Telstra Corporation Limited (ASX:TLS) Chief Executive Officer Andy Penn has described Digicel Pacific Ltd. as an attractive asset and said talks on potentially acquiring the Denis O'Brien-owned telecoms business were continuing, according to reports in the Australian media. "Digicel is a very attractive and successful business in the Pacific region and we are having those discussions with government at the moment," the Australian Financial Review reported him as telling ABC Radio. "We would only do it if we believed it was in the best interests of our shareholders." China Mobile Limited (SEHK:941) and ZTE Corporation (SZSE:000063) are also reportedly interested in buying Digicel Pacific, which has 3G and 4G mobile phone networks and access to undersea cables.

Australian media has previously reported that senior figures in the Australian government are concerned about China's interest in communications infrastructure in the region. Penn said the government had its "own interests" in Digicel.