In September 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved a partnership between Optus and TPG Telecom, the owner of Vodafone, to enhance mobile services in regional Australia. This collaboration allowed TPG/Vodafone to utilize Optus’ regional infrastructure network, leading to a significant expansion in their 4G and 5G coverage. As a result, Vodafone’s network now reaches 98.4% of the population and has expanded to 1,000,000 square kilometers across Australia, making it a more competitive option for regional Australians. The partnership operates through a Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN), benefitting both providers and enhancing mobile network infrastructure in regional areas. The deal also enables Optus to accelerate the rollout of 5G infrastructure sooner than anticipated. The increased coverage is not limited to Vodafone but also impacts other smaller telcos like TPG and iiNet. Vodafone has not announced any price increases following the coverage expansion, and customers can explore their updated mobile plans to maximize the benefits of the improved network.