je.st
news
BT takeover of EE gets phase 1 competition approval
2015-06-10 09:44:00| Telecompaper Headlines
(Telecompaper) The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has referred BT's anticipated acquisition of EE for an in-depth phase 2 investigation. BT submitted a request for a fast track reference to a phase 2 investigation on 15 May. The CMA started its phase 1 investigation on 18 May and issued an 'invitation to comment', seeking views on this request. The CMA believes the transaction meets the test for reference, in that it gives rise to a realistic prospect of a substantial lessening of competition in relation to the supply of wholesale access and call origination services to MVNOs and fibre mobile backhaul services to mobile network operators in the UK. Significant competition concerns were raised during the consultation regarding the impact of the merger on other markets, including the retail mobile market in the UK; these will be considered in phase 2. Third parties will be able to present their views on the merger, which will be overseen by a group of independent panel members.
Tags: phase
approval
competition
takeover
Category:Telecommunications