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{{short description|Australian telecommunications company}}
{{About|the telecommunications company|the satellites|Optus (satellite)}}
{{Cleanup|reason=Repeated sections and unclear structure|date=September 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Singtel Optus Pty Limited
| logo = Optus logo.svg
| caption = 
| image = Optus Macquarie Park - panorama.jpg
| image_size = 250
| image_caption = Optus headquarters in [[Macquarie Park]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| foundation = {{Start date and years ago|1981|df=y}}<br>(as AUSSAT)
| location = [[Macquarie Park]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| area_served = Australia
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Paul O'Sullivan ([[Chairman]])<br>Stephen Rue ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}}
| industry = [[Telecommunications]]
| products = [[Telephony|Fixed telephony]]<br>[[Mobile network operator|Mobile telephony]]<br>[[Internet service provider|Internet access]]<br>[[Cable television]]<br>[[Leased line]]s<br>[[Network service provider|Data transmission]]
| parent = [[Singtel]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Swan |first1=David |last2=Keoghan |first2=Sarah |last3=Ireland |first3=Olivia |date=8 November 2023 |title='Today was a bad day': Optus CEO apologises for mass outage |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/major-optus-outage-affects-millions-of-customers-20231108-p5eics.html |url-status=live |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=[[Nine Entertainment]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109105125/https://www.smh.com.au/national/major-optus-outage-affects-millions-of-customers-20231108-p5eics.html |archive-date=9 November 2023 |quote=Optus is owned by Singaporean parent company Singtel, whose executive board has been visiting Australia this week. Shares in Singtel fell by nearly 5 per cent on the Singapore Exchange on Wednesday. }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Swan |first1=David |date=21 November 2023 |title=Optus' year from hell raises questions for parent company Singtel |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/optus-year-from-hell-raises-questions-for-parent-company-singtel-20231121-p5ell3.html |url-status=live |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Nine Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123164012/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/optus-year-from-hell-raises-questions-for-parent-company-singtel-20231121-p5ell3.html |archive-date=23 November 2023 |quote=Optus is fully owned by Singtel, which itself is majority owned by Temasek Holdings, the investment arm of the Singapore government, which owns 55 per cent of the company’s issued share capital. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://techreport.com/statistics/singtel-statistics/ |title=65+ Inspiring Singtel Statistics and Facts in 2023 |last=Beckham |first=Jeff |date=26 December 2023 |website=[[The Tech Report]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226160722/https://techreport.com/statistics/singtel-statistics/ |archive-date=26 December 2023 |quote=Optus, the second-largest telecommunications company in Australia, is 100% owned by Singtel. This acquisition has contributed substantially to Singtel’s international presence. }}</ref>
| divisions = [[Amaysim]]
| revenue = {{gain}} [[Australian dollar|A$]]8.05 billion (2023)<ref name="FR23">{{cite web |url=https://www.optus.com.au/content/dam/optus/documents/about-us/media-centre/financial-reports/2023/2HFY23-MR-Optus.pdf |title=Optus Customer Growth and Price Discipline Underpin Positive Results |access-date=8 June 2023 |publisher=Optus |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709122639/https://www.optus.com.au/content/dam/optus/documents/about-us/media-centre/financial-reports/2023/2HFY23-MR-Optus.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| operating_income = {{gain}} A$2.09 billion (2023)<ref name="FR23"/>
| net_income = {{gain}} A$286 million (2023)<ref name="FR23"/>
| num_employees = 7,572 (2023)<ref name="SR23">{{cite web |url=https://www.optus.com.au/content/dam/optus/documents/about-us/sustainability/reporting/2023/fy2023-optus-sustainability-report.pdf |title=Optus Sustainability Report 2023 |access-date=12 April 2024 |publisher=Optus |archive-date=19 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419112719/https://www.optus.com.au/content/dam/optus/documents/about-us/sustainability/reporting/2023/fy2023-optus-sustainability-report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| homepage = {{URL|optus.com.au}}
| owner = 
}}
'''Singtel Optus Pty Limited''' is a major Australian [[Telecommunications in Australia|telecommunications]] company headquartered in [[Macquarie Park]], [[Sydney]]. Optus is the second-largest telecommunications company in Australia, with over 11 million customers as of 2023.<ref name="SR23" /> Its mobile network covers 98.5% of the Australian population, with plans to cover all of Australia by 2025 through its partnership with [[SpaceX]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Together Optus and SpaceX Plan to Cover 100% of Australia |url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2023/07/together-optus-and-spacex-plan-to-cover-100-percent-of-australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806004913/https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2023/07/together-optus-and-spacex-plan-to-cover-100-percent-of-australia |archive-date=6 August 2023 |access-date=12 April 2024 |website=Optus |language=en}}</ref> 

It is a [[wholly owned subsidiary]] of [[Singapore]]an telecommunications company [[Singtel]]. 

