Optus announces $1.6bn network sharing deal with rival TPG

Chief of Singtel-owned company says a similar deal it opposed between TPG and Telstra very different in that Optus is not the dominant player'

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

Optus has announced a $1.6bn network sharing agreement with its rival TPG after lobbying against a similar deal between TPG and Telstra, which was kiboshed by the competition tribunal last year.

The Singtel-owned company and Vodafone's parent company said on Monday the agreement will see TPG more than double its 4G coverage to 1,000,000 sq km and reach 98.4% of the population.

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