Optus extends M2 wholesale 3G deal

Optus has extended a wholesale deal covering its 3G network with M2 Telecommunications by three-and-a-half years.

M2 was appointed as Optus' mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) in May 2006.

The arrangement means M2 effectivelty acts as a sub-wholesaler of Optus services, giving small-to-medium telcos and ISPs access to mobile voice and data services on the Optus 3G network.

"It was our MVNE appointment by Optus which sparked the formation of our M2 Wholesale business unit, which from a standing start in 2006 has grown into a core, profitable arm of the Group, with divisional revenues in excess of $130m per annum," M2 chief Vaughan Bowen said in a statement.

Optus also extended its mobile wholesaling agreement with M2 until September 2013.