OFT requests review of Orange T-Mobile joint venture

The OFT yesterday made a request to the European Commission (EC) to refer the UK aspects of the proposed joint venture between Orange UK and T-Mobile UK to the OFT.

The OFT's initial view, following consultation, is that the joint venture threatens significantly to affect competition in mobile telecommunications in the UK.

If the request is granted, the OFT intends to examine the proposed joint venture with a view to deciding whether it should be referred to the Competition Commission for an in-depth investigation.