Judge blocks Telstra and TPG deal to share regional mobile networks

The two telcos had hoped to increase coverage in remote areas but tribunal rules it would harm competition

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A proposed deal between Telstra and TPG to share and expand their mobile networks in regional parts of Australia has been dealt another blow, with the Australian Competition Tribunal knocking back the agreement.

The deal would have resulted in TPG decommissioning about 700 Vodafone mobile sites in order to use 3,700 Telstra mobile sites in a network-sharing agreement across 4G and 5G. It would have increased the reach of Vodafone’s mobile network in regional and remote parts of Australia – increasing coverage from 96% to 98.8% of the Australian population.

Telstra would have also gained access to 169 TPG sites.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup