Sports fans will have unprecedented access to more than 250 hours of live and on demand coverage from the 12th FINA World Championships on BigPond internet and Telstra mobile phones.

Every stroke of the action across all aquatic disciplines at the championships will be covered online with 24/7 coverage at bigpond.com and on Telstra Next G™ and 3G mobiles.

BigPond Group Managing Director, Mr Justin Milne, said BigPond would connect fans across Australia to this world-class event, however and whenever they want to see it.

“Australia’s first online swimming channel and Next G™ and 3G mobile coverage will take fans so close to the action, they will be guaranteed the best seats in the house – even when they can’t be poolside,” Mr Milne said.

“Every swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming, diving and open water swimming event will be covered online and on Telstra Next G™ and 3G mobiles, either live or on demand.

“BigPond is also the only media company bringing prime time coverage to Perth and providing complete coverage of all aquatic disciplines at the event. If you’re a water polo fan from Bourke or a synchronised swimming enthusiast from Fremantle, BigPond will bring you all the action whether you are watching online or on the bus using your Telstra mobile,” Mr Milne said.

“Fans can watch the races, get up-to-the-minute news and event results, view the medal tally and relive all the moments of glory and despair with top ten video highlights updated daily. So wherever you are during this world class event, the latest information is just one click away.

“We’re also making it easier for fans to get involved by sending a Telstra HeroMessage® to congratulate our top swimmers on a great performance and even read and post comments to blogs from Grant Hackett, Matt Welsh or Giaan Rooney at BigBlog.

“With Telstra recently launching high-speed broadband and Next G™ wireless broadband services, we’re helping fans keep up-to-date with the 12th FINA World Championships in more speed in more places – both online and on their mobile," added Mr Milne.

Online content is unmetered for most BigPond members.

The 12th FINA World Championships will be held in Melbourne from 17 March to 1 April 2007. The championships will involve as many as 2500 athletes from around 175 nations at three competition venues.

Telstra Media Contact:

Peter Taylor

Tel: 02 8293 8446

Mbl: 0439 031 996