Although the deal marks the exit of Telstra from the country, it is speculated that the divestiture could trigger a move by the Australian-based giant to make a bid for Telecom NZ – a deal which would almost certainly be blocked if Telstra still owned TelstraClear. "Telecom would have a very, very difficult time moving forward with a strengthened Vodafone. That may further build the case for an integration of Telecom NZ and Telstra," Australia-based telecoms consultant Paul Budde told Reuters.