May-12, Co's Aust unit, Optus has announced that it had signed a MOU with Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) and Vodafone Network on 3 May-12. With the agmt, Optus customers will be able to receive wider coverage through access to nearly 1k additional mobiles sites thus strengthening Optus' 3G and 4G svcs across the country. Apr-12, Co's Aust unit, Optus said that it plans to cut about 750 jobs in a restructure of its biz. The subsi expects a one-time charge of about A$37m relating to the job cuts. Co has divested its entire 3.98% stake in Taiwan's Far EasTone Telecom. A total of 129.6m shrs were sold for approx NT$8.03b ($339m). Co will recognise a gain of approx $118m in the 1Q13.

FY12 revenue increased 4.2% boosted by mobile growth in S'pore and Australia, as well as the stronger A$. In tandem, earnings grew 4.3%. (11/05/12-SA)