Uswitch comments on the CMA's approval of the O2 and Virgin Media merger

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, comments:

“Now we can look forward to the prospect of a new telecoms titan in town, setting up a heavyweight battle with the all-powerful BT.

“There is an Avengers-style showdown looming, with BT and EE lining up against the combined strengths of O2 and Virgin.  

“With the green light from the CMA, the merger between O2 and Virgin Media could be completed by the summer.

“The watchdog was reassured that the tie-up wouldn’t result in higher costs for consumers or reduce competition in the marketplace.

“Both the O2 and Virgin Media brands are likely to remain in the short term, but we will have to see what this means for existing products and services like O2 Priorities.

“Bosses previously promised the deal would bring £10 billion investment in the UK over the next five years, but there’s potential for the combined firms to make millions of pounds of annual savings.

“For consumers this tie-up could mean a greater choice of entertainment and faster broadband speeds.

“However, it’s vital that the combined brands maintain the high standards of value and service that customers have come to expect.”