In a landmark deal, Vodafone and Three have officially merged following approval from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), marking a significant shift in the country’s mobile industry.
The GBP 11 billion merger is poised to create a dominant force in UK telecoms, with the companies committing to build one of Europe’s most advanced 5G networks.
Recent: Vodafone and Three Offer Pricing Concessions to Secure UK Merger
Significant Investment in 5G Network to Revolutionize UK Connectivity
The new network will cover 99% of the UK population, equipping over 50 million customers with improved network quality, excellent reliability, and increased capacity to handle growing data demands. With the rapid adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the new infrastructure is expected to accelerate the shift towards faster, more robust mobile services.
Notably, the GBP 11 billion investment plan will not require any public funding, a key point underscored by the CMA, which stated that the merger would boost long-term competition in the market, benefiting millions of consumers and businesses alike.
Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone Group, said, “Today’s decision creates a new force in the UK’s telecoms market and unlocks the investment needed to build the network infrastructure the country deserves. Consumers and businesses will enjoy wider coverage, faster speeds, and better-quality connections across the UK.”
Read More: The State of Full-Fiber, Superfast, Satellite Broadband in the UK
Strengthened Competition to Benefit Consumers and Businesses
Canning Fok, Deputy Chairman of CK Hutchison, which owns Three, also expressed confidence in the deal, adding that, “CK Hutchison will fully support the combined business in implementing its network investment plan, ensuring customers across the country enjoy world-class network quality.”
The merger is seen as a strategic move to enhance competition in retail and wholesale markets, positioning the new entity as a stronger player in the UK telecoms sector and accelerating the rollout of next-generation mobile services. With a focus on creating the UK’s largest and most advanced network, Vodafone and Three aim to push the country to the forefront of European telecommunications.
