Vodafone NZ in talks to buy TelstraClear

Telstra has confirmed it is discussing the possibility of offloading its New Zealand subsidiary TelstraClear to Vodafone.

The telco said in a statement to the stock exchange that it "was approached by, and is in discussions with, Vodafone New Zealand to explore the potential sale" of TelstraClear.

"Discussions are continuing and there is no certainty as to whether an agreement will be reached," the telco said [pdf].

New Zealand-based internet service provider Voyager Internet appeared to let the cat out of the bag on Twitter this morning.

"Hearing rumours @Vodafonenz has bought @TelstraClearNZ to get TCs [sic] stock of 4G spectrum & consolidate the market. Big telco shakeup if true!" the company posted.

News of the takeover talks came only a week after analyst firm Ovum speculated an imminent takeover in the other direction – TelstraClear snapping up a mobile operator.

TelstraClear operates a cable network and wholesales Vodafone's mobile service to approximately 50,000 customers.