TPG Telecom needs Singapore approval before mobile unit spinoff

SINGAPORE (Aug 30): TPG Telecom must obtain regulatory approval before splitting its Singapore mobile business from the rest of the company, the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore said.

The regulator has a priority to ensure TPG Singapore “will fully meet all its licence and regulatory obligations” after it announced on Thursday the US$8 billion ($11 billion) merger with Vodafone Hutchison Australia’s mobile business. The deal includes a spinoff of its Singapore unit. The Australian carrier won a bid to hold Singapore’s fourth mobile license in 2016 and is expected to roll out services this year.

IMDA wants to ensure “there is no adverse impact to Singapore’s competitive industry landscape or the public interest,” a spokesperson said in an email.

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