South Africa’s Competition Tribunal has rejected Vodacom Group Ltd.’s plan to acquire a stake in Remgro Ltd.’s fiber businesses, which were valued at 13.2 billion rand ($745 million).

The decision was made based on concerns raised by the Competition Commission about the potential impact of the deal on market competition. This intervention by the antitrust body highlights the ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the telecommunications sector, as authorities strive to maintain a competitive environment.

This ruling is a significant setback for Vodacom, as it had been aiming to expand its presence in the fiber market.