Vodafone: Office for Competition decision in line with expectations

Vodafone Malta notes the press release issued by the Office for Competition.

It was expected that such a transaction would require a more in-depth analysis and move to a Phase 2 investigation. Vodafone Malta will continue to assist and cooperate fully with the Office for Competition in this important process.

Vodafone Malta believes that the merger will produce an entity with the necessary scale to be able to compete with GO much more effectively than the two entities can on their own. A merger is the only means by which this can be achieved.

If the merger is approved, Melita’s mobile customers will very quickly experience the much superior Vodafone mobile network. Vodafone customers on the other hand will be able to access Melita’s internet and television bundles, and will be able to use Melita’s extensive public WIFI network.

There is a very real demand for convergence from both companies and consumers in Malta and the combined company will have a strong quad play bundle (mobile, fixed internet, fixed telephony and TV service) that will rival GO’s.

The combined entity will also be much better placed to bring about continued improvements in technology in fixed line internet and in mobile, more quickly than either of the two entities could achieve on their own.