It has been reported that UK mobile networks Vodafone and Three have agreed to merge, subject to the approval of the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority). The merger would propel Vodafone and Three from the third and fourth largest UK market share respectively, to the biggest combined mobile company.
Whilst there are concerns about the impact a reduced choice to customers may have on pricing and service, Karen Egan, head of mobile at research firm Enders Analysis, has suggested this has not been the case in other countries where similar deals have taken place.
Mobile Product Manager at SCG, Matt Richardson, commented, "Vodafone and Three would become a real force in the market. For me it's great news for the UK infrastructure, better competition will mean all three main networks will need to up their standard. Vodafone and Three will look to reach more than 99% of the UK population on their own standalone 5G network which will be an impressive feat."
Time will tell if the merger goes through. EU regulators blocked a similar deal back in 2016 between Three and O2 and it is predicted that the process could take up to 18 months even if it is successful.
Whatever your preferred mobile network, SCG can help you with a bespoke mobile setup based on your unique business requirements - you can even mix and match networks on the same account, proactively managed by a single Account Manager on one simple invoice. Contact us on 0800 470 0007 or sales@scgtogether.com to find out more.
A deal to create the UK's biggest mobile phone operator has been struck by Vodafone and the owner of Three UK. The firms plan to merge their UK-based operations, giving them around 27 million customers and making it the biggest mobile network in the UK. The deal is yet to be approved by regulators, which will look at whether it will push up customer prices.
