Seismic Vodafone and Three merger could be much-needed shot in the arm for UK’s 5G network - comment from Uswitch
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “Two of the UK mobile market’s biggest players teaming up would be a huge shake-up to the industry, turning the big four into a big three.
“Joining forces should allow Vodafone and Three, currently the third and fourth-biggest mobile providers, to share infrastructure and expand their 5G coverage quicker, helping them compete with EE and O2.
“With the scale and costs involved in the rollout of 5G, a merger makes a lot of sense. Consumers have told us that they expected more from this technology than they’ve experienced to date, so any move that will expand and improve coverage is to be welcomed.
“However, it remains to be seen whether a merger would continue to offer the best deals for consumers, maintain competition and deliver on the promise of 5G.
“While the ink is far from dry, any deal would make the new business the biggest mobile provider in Britain and would attract scrutiny from both Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority.”
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.