CMA raises concerns about proposed Vodafone-Three merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed concerns over the proposed merger between Vodafone and Three, two of the UK's four major mobile network operators.

The regulator launched its initial Phase 1 investigation in January after the two companies announced a joint venture agreement last year that would combine their 27 million customers under a single network provider.

The CMA's 40-day Phase 1 review aimed to identify whether the deal could lead to a...

22 March 2024 | 5G

Comcast agrees to stop misleading ’10G’ marketing

Comcast has agreed to discontinue its "Xfinity 10G Network" brand name following a ruling that deemed the term misleading. The decision, handed down by the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), comes after challenges from industry rivals.

Verizon and T-Mobile both challenged Comcast's advertising of "10G," a term cable companies have used since 2019 to refer to potential 10Gbps connections. Those speeds are much faster than what Comcast's standard cable networks can currently...

1 February 2024 | Broadband

Ofcom plans to improve mid-contract price rise transparency

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has announced plans to improve transparency around mid-contract prices.

The regulatory body has expressed concerns about the prevalent practice of mid-contract price rises – often linked to unpredictable inflation – adopted by major phone, broadband, and pay TV companies. In response, Ofcom is suggesting tougher protections for consumers by considering a ban on this practice.

Confusing price rise terms

Ofcom argues that unclear terms...

12 December 2023 | 5G

FCC to investigate AI’s impact on nuisance calls and texts

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel unveiled plans today to launch a comprehensive inquiry into the impact of AI on the proliferation of illegal and unwanted robocalls and texts.

Speaking at an event in collaboration with AARP, Rosenworcel announced her intention to present a proposed inquiry to her colleagues.

If approved at the Commission’s public open meeting on November 15, 2023, the inquiry would mark a pivotal moment in...

24 October 2023 | Legislation & Government

FCC opens 6 GHz band for low-power AR/VR devices

The FCC will allow low-power wearable technology, including AR and VR devices, to access the 6 GHz frequency band without the need for a license. This decision comes amidst a surge in mixed reality devices flooding the market.

The FCC's announcement enables low-power devices to use the 6 GHz band, offering faster speeds, enhanced bandwidth, and lower latency. According to the FCC, this decision will stimulate economic growth and enrich consumer experiences.

Leading tech...

20 October 2023 | Legislation & Government

CMA invites opinions on Vodafone and Three merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened the floor to public opinions regarding the potential merger of mobile giants Vodafone and Three. This move marks the first step in what could potentially be a significant shift in the UK’s mobile telecoms landscape.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

“We will be carefully considering how this deal may affect competition in the UK, which could affect the options and prices available to customers. We...

11 October 2023 | Legislation & Government

Ericsson shareholders sue for millions over withheld report

A group of shareholders is taking legal action against Ericsson over its alleged failure to disclose vital information with regard to an internal investigation into its business practices in Iraq.

The shareholders are seeking damages of $175-$300 million over claims the failure resulted in significant financial losses for the shareholders. As of 4th August 2023, 37 claimants have filed their case against Ericsson and more are expected to follow.

The controversy began in...

7 August 2023 | 5G

Brits hit with above-inflation price increases for unreliable broadband

Consumer champion Which? has found that Brits are being hit with above-inflation price increases for their broadband while suffering from unreliable services.

According to the research – which gathered responses from nearly 4,000 broadband customers – 53 percent of respondents had experienced issues such as slow speeds, connection dropouts, outages, and router problems.

The problems were widespread across all broadband providers, with only marginal differences...

5 July 2023 | Broadband

Ofcom launches BT investigation after emergency calls disruption

Ofcom has launched an investigation into BT following a national issue that disrupted national emergency services calls on June 25th.

On that day, individuals across the country were unable to connect with emergency services by dialling 999, as advised by the police, fire, and ambulance departments. Instead, they were instructed to call alternative numbers such as the non-emergency 101 line.

According to Ofcom's regulations, BT and other service providers are obligated...

28 June 2023 | Networks

Vodafone and Three announce UK merger

Vodafone and Three-owner CK Hutchison have officially announced the merger of their UK operations, a move that is set to create the largest operator in the country.

After several months of speculation and discussions, Vodafone and CK Hutchison made the long-awaited announcement on Wednesday, unveiling the details of the merger. The merger aims to enhance competition and stimulate investment with a commitment of $14 billion in the UK.

According to the agreement, Vodafone...

14 June 2023 | 5G