UK Regulator Launches Phase 2 Probe into Vodafone-Three Merger

The Competition and Markets Authority cites concerns over potential price hikes and reduced competition as reasons for the in-depth investigation.

The £15bn merger between Vodafone and Three could lead to higher costs for consumers, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Vodafone and Three have five working days to propose remedies to the CMA's concerns or face a six-month phase two investigation.
The merger would create the UK's largest mobile network with 27 million customers, reducing the number of network operators from four to three.
Both companies argue the merger is necessary for competing with larger rivals and have pledged £11bn investment in their combined 5G network.
The CMA's initial review questions the merger's benefits for competition and investment, highlighting the need for an in-depth investigation.