The telecoms regulator has dropped its long-held belief that a merger between any of the UK’s big four mobile operators should be blocked at all costs, reigniting fears that less competition could lead to higher-priced phones and bills for consumers and businesses.
Under the former chief executive Sharon White, Ofcom was an outspoken opponent of Three UK’s attempted £10.25bn takeover of O2, which was blocked by competition regulators six years ago. Ofcom said on Tuesday it had now “clarified its position on mobile consolidation”.
