The competition watchdog has approved a blockbuster regional network sharing deal expected to boost TPG’s regional coverage as well as Optus’ 5G rollout, after rejecting a similar deal between TPG and Telstra.
The competition watchdog has accepted an undertaking from TPG not to renew an agreement requiring it to pre-install Google on mobile devices it supplies, following similar undertakings given by Telstra and Optus last month.
Telstra and TPG have lost their challenge to the ACCC’s decision refusing authorisation for a $1.8 billion regional network sharing agreement, with the Australian Competition Tribunal finding the deal would increase Telstra’s dominance in the mobile phone market.
Telstra and TPG have asked the Competition Tribunal to undo the ACCC’s rejection of their proposed regional network sharing agreement, but fellow telco Optus has warned the deal would kneecap its ability to compete.
The ACCC’s rejection of a regional network arrangement between Telstra and TPG was “confusing” and the telecos might be free to vary the transaction, says a judge who is overseeing a challenge to the competition regulator’s decision.
The ACCC has refused to authorise a regional network arrangement between Telstra and TPG, saying the deal would entrench Telstra’s dominant position in the mobile market.
A judge has hit Optus, Telstra, and TPG with a total of $33.5 million in penalties for misleading thousands of NBN customers into paying for internet speeds that could not be achieved.
A mobile network sharing agreement between Telstra and TPG is likely to boost the companies’ services to customers but could lead to TPG raising prices, the competition regulator said Friday.
Optus has railed against the proposed network sharing agreement between Telstra and TPG, warning that it spells the return of a communications monopoly in regional Australia.
The CEO of Optus has come out swinging against a proposed 10-year agreement between TPG and Telstra to share mobile network infrastructure and spectrum in parts of regional Australia, warning it would harm consumers.