According to Bloomberg report (opens in a new tab)Vodafone UK and Three UK are negotiating to complete their merger, creating the UK’s largest mobile operator.
Bloomberg reported that Vodafone and Three are expected to announce their merger in March 2023. They are said to be actively discussing ways to resolve antitrust issues.
Reports indicate that both telecommunications operators are also considering how Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison could exit the joint venture.
In October 2022, Vodafone Group revealed (opens in a new tab) its intentions to merge Three and Vodafone UK.
Deployment of 5G
Vodafone further revealed that a potential deal between the two companies could see their UK operations combined, with Vodafone owning 51% and CK Hutchison owning 49%. The company drew attention to the need to conclude an agreement to launch a new telecommunications company, taking into account the high costs associated with the construction and maintenance of the 5G network infrastructure.
Vodafone UK stated: “By bringing our businesses together, Vodafone UK and Three UK will gain the necessary scale to be able to accelerate the UK’s full 5G deployment and expand broadband to rural communities and small businesses.”
Vodafone said the combined company would “challenge the two already consolidated players for all UK customers and benefit from competitively priced access to a third reliable, high quality and secure 5G network across the UK.”
The Competition and Markets Authority will conduct an in-depth investigation into this transaction before it is allowed to proceed.
In August 2019, Three unveiled 5G services in parts of London, providing high-speed 5G broadband. According to the operator, its 5G coverage now covers more than 400 locations across the country.
On July 19, 2019, Vodafone officially launched 5G services in parts of Birmingham and Bristol, Cardiff and Liverpool, as well as London, Manchester, Sheffield and Glasgow.
Vodafone announced (opens in a new tab) in January that it was the first mobile operator in the UK to launch a standalone 5G network (5G SA).
In addition, the operator announced that selected customers in London, Manchester and Liverpool with Oppo Find X3/X5Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21/S22 phones on the Unlimited Max plan can participate in the trial version of 5G Sa.
Vodafone also revealed that it will test the network controls. This technology allows the network to direct devices to the appropriate connectivity (4G or 5G Non-Standalone), depending on the service used.
Other major UK mobile operators include BT’s EE and Virgin Media O2.
By: RCRWwireless (opens in a new tab)