==History==
===AUSSAT and deregulation (1981–1990)===
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.<ref>{{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 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-06-08}}</ref> 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 [[Deregulation|deregulate]] [[Communications in Australia#Deregulation|telecommunications in Australia]], the government decided to sell Aussat, coupled with a telecommunications licence. The licence was sold to Optus Communications – a consortium including:<ref>{{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}}</ref>
* logistics firm [[Mayne Group|Mayne Nickless]] (24.99%);<ref>{{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 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-04-09 }}</ref>
* [[United Kingdom|UK]] telecommunications company [[Cable & Wireless Communications|Cable & Wireless]] (24.50%);
* [[United States|US]] telecommunications company [[BellSouth]] (24.50%);
* AIDC Limited (10.00%);
* insurance and investment company [[AMP Limited|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]].

===Founding of Optus (1991–present)===
Optus gained the second general carrier licence in January 1991.<ref>[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</ref>

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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.

In 1993 Optus, along with Telstra and [[Vodafone]] were licensed by the regulator Austel (now [[Australian Communications and Media Authority|ACMA]]) to provide [[2G]] [[GSM]] mobile telephony. Optus's mobile service launched in May of that year.<ref>{{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 &#124; Oz MobileNet }}</ref>

In 2024, Singtel held advanced talks with [[Brookfield Corporation|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.<ref>{{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 |archive-date=3 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403061537/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-03/singtel-s-optus-sale-talks-with-brookfield-collapse-australian |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Products and services==
[[File:Midland gnangarra 0324-305.jpg|thumb|Optus Store at [[Midland Gate]].]]
Key Optus products and services include:

===Voice===
* Residential and Commercial [[Plain old telephone service|POTS]] for local and long-distance telephony
* Commercial [[VoIP]] and [[VoDSL]]
* [[Intelligent Network]] applications, such as [[Toll-free telephone number|free call]], [[Australian telephone numbering plan#Freecall, local and premium-rate numbers|1300]] and [[Interactive voice response]] services<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

===Wireless    ===
* [[4G]]/[[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] provided on 700 / 1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600&nbsp;MHz covering 96.6% of the population.
* [[5G]] provided on 2300&nbsp;MHz and 3500&nbsp;MHz.
* [[Satellite phone|Satellite telephony]] covering all of Australia.

===Internet access===
* [[NBN Co|NBN Internet]] (via [[Cable internet access|Cable]], [[Fiber to the x|FTTB]], [[Fiber to the x|FTTC]], [[Fiber to the x|FTTN]], [[Fiber to the x|FTTP]], [[Wireless broadband|Fixed wireless]] and [[Satellite internet access|Satellite]])
* Residential [[Dial-up access|Dial-Up Internet]] in all states
* Residential [[Broadband Internet]] (via [[Cable modem|cable]] and [[Digital subscriber line|DSL]]) in all states (except the [[Northern Territory]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Residential Broadband Internet |url=https://www.moveinconnect.com.au/suppliers/optus/ |access-date=2025-11-04 |language=en-AU}}</ref>
* Commercial and wholesale internet access
* Secure Gateway services for Federal Government departments
* NBN Wireless – not continued for new connects

===Television===
* [[Optus Television]] service provided in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]] and [[Brisbane]], including [[Foxtel|Foxtel Digital]]
Retail services are sold to customers via phone, internet or through retail outlets, especially [[Franchising|franchise]] [[Chain store|chains]] such as Optus World, Network Communications, [[Strathfield (retailer)|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<ref>{{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}}</ref> client base.

