MEDIA RELEASE

Australian Defence Force to Acquire Defence Mobile Communications Network

The Department of Defence and Optus Networks Limited are expected to sign a contract worth $46 million in Canberra tomorrow to develop and support a new Defence Mobile Communications Network (DMCN) for the Australian Defence Force.

Optus will develop a secure network from a non-secure network which has been in use under a two-year leasing arrangement due to finish in next month.

The new network will provide operational units of the Australian Defence Force with a secure and reliable tactical satellite communications capability over continental Australia and its immediate coastal waters.

"The communications system will use equipment located at Optus’ Satellite Earth Station sites in Sydney and Perth," the Head of Electronic Systems Acquisition, Mr Ron Bonighton said today.

"The equipment will be remotely controlled by network management facilities in Canberra. It will feature a high level of automation and be operated by a minimum number of personnel."

Mr Bonighton added that the new system will provide improved communications services to the Australian Defence Force’s ships and vehicles and is expected to be fully operational in late 2000.

"Optus is committed to achieve about 95 per cent Australian industry involvement," he said. "Most of the new hardware and software required for the system will be designed and developed by Australian industry.

"Industry will provide through-life support for the system and have the capability to undertake further design and development to meet future defence requirements as necessary."

Software is to be developed by CSC Australia in Adelaide, hardware is to be produced in Melbourne and installed at the Sydney and Perth earth terminals.

Further information . . .

Tony Underwood: (02) 6265 2703 (w)
                (0419) 213 885 (m)