T-Mobile/Orange merger good news for 3

[Glenn]

The OFT wanted to investigate on the basis that the merged entity would own an unfair proportion of radio spectrum, and that once it had merged with Orange T-Mobile would have little incentive to maintain its network sharing agreement with 3UK. Now the companies involved have undertaken to address those issues, prompting the OFT to back out  and the EU to approve the merger.

Specifically, T-Orange will be handing over 30MHz of the 120MHz the combined company holds at 1800MHz, and has signed a deal with 3UK which binds the new entity into maintaining the shared network.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/01/t_orange_approved/

[talos]

If all the networks would agree to share space on the masts, surely it would be better all round

[Rik]

It would, but I don't think it will ever happen.

[Simon]

What's the new company going to be called?  Orange Tea? 

[Rik]

 

[Glenn]

I believe 3 and T-Mobile are sharing masts, as part of their 3G coverage consolidation.

[Niall]

I believe 3 and T-Mobile are sharing masts, as part of their 3G coverage consolidation.

I was under the impression that they shared networks with Orange.

[Glenn]

3 do pier with Orange, but they are in partnership with T-Mobile to expand both companies coverage. Check http://www.mbnl.co.uk Niall. The date for their upgraded network to be complete is 10/10/10

[Glenn]

Are Vodafone/3 next? http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/05/vodafone_3_uk_deal/

[Dangerjunkie]

If so I hope it won't mean the end of the great 3 PAYG mobile broadband deal (£10 for 1GB, £15 for 3GB, £25 for 7GB) in favour of the Vodafone £15 per GB one.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Rik]

If they do, one of my dongles is going to be redundant.

[zappaDPJ]

 

[Simon]

[Rik]

It'll make the sporran lopsided.