== Corporate affairs ==
[[File:NorthSydneyCity Optus.jpg|thumb|The former headquarters of Optus in [[North Sydney, New South Wales|North Sydney]].]]
{{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
}}
Stephen Rue commenced as [[Chief executive officer|Chief Executive Officer]] of Optus in November 2024 following the resignation of Kelly Bayer Rosmarin after the [[2023 Optus outage|2023 nation-wide outage]]. Rue was previously the Chief Executive of [[NBN Co]] and is an Executive Director of the Optus Board.<ref>[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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120013920/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-20/optus-ceo-kelly-bayer-rosmarin-resigns-nationwide-outage/103125462 |date=20 November 2023 }} ''ABC News'' 20 November 2023</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Executive profiles |url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/corporate/executive-profiles |access-date=21 September 2025 |website=Optus}}</ref>

===OptusNet===
[[File:OptusNet Logo Cropped.PNG|thumb|OptusNet logo]]
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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Separate to this, under the Optus Vision brand, a [[Cable modem|cable broadband]] arm began as a joint venture with U.S. cable and content provider [[Excite (web portal)#Excite@Home|Excite@Home]] and was known as Optus@Home from its introduction in 1999<ref>{{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 }}</ref> until it was renamed in 2002.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> [[Asymmetric digital subscriber line|ADSL]] services were offered from February 2004.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> [[ITU G.992.5|ADSL2+]] services were provided from December 2005.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Subsidiaries and consortiums===
{{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 (Australia)|Boost Mobile]].<ref>{{cite press release |title=Optus gives youth a boost with new mobiles |date=2000-08-15 |publisher=Optus |url=http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=dc4a8336054f4010VgnVCM1000009fa87c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3d4cfaf924954010VgnVCM10000029a67c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default |access-date=2007-12-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917230001/https://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=dc4a8336054f4010VgnVCM1000009fa87c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3d4cfaf924954010VgnVCM10000029a67c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default |archive-date=17 September 2007}}</ref>

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.<ref name="opel_release">{{cite press release |title=Elders and Optus to build rural and regional broadband network |date=2007-06-18 |publisher=Optus |url=http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=6836b16053d33110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ef582ad29cf63110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default |access-date=2007-07-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901203839/http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=6836b16053d33110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ef582ad29cf63110VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default |archive-date=1 September 2007}}</ref><ref name="opel_presentation">{{cite web |date=2007-06-18 |title=Broadband Access and Choice for rural and regional Australia |url=http://www.futuris.com.au/images/presentations/presentation_38.pdf |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 |access-date=2007-07-14 |publisher=OPEL / Elders}}</ref> 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]].

Optus is part of a consortium – now known as [[Terria (consortium)|Terria]] – that in July 2006 announced their intention to make a combined bid to build the proposed [[National Broadband Network (Australia)|National Broadband Network]].<ref>{{cite press release |title=Nine leading telecommunications companies release their FTTN model |date=2006-07-10 |publisher=Optus |url=http://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=b6a122aa9d64c010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=44b4ce4b55728010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default |access-date=2008-09-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801163251/https://www.optus.com.au/portal/site/aboutoptus/menuitem.813c6f701cee5a14f0419f108c8ac7a0/?vgnextoid=b6a122aa9d64c010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=44b4ce4b55728010VgnVCM10000029867c0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default |archive-date=1 August 2008}}</ref>

Reef Networks was formed in 1999 to provide an [[Optical fiber|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.<ref>{{cite news |date=2005-03-31 |title=Optus buys Reef |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/optus-buys-reef/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070506200902/http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Optus-buys-Reef/0,130061791,139186609,00.htm |archive-date=6 May 2007 |access-date=2007-06-04 |publisher=ZDNet Australia}}</ref>

XYZed was established by Optus in 2000 to provide wholesale business-grade [[Digital subscriber line|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 [[Digital subscriber line access multiplexer|DSLAMs]] inside [[Telstra]] telephone exchanges, utilising [[Local loop unbundling|Unconditioned Local Loop]] services to reach end users.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Cable & Wireless Optus and Lucent to Build National DSL Network |date=2000-06-14 |publisher=Cable & Wireless Optus and Lucent Technologies |url=http://www.xyzed.com.au/admin/uploads/pdf/00.06.14.pdf |access-date=2006-06-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018135007/http://www.xyzed.com.au/admin/uploads/pdf/00.06.14.pdf |archive-date=2015-10-18}}</ref>

