Friday, 07 April 2006 00:00

Melbourne, Australia, April 7, 2006

US TRADE REPRESENTATIVE SUPPORTS AUSTRALIAN CONCERNS OVER TELSTRA

The comments are contained in the 2006 Section 1377 Review of Telecommunications Trade Agreements released by the Office of the United States Trade representative today.

The report says Telstra has been aggressive in attempting to undermine the authority of the regulator and minimizing the scope of safeguards designed to promote competition.

The report also says Telstra’s efforts to set averaged wholesale prices for broadband internet over unbundled loops (ULL) would reduce competition.

Primus Telecom Managing Director, Greg Wilson, said the report shows that Telstra’s attempts to stifle competition and bully the policy makers and regulators have been identified as matters of concern in trade relations.

“The report demonstrates that the concerns we and others have raised about Telstra’s behaviour have been noted and confirmed as an assault on competition”.

The USTR Review is required to be submitted to Congress in order to report on compliance with global telecommunications trade agreements.

About Primus Telecom
Primus Telecom is Australia’s fourth largest fixed-line telecommunications carrier. The Company offers a comprehensive range of voice, data, Internet and web hosting products, servicing both residential and business sectors. The Primus network offers nationwide coverage through its own backbone network with facilities in 66 cities across Australia. The network enables the Company to provide nationwide long distance services and local call Internet access. Primus operates its own fibre network in the five major capital cities, delivering a range of business direct-connect services including ISDN, frame relay, ATM, telephone line and broadband DSL, as well as telephone line and broadband DSL services direct to residential customers. Global connectivity is provided through an extensive voice, IP, wireless and ATM network operated by the parent company, United States-based Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated (NASDAQ: PRTL). Primus Australia news and information are available at the Company's Web site at www.iprimus.com.au