Three Mobile has issued an update to customers regarding their contracts after a merger with Vodafone has been given the green light.
The £15 billion merger will create the UK’s largest mobile operator with some 27 million customers and is expected to complete during the first half of next year.
In a message to customers, Three said that there will be no changes to customer contracts or the way they contact the company.
The company added that it will continue to operate as a separate business until the merger is fully completed.
Three said: “We’re excited to share some important news about the future of Three. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the merger of Three UK and Vodafone UK, subject to certain conditions.
“There’s still some time before we become one company, and we will continue to operate as separate businesses until the merger process is legally completed. We anticipate legal completion will take place in the first half of 2025.
“We continue to operate as we do today, therefore there are no changes to your terms and conditions or the way you contact us.
“Once the transaction completes, we will be building one of Europe’s leading 5G networks. This means faster speeds, wider coverage, and more reliable connections.”
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gave the green light for the merger, saying it can go ahead if both companies agree to invest billions to roll out a combined 5G network across the UK.
The companies have also been told to offer shorter-term customer protections which would require the merged company to cap certain mobile tariffs for three years.
The CMA said the deal 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”.
Vodafone will own 51% of the equity after three years and will have the option to buy the rest of the merged company.
Vodafone chief Margherita Della Valle said the decision “creates a new force in the UK’s telecoms market and unlocks the investment needed to build the network infrastructure the country deserves”.
She added: “Consumers and businesses will enjoy wider coverage, faster speeds and better-quality connections across the UK, as we build the biggest and best network in our home market.”