[[Cable & Wireless Communications|Cable & Wireless]] with 24.5% stakeholder bought out [[BellSouth]]'s equal 24.5% shareholding in July 1997.<ref>{{cite news |date=1997-07-02 |title=Bell South Agrees To Drop Stake in Australian Company |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F06E5DE1530F931A35754C0A961958260 |access-date=2008-07-19 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> The company returned to profitability in 1998 and changed its name to Cable & Wireless Optus.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Optus continues strong turnaround performance |date=1998-08-31 |publisher=Cable & Wireless Optus via Australian Securities Exchange |url=http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showSignalgAnnouncement.do?issuerId=788&documentNumber=140432&documentDate=1998-08-31 |access-date=2008-07-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221172619/https://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showSignalgAnnouncement.do?issuerId=788&documentNumber=140432&documentDate=1998-08-31 |archive-date=21 February 2025}}</ref> 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%)<ref>{{cite web |date=August 1999 |title=Cable & Wireless: "Optus" |url=http://www.union-network.org/Unisite/In_Depth/Multinationals/Cable_Wireless/Cable_Wireless_optus.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010727205300/http://www.union-network.org/Unisite/In_Depth/Multinationals/Cable_Wireless/Cable_Wireless_optus.html |archive-date=2001-07-27 |access-date=2008-07-19 |publisher=Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (Communications Division)}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Cable & Wireless Optus Prospectus |date=1998-09-30 |publisher=Cable & Wireless Optus via Australian Securities Exchange |url=http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showSignalgAnnouncement.do?issuerId=788&documentNumber=141427&documentDate=1998-09-30 |access-date=2008-07-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127123850/https://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/showSignalgAnnouncement.do?issuerId=788&documentNumber=141427&documentDate=1998-09-30 |archive-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> – and listed on the [[Australian Securities Exchange]] on 17 November 1998.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Cable & Wireless Optus trades on ASX |date=1998-11-17 |publisher=Australian Securities Exchange |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}}</ref>

During 2001, [[Singtel]] launched a takeover bid for Cable and Wireless Optus<ref>{{cite news |last=Hall |first=Eleanor |date=2001-03-26 |title=Singtel confirms Optus merger |url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s266103.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218210856/http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/stories/s266103.htm |archive-date=18 February 2011 |access-date=2008-07-19 |work=The World Today |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> which was ultimately successful<ref>{{cite press release |title=Singtel Australia Completes Acquisition of Optus |date=2001-10-23 |publisher=[[Singtel]]) |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}}</ref> and the company became known as Singtel Optus.

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

In July 2005, Optus announced it would acquire Alphawest Ltd. for A$25.9 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft starts to beat Windows 10 2004 drum for business |url=https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/671999/microsoft-starts-beat-windows-10-2004-drum-business/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324204745/https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/671999/microsoft-starts-beat-windows-10-2004-drum-business/ |archive-date=24 March 2020 |access-date=2020-03-24 |website=ARN}}</ref> 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.

===Outsourcing===
Since 2005, Optus has [[Outsourcing|outsourced]] some [[customer service]] functions to [[Concentrix]] and 247.ai, with the outsourcer providing 800 staff operating [[Offshoring|offshore]] in India, supplementing Optus' 3,000-plus onshore [[call centre]] staff.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Some functions have also been supplemented in the Philippines.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 Pte Ltd|NCS]], in Singapore.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
Optus' fully owned network infrastructure consists of the following:<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>

===Network backbone===

* ExtraTerrestrial [[Optical fiber|Fibre Optic]] Network
** Cairns to Brisbane
** Brisbane to Sydney ([[Self-healing ring|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, Western Australia|Perth]]
* [[Microwave radio relay|SDH Digital Microwave]]
** [[Hobart]] to [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]]
* [[Communications satellite|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, Northern Territory|Darwin]]
* Regional [[Telephone exchange|exchanges]] in Sydney (Rosebery), Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.
* Telehousing Data Centres in Melbourne and Sydney

===Customer access network===
{{see also|Access network}}
* [[Hybrid fibre-coaxial]] (HFC) network in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, providing consumer [[Telephony|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.
* [[Digital subscriber line access multiplexer|DSLAMs]] in certain [[Telstra]] local telephone exchanges in all states. Originally only providing business-grade [[Digital subscriber line|DSL]] services, newer installations also provide consumer [[Digital subscriber line|DSL]] and [[Plain old telephone service|POTS]] telephony.

