MOBILE RIVALS DIAL UP DISPUTE
Mobile operator Three has accused watchdogs of handing big rival BT the freedom to hike prices. Ofcom yesterday announced a proposal to cap the amount of spectrum – airwaves used to carry calls and data – any provider can own at 37% in 2020.
But Three wanted the cap at 30% and is threatening legal action that could derail a planned sell-off of new spectrum - including superfast 5G services - later this year.
Three boss Dave Dyson called it a “kick in the teeth” for users. He said: “Ofcom is damaging competition, restricting choice and pushing prices up for the very consumers that it is meant to protect.”
Marc Allera, boss of EE, which is owned by BT and runs ads featuring Hollywood star Kevin Bacon, said: “Our focus remains on investing in our network.”