Optus talks Android roadmaps with Google

Optus is discussing with Google its roadmap for Android after reporting good "traction" for the first round of smartphones on the Optus network including Samsung's Galaxy S device.

Managing director of the consumer division Michael Smith noted the surge in Android devices in the market.

"The platform is getting traction in the marketplace," he said, without going into specifics about the number of devices Optus had sold to date.

"We're having discussions with Google about how Android manifests itself going forward", he said.

Optus was specifically interested in future Android devices, OS capabilities and a round of Android tablets expected to hit the market soon.

Smith also said Optus was "continuing to talk to Apple" about different possibilities to exploit interest in the iPad device, although he did not go into detail on what those opportunities might entail.

Telstra frowns on Optus' results

Optus reported strong growth in its mobile business in its latest quarterly results.

The quarter saw Optus add some 190,000 mobile customers, "bringing its total mobile base to 8.7 million, an increase of 9 percent from a year ago".

The growth prompted rival Telstra's chief executive David Thodey to tell analysts at Telstra's own results announcement: "Optus is still picking up share in mobiles and I don't like it."

Optus chief executive Paul O'Sullivan said it was "always complimentary when a competitor notes your performance".

O'Sullivan expected a more "aggressive period" of mobile pricing in the next six to 12 months and said Optus would be "ready to play our part".

"In a more competitive market the customer is often the winner," O'Sullivan said.

"We look forward to seeing [Telstra] in the marketplace."

Analysis

Analyst firm Ovum's research director David Kennedy believed Optus' "aggressive marketing of the iPhone appeared to pay off" in its latest results.

"In contrast, Telstra is treading water," Kennedy said.

"Telstra can no longer continue to lose market share to its rivals, and is gearing up to unveil more aggressive mobile tariffs to win back lost market share from its mobile rivals, including Optus."

"Optus however cannot afford to rest on its laurels."