ACCC green lights Optus, TPG network sharing arrangement
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The news: Optus and TPG can proceed with their regional network and spectrum sharing plans, after the competition regulator said it would not oppose the arrangement.
The context: The telecom companies have entered into three agreements relating to mobile services in regional areas. Both companies will continue to operate their own networks in metropolitan areas.
The approval comes just over a year after the Australian Competition Tribunal upheld the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC's) decision to block a network sharing arrangement between Telstra and TPG.
What they said: "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.
"The agreements are also likely to support Optus' regional 5G rollout, particularly through access to TPG's spectrum.
"... TPG currently has significantly less infrastructure and coverage in regional areas compared to Telstra and to a lesser extent Optus. The improvement in TPG's services during the term of this arrangement is likely to be greater than what TPG could have achieved on its own."
The source: ASX announcements
