Mobile networks Vodafone and Three have been given the go-ahead to proceed with a merger, on the understanding that the firms sign binding commitments to invest billions in enhanced 5G infrastructure across the UK.
In 2023, the two firms announced they were set to merge in a £15bn tie-up that would reduce the number of mobile network operators from the ‘big four’ to three, with the other two being Virgin Media O2 and EE.
But the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) put a stop to the deal while it launched an 18-month investigation over concerns that it would leave consumers worse off, alongside Three’s connections with China.
But in its final decision, the group leading the investigation said it was satisfied that the merger could go ahead due to the commitments to bolstering infrastructure alongside shorter-term protections for both retail and wholesale customers.
It has agreed to deliver a joint network plan, which outlines the upgrades taking place to the combined network across the...