19 May 2008

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. has joined with Optus in developing a world class Mobile Innovation Centre, located in Sydney aimed at accelerating the adoption of high speed mobile and wireless broadband.

The Mobile Innovation Centre will be equipped with the latest Huawei next generation mobile and wireless broadband equipment and technologies and will leverage the company's global leadership in mobile research and development.

The work executed at the Mobile Innovation Centre will help deliver new technologies and products to Optus, one of Australia's leading telecommunication companies, and improve their future mobile network quality and performance.

Expansive test laboratory facilities will be a key feature of the Mobile Innovation Centre which will accommodate both workshop and training areas. Engineers will take products from the technical concept stage through extensive testing and development to the delivery of a commercial product to be launched to market.

Joint Huawei and Optus teams will soon begin working together on various projects that will take full advantage of this new facility.

"The Mobile Innovation Centre is an important initiative for Optus. By partnering with Huawei, we are leading the way in delivering cutting edge mobile and wireless broadband technologies. This will deliver a broad range of benefits to Australian businesses and consumers. "

"This professional technical facility will also help in the continued development and training of our engineering research and development teams and help us to address the skills shortages within our industry," said Steve Christian, Managing Director, Optus Networks.

"By joining with Optus in the opening of the Mobile Innovation Centre in Sydney, we are able to introduce a broad range of benefits to Australia. Not only are we providing unrivalled opportunities to deliver the latest mobile technologies that take into consideration cost efficiencies and new revenue generating streams, but we are also supporting the local industry with the establishment of a world class development centre. I am delighted to be able to continue Huawei's commitment to Australia in announcing this joint initiative with Optus," Mr. Jerry Wang, managing director of Huawei Australia said.