Telstra agreed to address concerns raised by Australia’s competition watchdog following an investigation which found the operator’s recent registration of 900MHz sites interfered with rival Optus’ plans to roll out its 5G network nationally.

In a statement, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) explained it was concerned Telstra’s registrations of 315 sites in January had impaired Optus’ ability to compete.

ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said it was concerned Telstra’s move had the “substantial purpose or likely effect of lessening competition by Optus”, by hindering its 5G network deployment and retail competition.

The ACCC accepted a court-enforceable pledge by Telstra to deregister all remaining sites which would have prevented Optus gaining early access to the spectrum.

Carver said the move “will ensure Optus is not hindered from expanding its 5G rollout”.

“This is critical as 5G network coverage becomes an increasingly important factor in consumer choice in mobile phones and mobile plans.”

Registration of the sites by Telstra came only after Optus acquired 2x25MHz of 900MHz spectrum in an auction in December 2021.

Telstra’s 5G network runs mainly on the 3.6GHz band.