Australia’s competition regulator gives nod for TPG Telecom-Optus deal

(Reuters) -Australia’s competition watchdog will not oppose the network sharing deal between TPG Telecom and Singapore Telecommunications’ Optus, the regulator said on Thursday.

Under the deal signed in April, TPG would expand coverage to 2,444 mobile network sites in regional Australia, up from 755, and would gain access to Optus’ regional 5G network as it is rolled out.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had started an informal review of the deal in July, seeking views on its likely impact on the pricing as well as non-pricing aspects of the mobile service infrastructure in the country.

The ACCC found that the agreement was unlikely to substantially lessen competition.

“The agreements will allow TPG to provide better coverage in regional areas, which will likely enhance its ability to compete during the term of the agreements, improving choice for regional consumers,” ACCC Commissioner Philip Williams said.

“We are pleased with today’s decision and thank the ACCC for its consideration of our regional network sharing arrangement which will bring much needed competition to rural and regional areas,” TPG Telecom CEO Iñaki Berroeta said in a separate statement.

TPG Telecom expects the expanded network to be operational in early 2025.