Proposed Takeover of O2 by Three UK blocked by EU.

terafarma

The proposed merger between Three UK and O2 has been blocked by the EU. It follows the same concerns expressed by the UK regulatory body with regards to the deal and merger.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36267740

[Deleted User]

Good.

ChiefGrasscutter

Bad.
The UK desperately needs investment in the mobile infrastructure.
Having fewer firms means LESS competition and therefore MORE money to invest.

This obsession with low low prices and 'competition' amongst 3 or 4 suppliers as some mantra which will mysteriously drive improvement is bizarre.
Nope - it will just stall investment with each firm competing for each others' customers by cutting prices even further leading to an even worse service in the future.

[Deleted User]

Having less operators and more profit doesn't mean more investment. Just means more profit for offshore investors.

woody2234

From the BBC website

"Now, the longer term, pan-European perspective. There is a mounting anxiety in the telecoms industry that Europe has lost its way over the last decade."

"In the GSM era, a mobile standard framed on the continent made European companies, notably Nokia, the global leaders. But first in 3G, and more so in 4G, both the United States and now China have been faster in rolling out the new networks, and Europe has lost its lead."

Well I like Three because its good value for money but Vodafone has better coverage

d123

Deleted_User wrote: »

Having less operators and more profit doesn't mean more investment. Just means more profit for offshore investors.

Agreed, it was a good decision, backed up by all the UK authorities.

Ian011

A single physical network would mean Ofcom could specify and enforce full coverage. With multiple networks, each one just covers areas with high population and ignores more rural areas. Competition isn't working for consumers.

mobilejunkie

And you would prefer to rely on a so-called government regulator to look after your interests? Good luck with that...

System

The coverage in Scotland is appalling and mostly 2G.

A properly invested network along multiple, competitive MVNOs is the way to go - that's what 3 were offering.

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

Bad.
The UK desperately needs investment in the mobile infrastructure. Having fewer firms means LESS competition and therefore MORE money to invest.

This obsession with low low prices and 'competition' amongst 3 or 4 suppliers as some mantra which will mysteriously drive improvement is bizarre.
Nope - it will just stall investment with each firm competing for each others' customers by cutting prices even further leading to an even worse service in the future.

Browntoa

now and official thread on the same subject




https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5461615