Telstra and TPG Telecom sign landmark network sharing agreement for regional Australia

Telstra and TPG Telecom have announced a ground-breaking ten-year regional Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) commercial deal which will provide significant value to Telstra’s wholesale mobile revenues, while providing TPG’s subscribers with 4G and 5G services within a defined coverage zone across regional and urban fringe areas.

Under the deal, TPG will gain access to around 3700 of Telstra’s mobile network assets, increasing TPG’s current 4G coverage from around 96% to 98.8% of the population.

Telstra will also gain access to TPG’s spectrum across 4G and 5G, which will allow it to grow its network, increase capacity and continue to provide the country’s largest and fastest network.

Under the MOCN arrangement, Telstra will share its Radio Access Network (RAN) for 4G and subsequently 5G services in the defined coverage zone, however both carriers will continue to operate their own core network where key differentiating functionality resides.

For Telstra customers, the additional spectrum will ensure regional and rural customers will now experience faster speeds and less congestion in more locations on their mobiles. And Telstra will continue to maintain our one million kilometres of coverage advantage which we know is critical for our customers living and working in those areas.

The agreement is subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.