optus outage |url=https://www.brokernews.com.au/news/breaking-news/banks-affected-by-optus-outage-283604.aspx |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=www.brokernews.com.au}}{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Alex Crowe, Henrietta |date=2023-11-08 |title=Phone lines down at major Melbourne hospitals, trains resume after Optus outage |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-trains-halted-as-communications-go-down-20231108-p5eici.html |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=WAtoday |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=Optus outage cuts off millions, emergency calls |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/chaos-as-optus-crashes-nationwide-20231108-p5eid1 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}

• Internet in Australia
• National Broadband Network
• Telecommunications in Australia

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website|www.optus.com.au}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100316162056/http://www.zdnet.com.au/insight/communications/soa/Photos-Optus-s-new-home/0,139023754,339283065-1s,00.htm Photos: Optus's new home] (ZDNet Australia)

{{Australian mobile phone companies}}

{{Bridge Alliance}}

{{Internet service providers of Australia}}

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