British regulators approve $19 billion Vodafone-Three mobile merger Published Thu, Dec 5 20242:12 AM ESTUpdated 2 Hours Ago thumbnail Arjun Kharpal @ArjunKharpal WATCH LIVE Key Pointsplans for three years, as well as offer pre-set prices and contract terms for wholesale services for MVNOs. These conditions will be overseen by the CMA and the communications regulator Ofcom. “Having carefully considered the evidence, as well as the extensive feedback we have received, we believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed – but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures,” Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry group leading the investigation at the CMA said in a press release. Paolo Pescatore, founder of PP Foresight, said it will take a while before the benefits of the deal are seen. “A decision may have been made today but it’s still a waiting game. The bottom line is it will take many years before the full merits of the deal are realised, and there’s a lot of tough decisions to come,” Pescatore said.