Vodafone & Three merger to go ahead

News from Thinkbroadband:
https://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/10440-cma-says-v...

VF & Three's press release
https://vodafoneandthree.uk/news/cma-approves-merger

Not a happy bunny over this ....... as it will lead to less choice network wise. Mvnos will still continue to be there but voxi and smarty may now merge!

I think idnet is safe

I think you meant ID Mobile.

In reply to a post by Taras:

Not a happy bunny over this ....... as it will lead to less choice network wise. Mvnos will still continue to be there but voxi and smarty may now merge!

I think idnet is safe

Given the commitments need to be signed, nothing will start until mid 2025 I read... and the commitments require the merged entity to keep discounted plans... they COULD (and might have to) keep both SMARTY and VOXI as separate brands, owned by the merged entity. I think we will see the Three name and brand disappear, this will be the "new Vodafone".

In reply to a post by Realalemadrid:

I think you meant ID Mobile.

whom are owned by Currys plc so they will have a contract with "Hutchison 3G UK Ltd" and that will have to be novated over to the new merged entity in due course.

yes - brain fart mode 🙈

In reply to a post by jchamier:

In reply to a post by Realalemadrid:

I think you meant ID Mobile.

whom are owned by Currys plc so they will have a contract with "Hutchison 3G UK Ltd" and that will have to be novated over to the new merged entity in due course.

Given the requirement to invest in 5G infrastructure surely the new company would be called 'Five'.

This can go one of two ways in my view. Either...

EE finally feel the pressure as they lose their USP of being the 'best network'

or

The the remaining three networks operate a cartel and we all pay more for less

Edited by Eeeps (Sat 07-Dec-24 19:22:20)

Or both.

That is my worry along with mass layoffs.. I look at voda, and nothings really changed with them over 20 years - its like a stagnant woolworths. Do i think we will benifit from this. Again no, very rarely does mergers of this kind do.

And I'm on Three for both mobile and "Home Broadband" . Though I have brsk 500/500 on order to replace the Home Broadband. I was thinking if keeping the Three as a fallback option.

The brsk was scheduled for this estate to go live 30 November. As far as I know it's all wired up from the poles but not yet to the backhaul/spine a mile away. On the other had I see a nearby street that I expect will get it has an "any objections" lamppost notice about a new (not replacement) telegraph pole for them. That might be the holdup as it's new and undated .

I'll go for a walk around that area to see if there are any more.