UK's CMA Launches Investigation into Vodafone-Three Merger

The proposed merger, which would create the UK's largest mobile network, faces scrutiny over potential impact on competition and consumer prices.

UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a formal investigation into the proposed merger between Vodafone and Three, which would reduce the number of major mobile networks in the UK from four to three.
The merger, announced in June, would result in Vodafone owning 51% of the combined business and Three owning 49%, creating the UK's largest mobile network with about 27 million customers.
Vodafone and Three have pledged to invest £11 billion in the UK's 5G infrastructure over the next decade, claiming the merger will enhance competition and speed up the rollout of 5G.
However, the Unite union has warned that the merger could lead to increased prices for consumers, with estimates suggesting bills could rise by as much as £300 per year.
The CMA's initial probe will take 40 days, during which it will assess whether the merger could lead to a 'substantial lessening of competition.' If this is found, a more in-depth investigation may be launched.