CMA launches Vodafone-Three merger investigation

The UK's competition regulator has opened an in-depth investigation into Vodafone's proposed merger with rival mobile network Three over concerns the deal could lead to higher bills for consumers.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it will assess whether combining two of the country's biggest telecom providers will negatively impact competition and choice in the market.

Concerns about the merger have been raised by Unite the Union. The union estimates that...

26 January 2024 | 5G

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

Vodafone UK and Three to announce merger ‘Friday or early next week’

Vodafone and Three-owner CK Hutchison are expected to announce the merger of their British operations “as soon as Friday or early next week”.

The report comes via Reuters which cited three sources familiar with the plans. According to the sources, the long-anticipated merger is now in its final stages.

According to insiders, the structure of the deal will adhere to Vodafone's previous announcement in October. Under the arrangement, Vodafone would own 51 percent of...

7 June 2023 | 5G

Brits are unaware that 3G switch-offs begin next month

Research from Uswitch has found that most Brits are unaware that 3G networks will begin to be switched off from next month.

Just over half (51%) of surveyed Brits were unaware of the impending switch-off. Over 55s were the most unaware (61%) of the switch-off. In the 18-34 age range, that dropped to just 40 percent.

Ernest Doku, Mobiles Expert at Uswitch, says:

“It is clear that millions of mobile phone users aren’t aware that 3G is being phased out, or...

25 January 2023 | Networks

First operator goes live on ‘pioneering’ mobile infrastructure

The first operator has gone live on “pioneering” mobile infrastructure that will host multiple telcos.

EE has joined a connectivity pilot led by Freshwave that will deliver enhanced 4G and 5G coverage to users along Queen Victoria Street in London.

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said:

“High capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for consumers and businesses today, with demand for data and low-latency networks...

20 December 2022 | 5G

Vodafone confirms merger talks with Three UK

Vodafone has confirmed that it’s in talks with Three to merge their UK operations.

Following recent speculation, Vodafone confirmed today that it’s in discussions with Three-owner CK Hutchison Holdings Limited to combine the companies.

The proposed transaction would result in Vodafone owning 51 percent of the combined business while CK Hutchison would own the remaining 49 percent.

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch, comments: “Two of the UK mobile...

3 October 2022 | Networks

RootMetrics names EE the best UK network for ninth year

Mobile network performance measurement firm RootMetrics has named EE the UK’s leader for the ninth year running.

Overall, EE came out on top for all UK-wide RootScore categories ('Reliability', 'Accessibility', 'Speed', 'Data', 'Call', and 'Text').

Marc Allera, CEO of the consumer division at EE-owner BT, said:

“We are proud to be named the UK's best network for the ninth year running. Reliability is of huge importance to our customers, and we pride...

27 July 2022 | 5G

RootMetrics: EE maintains UK mobile network performance lead

The latest UK Mobile Performance Review from RootMetrics finds that EE remains the operator to beat.

EE earned the top spot across all seven of RootMetrics’ performance categories: Overall Performance, Reliability, Accessibility, Speed, Data, Call, and Text. The operator took home 109 of 112 RootScore Awards in major metropolitan areas.

Patrick Linder, Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications at RootMetrics, said:

“As the UK’s hunger for data...

19 January 2022 | 5G

Three and EE to provide Tube-wide connectivity

Three and EE have agreed a deal to join the BAI Communications (BAI) network that will provide 4G (and later 5G) connectivity across the London Tube.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I’m delighted to see Three and EE sign up as the first operators to provide full high-speed 4G access across the tube network. This will make a huge difference to passengers, allowing them to make calls, read emails and check travel information while on the move.

“Investing in...

21 December 2021 | Networks

RootMetrics: EE is the sole UK operator with 5G availability above 55% in any city

Independent tests from RootMetrics find that EE is the sole UK operator with 5G availability above 55 percent in any city.

In fact, the UK’s largest operator by mobile subscribers can boast everyday 5G availability above 55 percent in four major cities: Birmingham (64.6%), Nottingham (63.9%), Manchester (59.4%), Leicester (57.8%), and Cardiff (55.8%).

Compared to last year, EE managed to improve its 5G availability in 13 cities. Furthermore, the operator has the...

5 August 2021 | Networks