The big Vodafone and Three merger is now close to happening – here’s what that means for you

• UK regulator says the Vodafone and Three merger could now go ahead
• Both companies need to agree to price promises and 5G investment
• Last-minute objections could still theoretically scupper the merger

The long-mooted merger between Vodafone and Three, which would create the UK’s biggest mobile phone operator, is close to getting the green light after supportive comments from the country’s watchdog. But what exactly would that mean for mobile network consumers in the UK?

Ever since the £15bn merger was announced back in June 2023, opinions have been divided on what might happen – and whether or not it’ll ultimately be a good deal for customers.

On the downside, evidence given to the Business and Trade Committee last year suggested that the typical result of these mergers is ultimately higher bills for consumers.

But in defending the deal, Vodafone’s Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle slammed those findings and pointed to the merger’s promise of much-needed investment in the UK’s infrastructure.

Today’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) statement says that Vodafone and Three would need to agree to “certain existing mobile tariffs and data plans for at least three years” plus network upgrades. So what happens next? Here’s what experts are predicting.

What’s the latest Vodafone and Three merger news?

Since announcing plans for a huge merger in June 2023, Vodafone and Three have been at loggerheads with the UK’s watchdog about whether or not the deal should go through.

But today there’s been a breakthrough that suggest the merger will now likely happen. The Competition and Markets Authority has now “provisionally” declared that…