Australia: ACCC approves Optus-TPG network sharing agreement

Australian regulator ACCC has approved the proposed regional network-sharing agreement struck by Optus and TPG Telecom, enabling the telcos to create a regional Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN), which will last for 11 years.  ACCC said it would not oppose the plans in a statement yesterday. 
 

The ACCC said that the proposed agreements are "unlikely to substantially reduce infrastructure competition from TPG," but instead the competitive impacts of the agreements are likely to be limited to geographic areas where TPG is not currently a significant competitor and is unlikely to become one in the future.

“The ACCC carefully considered the arrangement proposed by Optus and TPG, as it represents a structural change to the mobile services landscape,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams 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. The agreements are also likely to support Optus’ regional 5G rollout, particularly through access to TPG’s spectrum."