Three and Vodafone are merging!

[ChrisD.]

The merger has been approved: https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.p...view-clears-vodafone-and-three-uk-merger.html

No, it hasn't. It's been approved after a security review, but the CMA is still to approve it.

 

[mdaw]

If it did happen it would be very interesting to see how it would compare on overall signal to EE. I've been on Vodafone and EE networks over the last few contracts bouncing between and found EE overall to be better. Similar overall coverage but EE just faster. 3 are known to be very fast on 5g. I've found Vodafone don't seem to have much 5g where I am on the coast (south east).

 

[mitch212k]

If (IF) this was to go through, it would probably be good news for other current Voda users getting access to all the deals on three?

 

[b0rn2sk8]

Or Three jack up their prices as a combined network will be better than O2 and EE. That’s precisely why the CMA will block it.

Edit: You are in cloud cuckoo land if you think this merger will benefit consumers wallets!

 

[Cromulent]

Vodafone-Three merger could get green light, watchdog says

It wants commitments on prices and 5G if the creation of the UK's biggest mobile network is to go ahead.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[neoboy]

I'm sure pinky promises will be upheld

 

[explicit4u]

Looks like the CMA have provisionally cleared it, might make me hold off ditching 3 for EE

https://twitter.com/x/status/1864568631020945562

 

[Terminal_Boy]

Does this mean that Ericsson will be operating both halves of the new network?

 

[b0rn2sk8]

Looks like I called this one wrong.

I still can’t think how reducing the number of networks from 4 to 3 ‘boosts competition’, seems like the opposite to me.

I can only think that them merging taking the number of available networks from 4 to 3 ‘boosts competition’ is because somehow they managed to convince the regulator that both networks are not sustainable in their current form and can’t compete in the long term with O2 and EE.

 

[neoboy]

Money talks in the end, not sure how reducing number of competitors boosts competition.

Sounds like there are some conditions like price caps for 3 years and cap on wholesale prices to MVNOs. Surely though this eases competitive pressure in the market, which I don't think is going to help seeing how UK already has some of the worst connectivity and mobile data infrastructure in the developed world.

 

[dlockers]

Looks like I called this one wrong.

I still can’t think how reducing the number of networks from 4 to 3 ‘boosts competition’, seems like the opposite to me.

I can only think that them merging taking the number of available networks from 4 to 3 ‘boosts competition’ is because somehow they managed to convince the regulator that both networks are not sustainable in their current form and can’t compete in the long term with O2 and EE.

More confusingly the network was already co-owned by EE and 3

MBNL - Mobile Broadband Network Limited

MBNL, award winning network joint venture between EE and Three.

mbnl.co.uk

 

[bingham67]

Does Vodaphone do any good bolt on? I wonder if that with be coming to Three bolt ons if so.

Any TV related ones specifically?

 

[roachyuk]

Opposite for me, my EE work phone never gets signal not even at HO.

My personal Vodafone gets great signal where ever I have been.

The same for me, daughter uses three no end of problems vodafone/talkmobile has been great for over 14 years or more.

 

[neoboy]

Think Vodafone must be getting ready for merger already, signal at work became quite bad over last month

 

[majestyk]

I hope this doesn't affect Lebara, and their bargain deals.