Vodafone vows to keep mobile deals under £10 amid Three UK merger

In the UK, Vodafone and Three UK have announced a commitment to cap their lowest-cost mobile plans at £10 for two years as part of a £15 billion merger deal. This decision comes after concerns raised by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding potential price increases and reduced competition resulting from the merger, which would combine two of the four major mobile network operators in the country. Vodafone would own 51% of the new entity, while CK Hutchison, the parent company of Three UK, would hold 49%. The merger aims to enhance competition and customer benefits, according to Vodafone's CEO. To address regulatory concerns, the companies have pledged to invest £11 billion in upgrading 5G infrastructure and to maintain affordable tariffs for value-focused customers on SMARTY and Voxi plans. The CMA's final decision on the merger is expected on December 7, 2023, amid ongoing scrutiny of the investment commitments made by the companies. The merger's approval could reshape the mobile network landscape in the UK, potentially impacting pricing and service quality for consumers.