Consumers to win from Optus sale to SingTel

Australia’s leading independent infomediary, InfoChoice.com.au, says the impending sale of Optus to Singapore Telecom is great for local phone consumers – both mobile and landline customers.

InfoChoice, publisher of the PhoneChoice website, has observed first hand how the long-running saga over Optus’s future has hampered its ability to compete effectively as the Australian market’s number two telco. This now looks close to being resolved if shareholders accept Singapore Telecom’s $17 billion offer.

InfoChoice chief executive Chris Gosselin, said: “As the only company outside Telstra to offer the full range of mobile and landline telecommunications services, and also have its own network, it is in consumers interests that Optus survive and prosper in this form.”

“It has been clear for a while that Optus has been a weakened player in the market and the injection of fresh capital from a strong telco player such as SingTel should enable the company to be an effective competitor once again.”

SingTel’s success means a quicker solution to the question of Optus’s future than the rival Vodafone bid which would have likely resulted in further protracted negotiation with the ACCC and, if successful, seen the company’s mobile and landline assets split.

With mobile number portability being introduced in September, telcos offering mobile services are gearing up for a new offensive to win and retain customers.

“Some of the offers available to consumers will be incredible and, with its future more certain in the hands of SingTel, Optus will be able to stand strong in the marketplace,” Mr Gosselin said.

InfoChoice.com.au provides independent comparative information free to consumers on telecommunications, banking, investment, airfares and insurance.