Optus has agreed to allow rival TPG Telecom to access it's mobile network.  

That means western plains customers with Vodaphone, which TPG owns, could have access to Optus' 4G and 5G network in early 2025. 

Pending approval of the deal by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), TPG will get access to 2444 Optus mobile network sites in regional Australia, the telcos said in a joint release 1 May. 

Coonamble-based spokesperson for Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia, Sharon Single, said the deal is a "potential win" for consumers, depending on whether Optus expands it's infrastructure network.  

"We're cautiously optimistic," Ms Single said. "Competition is generally a good thing as long as there's enough infrastructure to remain competitive. 

"Previously, the ACCC had turned down Telstra doing the same deal with TPG because they felt something like this could happen and that it would be better for rural consumers. 

"Telstra have had a huge market advantage, both because of their history, but also because they had made investments in their rural network. 

"Optus has increased it's coverage over time, but they haven't necessarily had the same extensive network." 

Sharon Single, and husband Tony, have fingers crossed for better service as telco infrastructure sharing comes into play.

Ms Single also said rural and regional areas like the Orana are a small customer base for the major telcos. 

"Going from three networks to two makes a lot of sense. And these deals, it won't just be Optus as such, it'll be a variety of carriers using that network, similar to how there's quite a few different retail providers you can use that utilise the Telstra network, such as Boost." 

"So, if somebody was coming from the city and they've got a TPG or Optus-supported network carrier, they can come out here and have service."  

The Optus 4G network currently covers most regional centres in the Western Plains, although not Brewarrina.  

It also misses a cluster of areas within a rough square drawn between Gilgandra, Cobar, Bourke and Walgett. 

Optus Interim CEO Michael Venter said the deal speed up his telco's 5G rollout. 

“Optus and TPG Telecom will be positioned to provide consumers with more choice and better services as we accelerate our investment in the regions," Mr Venter said. 

“The agreement will reduce combined 5G network rollout costs in regional Australia, which will enable the rollout of 5G infrastructure to be completed two years earlier than previously planned." 

TPG Telecom CEO Iñaki Berroeta said sharing networks, rather than building separate infrastructure, will give reduced operating costs. 

“This network sharing arrangement will reset the competitive landscape for mobile services in regional areas and provide Australians with more choice than ever before,” Mr Berroeta said. 

“In a country as large as Australia, this is the sustainable approach we need to maximise established infrastructure, and expand the reach of telecommunications services, competition and choice for consumers.” 

The deal comes after Vodaphone shut down it's 3G network in December last year. Optus will shut their 3G network in September after Telstra closes theirs in June.