OptusNet also provides [[Hybrid fibre-coaxial|Cable]] internet. In August 2010, OptusNet released an upgrade of its HFC network to the [[DOCSIS]] 3.0 standard,<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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 [[Asymmetric digital subscriber line|ADSL2+]] via its own [[Digital subscriber line access multiplexer|DSLAMs]], which it also resells to other ISPs.<ref>{{cite web | title = Australia&nbsp;— Broadband&nbsp;— 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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Where are Optus internet services available |url=https://www.cheapbills.com.au/suppliers/optus |access-date=2025-11-11 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Mobile network===
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&nbsp;MHz
* [[4G]] [[Long Term Evolution|LTE]] 700 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600&nbsp;MHz network which has been in progressive rollout since 2012.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> [[VoLTE]] is currently being rolled out across Australia. For now, [[Voice over LTE|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).<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[5G]] [[5G NR|NR]] 3500&nbsp;MHz rollout started in October 2019

The [[2G]] [[GSM]] 900/1800&nbsp;MHz network was terminated on 3 April 2017 in [[Western Australia]] and [[Northern Territory]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[2G|2G GSM]] was completely terminated on 1 August 2017 when 2G was disconnected in [[Victoria (Australia)|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&nbsp;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 for all devices to be able to access the Triple Zero emergency calling system.<ref>{{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 |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216221601/https://www.optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/important-changes-3g |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Partly owned infrastructure===
Part-owned network infrastructure includes:
* [[3G]] mobile network, a joint venture with [[Vodafone Australia (brand)|Vodafone Australia]]<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
* [[Southern Cross Cable]], a [[Self-healing ring|fully diverse]] [[Submarine communications cable|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.<ref>{{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 | archive-date = 14 May 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240514090247/https://itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/optus-and-aussie-dollar-push-down-singtel-results.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

==Advertising and sponsorship==
[[File:E37 Perth Stadium Open Day 016.JPG|thumb|right|Optus has [[naming rights]] 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Optus also has a long-term partnership with the [[Adelaide Football Club|Adelaide Crows]] in the [[Australian Football League|AFL]]. Optus has been a partner of the [[Collingwood Football Club|Collingwood Magpies]] in the [[AFL Women's]] since 2018.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Optus is the current major sponsor for the No. 25 [[Walkinshaw Andretti United]] [[Holden ZB Commodore]] driven by [[Chaz Mostert]]<ref>c{{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}}</ref>

== Awards ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|2014
|[https://www.canstarblue.com.au Canstar Blue Awards]: Most Satisfied Customers 2014 Award in the small business mobile phone service providers category.
|-
|2015
|Canstar Blue Awards: Most Satisfied Customers 2015 Award in the small business mobile phone service providers category.
|-
|2016
|[https://events.capacitymedia.com/event/575377fb-1861-4839-9881-4fc35a8ff502/summary Global Carrier Award]: Best Asian Wholesale Carrier Award
|-
|2017
|[https://www.ntt.com/en/about-us/press-releases/news/article/2017/0913.html Arcstar Carrier Forum]: Operations and Maintenance Award
[https://tmt.knect365.com/global-telecoms-awards/ Global Telcom Awards]: AI Initiative of the year
|-
|2018
|[[World Communication Awards]]: Best Wholesale Operator
[https://www.terrapinn.com/awards/asia-communication-awards/index.stm Asia Communications Awards]: Wholesale Operator of the Year

[https://tmt.knect365.com/mvnos-world-congress/ Annual MVNOs World Congress]: Most Innovative Wholesaler & People's Choice 
|}

== Incidents ==
In 2014 Telstra successfully argued an [[Optus TV]] campaign was misleading about its coverage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telstra wins legal battle over Optus ads |url=https://www.itnews.com.au/news/telstra-wins-legal-battle-over-optus-ads-372659 |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=iTnews}}</ref>

