Australia Watchdog Blocks TPG-Telstra Network Sharing

TPG Telecom may appeal to Australia’s Federal Court following the decision of a second competition regulator to reject its proposal to use Telstra’s regional mobile network.

The Australian Competition Tribunal has denied authorization for a regional-network sharing agreement between TPG and Telstra, which is the largest telecommunications provider in Australia based on market capitalization.

The proposed plan would increase TPG’s regional mobile site usage by approximately 3,700, resulting in expanded coverage to 98.8% of the population, compared to the current 96%.

Read more: Australian Regulator To Review TPG–Telstra Deal Appeal

TPG has stated that they will review the tribunal’s decision and explore options for further appeal, including a potential judicial review in the Federal Court. The case was brought to the tribunal by TPG and Telstra after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s decision to block the arrangement in December.

“We are not giving up on regional Australia and will consider our options as well as advocating for policy reform,” TPG Chief Executive Inaki Berroeta said.