Telstra calls time out on Adam buyout review

Addressing regulatory concerns.

Telecommunications giant Telstra has called time out on the ACCC’s review of its $60 million acquisition of South Australian ISP Adam Internet.

A spokesman for the telco told iTnews that the parties needed "more time" to consider potential issues with the buyout that had been raised by the competition watchdog.

Concerns include that Telstra may offer Adam Internet favourable wholesale pricing in the South Australian market.

"The ACCC's preliminary view is that post acquisition, Telstra would have the ability and incentive to utilise its market power to favour Adam over its wholesale customers in the provision of access to its network infrastructure," the watchdog had warned.

The compeitition watchdog had called for submissions on the proposed buy, and was due to make a final ruling by February 7.

Insiders to the deal said it is still looking positive, but more time is needed to work through the issues.

“We will continue to engage with the ACCC and we’re confident we can work through any concerns in a timely manner," Telstra's spokesman said.