These shared networks will accelerate equitable digital access for cities and communities across Australia, benefiting consumers, network operators, and businesses. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Dense Air will acquire TPG Telecom’s 2.6 GHz national spectrum and also sell Dense Air’s 3.6 GHz urban licenses to TPG Telecom. Dense Air, which recently acquired 5G millimeter wave spectrum in the ACMA auction, will use this spectrum in combination with its market-leading RAN-as-a-Service host-neutral technology to build shared wireless networks that accelerate contiguous connectivity and extend and enhance operator partners’ networks. Following the transaction, Dense Air and TPG Telecom look forward to exploring opportunities to deploy Dense Air’s RAN-as-a-Service technology solution in the Australian market. Dense Air builds, owns, and operates 4G and 5G "small cell" networks that enhance and extend the traditional "macro" networks built by telecom companies. The global firm, with operations in Australia, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, and the UK, partners with cities and operators through public-private partnerships to build citywide networks that ensure equitable wireless connectivity across shared and licensed spectrum. Deployed by Dense Air on lampposts, traffic lights, or rooftops, small cells provide cellular coverage spanning hundreds or thousands of meters, rather than the kilometers covered by macrocells, offering greater capacity and lower latency to the end user. Small cells complement macrocells by alleviating network congestion and reaching areas where service degrades, providing the building blocks for the deployment of high-speed 4G and 5G networks. The 2.6 GHz band license to be acquired from TPG Telecom, combined with the millimeter wave spectrum license for 5G that Dense Air recently acquired in an ACMA auction, provides the company with a platform to offer 4G and 5G network densification and expansion services across Australia. This agreement also opens the door to new business models and deployment partnerships. For consumers, it means faster and more efficient 5G access.

In Australia's urban centers, Dense Air will focus on in-building neutral host solutions, private 4G and 5G networks, and outdoor network densification. In suburban and rural areas, Dense Air will focus on network extension to help all communities benefit from modern needs such as borderless classrooms, distance learning, assisted living, community workplaces, and connected infrastructure.

The transaction involves TPG Telecom and Dense Air Limited entering into an agreement whereby TPG Telecom will sell its 2.6 GHz spectrum band licenses to Dense Air Networks Australia. In a separate agreement, a wholly owned subsidiary of TPG Telecom will acquire all the shares of an Australian subsidiary of Dense Air Limited, which holds 3.6 GHz spectrum licenses acquired at auction in 2018.
The agreements for the 3.6 GHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum transactions are subject to conditions precedent, including the simultaneous completion of both transactions and approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Once these conditions are met, the transactions are expected to close in September 2021.