European regulators said that Three's parent company, Hutchison, had "failed to adequately address the serious concerns raised" over the deal, which would have increased prices and harmed innovation.
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The CEO of the UK's Competition and Markets Authority says he agrees with the EC's assessment of Three's proposed takeover of O2 UK, saying it should be blocked unless concerns are properly addressed.
As regulators prepare to publish their objections to Three's proposed acquisition of O2 UK, Three's parent company has pledged to freeze prices for all customers on both networks for five years.
The head of the UK's telecoms regulator says the European Commission should block the £10.5bn deal, as it will reduce competition and "could mean higher prices for consumers and businesses".
Three says it's already the UK's "most reliable" network - but with the addition of new spectrum on its network, it promises even greater reliability, plus nationwide 4G speed boosts of up to 50%.
Several European carriers are reportedly planning to block online ads at a network level from later this year, in a move intended to convince Google to share its ad revenues with mobile operators.
Hutchison Whampoa, the parent company of the Three brand, has announced plans to sell 33 percent of the combined Three and O2 network once its buyout of O2 UK is completed.
Telefónica has agreed to sell O2 UK to Hutchison Whampoa, owner of Three - subject to regulatory approval - in a £10.25bn deal, creating a 'super-carrier' with more customers than any other in the UK.
Dixons Carphone is to become a mobile operator, offering customers the ability to change their price plans as needed, along with support for 'smart home' devices and Internet of Things connectivity.
Hutchison Whampoa, owner of Three, has confirmed that it is in exclusive talks with Telefónica to acquire O2 UK in a deal worth up to £10.25bn, which would create the UK's largest mobile carrier.
Just a few weeks after BT confirmed that it is in talks to acquire EE, the parent company of Three is said to be considering a £9bn bid to take over O2 from Spanish communications giant Telefónica.
