Uswitch comments on provisional approval of O2 and Virgin Media merger

Ernest Doku, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, comments:

“The merger between one of the UK’s biggest mobile firms and a broadband giant has cleared another major hurdle after the competition watchdog gave its provisional go-ahead.

“The watchdog’s investigation found that the merger was unlikely to reduce competition or force up prices, and the ruling clears the way for the combined company to take on the might of BT. 

“Assuming there are no unforeseen bumps on the road ahead, the deal could be completed by the summer.

“The merger is likely to stir up the industry, with Vodafone previously showing interest in Virgin Media and Three attempting to snap up O2 five years ago.

“Both the O2 and Virgin Media brands are likely to remain in the short term, but we will have to see what this means for existing products and services like O2 Priorities.

“There’s the potential for the combined firms to make millions of pounds of annual savings, and for consumers this tie-up could mean a greater choice of entertainment and faster speeds.

“However, it’s vital that the combined brands maintain the high standards of service that customers have come to expect.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Rory Stoves

Phone: 020 3872 5613

Email: rory.stoves@uswitch.com

Twitter: @UswitchPR

About Uswitch 

Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles. 

More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.

Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings. 

Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.