During the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]], its [[Optus Sport]] streaming service suffered widespread outages that left subscribers unable to view matches; chief executive Allen Lew apologised, temporary simulcasts were arranged with [[SBS (Australian TV channel)|SBS]], and subscriptions were made free with refunds offered to affected customers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-06-19 |title=World Cup: Optus brand battered by streaming fail, with still no guarantee of a fix |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-19/world-cup-optus-streaming-issues/9885172 |access-date=2025-09-23 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In April 2018, Optus removed and investigated a [[Neutral Bay]] retail job ad that improperly expressed a preference for "[[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]]" applicants.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-04-13 |title=Optus removes online job ad calling for 'Anglo Saxon' staff at Neutral Bay store |first1=Angelique |last1=Lu |last2=Sas |first2=Nick |name-list-style=and |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-13/optus-removes-online-job-ad-calling-for-anglo-saxon-staff/9653270 |access-date=2025-09-23 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In February 2019, the [[Federal Court of Australia|Federal Court]] imposed a $10{{nbsp}}million penalty after Optus admitted misleading customers charged via its Direct Carrier Billing service for unwanted digital content, with hundreds of thousands refunded.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-02-06 |title=Optus fined $10 million for misleading customers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-06/optus-fined-10-million-for-misleading-customers/10787308 |access-date=2025-09-23 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In September 2025, Optus paid a $100{{nbsp}}million penalty in response to a court order that it had engaged in "unconscionable conduct" by recommending products that customers could not afford, did not want or could not use. Such customers were unemployed, homeless, had a disability or did not speak English as their first language. First Nations people from regional areas were also targeted.<ref>{{cite news |work=[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]] |access-date=29 September 2025 |url=https://theconversation.com/a-100-million-fine-for-appalling-predatory-sales-practices-caps-a-horror-week-for-optus-265971 |date=24 September 2025 |first=Jeannie Marie |last=Paterson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250926010632/https://theconversation.com/a-100-million-fine-for-appalling-predatory-sales-practices-caps-a-horror-week-for-optus-265971 |url-status=live |archive-date=26 September 2025 |title=A $100 million fine for 'appalling' predatory sales practices caps a horror week for Optus}}</ref>

=== 2022 cyberattack ===
{{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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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{{nbsp}}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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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{{nbsp}}$2,000.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 |date=6 October 2022 |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 }}</ref>

In response to the cyberattack, the [[Australian federal government]] announced an 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."<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

=== 2023 nationwide outage ===
{{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 only' 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 [[000 (emergency telephone number)|Triple Zero (000)]] emergency calls.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108022602/https://www.brokernews.com.au/news/breaking-news/banks-affected-by-optus-outage-283604.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last2=Cook |first1=Alex |last1=Crowe |first2=Henrietta |first3=Rachael |last3=Dexter |name-list-style=and |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 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108022601/https://www.watoday.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-trains-halted-as-communications-go-down-20231108-p5eici.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=Optus CEO says 'no soundbite' to explain phone outage chaos |url=https://www.afr.com/technology/chaos-as-optus-crashes-nationwide-20231108-p5eid1 |url-access=subscription |first1=Jenny |last1=Wiggins |last2=Smith |first2=Paul |name-list-style=and |archive-date=7 November 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231107235414/https://www.afr.com/technology/chaos-as-optus-crashes-nationwide-20231108-p5eid1 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref>

===2025 emergency services outage===
{{Main|2025 Optus emergency calling outage}}

Starting approximately 12:30{{nbsp}}am on 18 September 2025, Optus experienced an outage affecting callers on its network being able to access the [[000 (emergency telephone number)|Triple Zero]] emergency services calling system. Approximately 600 calls to Triple Zero made from the [[Northern Territory]], [[South Australia]], [[Western Australia]] and [[New South Wales]] failed and were not camped off to another network. A technical fault in a firewall upgrade resulted in the network incorrectly blocking Triple Zero calls until at least 1:50{{nbsp}}pm, at some point shortly after Optus reverted the change.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2025 |title=Triple Zero calls failures update |url=https://www.optus.com.au/notices/triple-zero-call-failures-update |access-date=20 September 2025 |website=Optus}}</ref><ref name="19Sep2025 statement">{{Cite web |date=19 September 2025 |title=Optus launches investigation into Triple Zero call failures |url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2025/09/optus-launches-investigation-into-triple-zero-call-failures |access-date=21 September 2025 |website=Optus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rue |first=Stephen |date=21 September 2025 |title=21 September 2025: CEO, Stephen Rue Update |url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2025/09/21-september-2025-ceo-stephen-rue-update |access-date=21 September 2025 |website=Optus}}</ref>

