of new fibre-optic backhaul, including a new undersea link to Tasmania The venture was also to acquire long term leased links from Optus (10,200 km) and other providers such as Nextgen Networks (2,200 km), as well as establishing a Tasmanian link using Basslink, providing OPEL with a protected link to the island. The selection of WiMAX technology was questioned by some groups, including the then Federal Opposition and competitor Telstra, leading to further debate. On 2008-01-07, OPEL acquired spectrum licences from Austar, conditional upon approval of its funding agreement, enabling it to deploy WiMAX using licensed spectrum rather than using unlicensed spectrum as previously planned. Operation While Optus was to be contracted to build the network, OPEL Networks was to operate its network on behalf of its owners Optus and Elders, offering wholesale services back to them as customers, as well as to other third-party broadband retailers. Elders intended to enter the telecommunications market by selling OPEL services from its existing retail channels. References External links OPEL Networks (original site removed) archived Optus OPEL site (original site removed) archived Elders Telecommunications Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts - Australia Connected Telecommunications companies established in 2006 Technology companies disestablished in 2008 Defunct telecommunications companies of Australia Internet service providers of Australia Optus Australian companies established in 2006 Australian companies disestablished in 2008 Telecommunications companies disestablished in 2008