SingTel Optus is considering a massive shake-up of its operations as it faces slowing revenue growth and an increasingly competitive environment. The telco has launched two projects – named Project Symphony and Project X – aimed at streamlining functions and reducing costs, and is also planning the deployment of an AUD100 million broadband network. The changes could result in a number of job cuts.
Meanwhile the government has rejected a proposal to pay AUD7 billion (USD5.5 billion) for a fibre-optic telecoms network in the Bush to help improve services there. Deputy prime minister John Anderson admits that such a network is needed, but says that is should be paid for by the private sector.