At least four people were found to have died after being unable to contact emergency services during the outage: an eight-week-old boy and 68-year-old woman from South Australia, and a 49-year-old and 74-year-old man from Western Australia.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Trigger |first1=Rebecca |last2=Johnston |first2=Greig |date=20 September 2025 |title=WA Premier Roger Cook says fourth possible death linked to Optus outage |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-20/optus-outage-wa-government-ministers-slam-telco/105797804 |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)]]}}</ref> The death of the eight-week-old is not believed to be contributed to by the outage, while investigations are continuing around the other three.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2025 |title=Optus outage 'unlikely' to have caused baby's death, police say, but impact spreads to NSW |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-21/baby-death-unlikely-caused-by-optus-outage-police-say/105798926 |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)]]}}</ref> The company has received significant criticism for its handling of the outage, including not notifying emergency services that people were unable to contact Triple Zero for at least 9 hours, delays in providing government authorities with details of failed calls, and holding press conferences announcing the deaths of callers prior to alerting authorities.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maiden |first=Samantha |date=22 September 2025 |title='Unacceptable': PM suggests heads may roll at Optus after outage |url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/other-industries/unacceptable-pm-suggests-heads-may-roll-at-optus-after-outage/news-story/21e53f09f1cfc674eddb7827510f1aaa |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=[[News.com.au]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Beazley |first=Jordyn |date=20 September 2025 |title=Optus confirms fourth death after CEO reveals warnings of failed triple zero calls not escalated |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/20/optus-network-outage-in-which-three-people-died-lasted-eight-hours-longer-than-telco-initially-said |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=[[The Guardian Australia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Trigger |first=Rebecca |date=21 September 2025 |title=Optus failed to follow 'protocols' in not notifying police about outage sooner, WA deputy premier says |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-21/optus-outage-western-australia-rita-saffioti-optus-timeline/105799254 |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)]]}}</ref> Multiple government regulators and police services as well as Optus have announced independent investigations into the outage and the company's handling of it.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Truu |first=Maani |date=22 September 2025 |title=Optus triple-0 outage investigation underway as minister warns there will be consequences |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-22/optus-investigation-triple-0-outage/105800556 |access-date=22 September 2025 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)]]}}</ref><ref name="19Sep2025 statement" />

On 28 September, Optus experienced a separate outage in [[Dapto, New South Wales]] in which nine calls to Triple Zero did not connect due to a failed mobile phone tower.<ref name="Dapto">{{cite news |last1=MacKenzie |first1=Bruce |last2=Fuller |first2=Kelly |title=Optus investigates outage that led to failed triple-0 calls in Dapto |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-29/optus-investigates-another-triple-0-outage-in-nsw/105829054 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250928232801/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-29/optus-investigates-another-triple-0-outage-in-nsw/105829054 |archive-date=28 September 2025 |access-date=29 September 2025 |work=[[ABC Illawarra]]}}</ref>

On 5 November, Optus experienced a widespread issue in the [[Hunter Valley]] of New South Wales. It included regions such as [[Port Stephens (New South Wales)|Port Stephens]] and [[Maitland, New South Wales|Maitland]]. The issue lasted from 5:10{{nbsp}}pm to 5:55{{nbsp}}pm.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-former-us-vice-president-dick-cheney-dead-at-84-two-more-platforms-included-in-government-s-social-media-ban-20251105-p5n7t6.html?post=p59hq4&gb=1|first1=Alexander|last1=Darling|first2=Emily|last2=Kaine|name-list-style=and|date=5 November 2025|access-date=14 November 2025|title=As it happened: New Optus outage affected Triple Zero calls in NSW; Commuter chaos as truck hits two Melbourne overpasses; Hanson moves to ban burqa|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251114103836/https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-former-us-vice-president-dick-cheney-dead-at-84-two-more-platforms-included-in-government-s-social-media-ban-20251105-p5n7t6.html?post=p59hq4&gb=1 |at=New Optus outage threatening Triple Zero calls in NSW |archive-date=14 November 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Internet in Australia]]
* [[National Broadband Network]]
* [[Telecommunications in Australia]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{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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{{Authority control}}

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