The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has said this week that it's listening to views on Vocus' proposed acquisition of TPG Telecom's fiber infrastructure assets and Enterprise, Government, and Wholesale (EGW) fixed business.

Announced last month, the deal values the assets at AU$5.25 billion (US$3.4bn).

In a statement yesterday (November 18), Australia's competition watchdog said it has invited comments on the proposed acquisition from interested parties by December 2.

The ACCC is likely to scrutinize the impact of the deal, and whether it will have an effect on customer prices.

According to the regulator's website, the ACCC expects to provide a provisional update on its findings on February 13, 2025.

TPG Telecom told Reuters it's working closely with both the ACCC and Vocus to ensure the deal goes through.

The company stated last month that it will retain its mobile radio network infrastructure, consumer, and EGW mobile business, plus its consumer and small office/home office fixed retail business, including fixed wireless.

As part of the agreement, Vocus will provide fixed network services back to TPG.

TPG confirmed last year that it had entered discussions with Macquarie-backed Vocus over a deal to buy TPG's non-mobile fiber assets after Vocus' initial bid of AU$6.3bn ($4.1bn) in August 2023.

Both companies say they expect the deal to complete during the second half of next year.

As part of the deal, Vocus will also acquire TPG Telecom’s PPC-1 submarine cable which runs from Sydney to Guam.

“This agreement is transformative for Vocus and is an important step towards creating a more competitive landscape for the Australian telecommunications industry," said Jarrod Nink, interim chief executive officer at Vocus when the deal was announced.