Hutchison confirms Telstra 3G discussions

Hutchison told the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) today it was reconfirming earlier public statements that it was negotiating with other telecommunications players "for the rational deployment and utilisation of WCDMA infrastructure".

The release of the statement followed a report that Telstra would look to save at least AU$300 million by sharing Hutchison's AU$1 billion-plus network in a deal that may be struck before a wireless briefing by Telstra technology head Ted Pretty presently scheduled for Thursday next week.

A statement by Hutchison in April said discussions with Telstra had "included the possible merger of Telstra's and Hutchison's CDMA businesses, as well as network sharing and wholesale arrangements on Hutchison's WCDMA 3G network."