The Australian Defence department says it has signed a deed of agreement with SingTel and Cable and Wireless Optus to resolve security concerns ahead of a proposed AU$14 billion merger.
The department said the contract would protect its investments in relation to SingTel's bid for C&W Optus.
"Defence has obtained contractually binding conditions on Optus and SingTel to protect defence communications and to protect defence investment in telecommunications infrastructure in relation to any SingTel takeover of Optus," the department said in a statement.
Analysts expect the Australian government to approve SingTel's bid for C&W Optus, with the defence department concerns about its military satellite joint venture with Optus seen as the last major hurdle.
