The decision to approve the proposed merger between mobile broadband providers Orange and T-Mobile could have benefits for web consumers, it has been suggested.

Earlier this week, the European Commission cleared the move, after the internet service providers agreed to a number of concessions.

A major compromise will see the firms relinquish control over 15MHz of the total 60MHz held by the two firms in the 1800MHz spectrum band.

Commenting on the decision, Anna Bradley, Chair of the Communications Consumer Panel, said "there may be advantages to clearing the merger at this early stage".

"UK consumers have up to now benefited from the choice, innovation and low prices that result from a competitive mobile market and we want to see this continue," she commented.

However, Kevin Russell, Chief Executive of 3 UK, has warned that the merger raises key competition issues, given that it will reduce the number of mobile broadband providers from five to four.