United Kingdom: Opened consultation on CMA remedies working paper following Phase 2 investigation into merger between Vodafone and CK Hutchinson

On 5 November 2024, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued its remedies working paper after its Phase 2 investigation into the proposed merger between Vodafone and Hutchison 3G UK. The CMA opened a consultation on the remedies until 12 November 2024 and will issue a final report by 7 December 2024. The remedies aim to address a "substantial lessening of competition" identified in the UK’s retail and wholesale mobile telecommunications markets. The CMA found that the merger could reduce competition in services for both consumers and wholesale customers, such as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). The CMA's proposed remedies include a Network Commitment requiring the merged entity to invest significantly in network development, especially in expanding 5G technology and coverage in the UK. Additional consumer protections include time-limited commitments on retail pricing, maintaining current mobile tariffs, and offering competitive terms for MVNOs. As an alternative, the CMA considers prohibiting the merger if these measures do not sufficiently address the competition concerns.