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Optus merges Virgin Mobile Australia and SIMplus

Optus Chief Executive Paul O'Sullivan announced today the planned
operational integration of two wholly-owned Optus subsidiaries, Virgin
Mobile Australia (VMA) and SIMplus Mobile.

"VMA has one of the strongest prepaid offerings in the market and
SIMplus has strengths in the post paid market through varied sales
channels," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"Synergies between the two companies are strong and in the highly
competitive mobile market, combining these operations makes good
business sense.

"The integration supports Optus' strategy to strengthen its mobile
market position and provides a solid foundation for future growth of
the Virgin Mobile brand," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Mr Matt Davey has been appointed Chief Executive of the combined
operation. Mr Davey replaces Jonathan Marchbank who has decided to
pursue a new opportunity.

"I would like to thank Jonathan. He has been a great supporter of
Optus' acquisition of VMA and working towards taking VMA into its
next phase," Mr O'Sullivan said.

SIMplus Managing Director, Keir Preedy will work with Mr Davey to
oversee the realisation of the business benefits of the two companies
as acting Chief Operating Officer.

Mr Davey recently returned from a eight month posting with Globe
Telecom in the Philippines, a SingTel Group company, where he helped
establish the small business group.

Mr Davey has been with Optus for over nine years working in the
Consumer and Small Business Customer Facing Units. He has extensive
telecommunications experience in the prepaid and post paid consumer and
business markets.

"Optus is pleased to have secured someone with such extensive knowledge
of the mobile industry to lead the new VMA," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Matt will provide strong leadership during the transition of the
company and drive VMA on to further success as it expands its product
range."

Mr Davey will begin immediately, reporting to Paul O'Sullivan.

Both companies will remain as separate legal entities.




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