The Australian Competition Authority refuses to grant authorisation for regional mobile network arrangements between two major telecommunication companies due to the high probability that it would substantially lessen competition (Telstra / TPG Telecom)

ACCC decides not to grant authorisation for Telstra and TPG regional network deal* The ACCC has decided not to authorise proposed regional mobile network arrangements between Telstra Corporation Limited (ASX:TLS and ASX:TL1) and TPG Telecom Limited (ASX:TPG). Under the statutory test, the ACCC must not grant authorisation unless it is satisfied the proposed arrangements would not be likely to substantially lessen competition, or that the likely public benefits from the arrangements would outweigh the likely public detriments. After an extensive public consultation and investigatory process, the ACCC is not satisfied under either of these tests and therefore cannot grant authorisation. “We examined the proposed arrangements in considerable detail. While there are some benefits, it