Irish cableco UPC could be offered an MVNO and then spectrum to upgrade it, under remedies thought to have been proposed by Hutchison Three to clear its takeover of O2 Ireland.
The European Commission has expressed concerns over Hutchison’s €850m…
Irish cableco UPC could be offered an MVNO and then spectrum to upgrade it, under remedies thought to have been proposed by Hutchison Three to clear its takeover of O2 Ireland.
The European Commission has expressed concerns over Hutchison’s €850m deal, because it would reduce the number of mobile operators in Ireland from four to three.
To allay competition concerns, Hutchison is understood to have proposed a plan to initially offer an MVNO to a new market entrant, which will later have the opportunity to acquire a customer base of 50,000-75,000 from a merged Three/O2, as well as some of its spectrum. Network sharing and roaming deals are also thought to be on the table.
UPC, owned by cable giant Liberty Global, is a front-running candidate for the plan as it is understood to have held talks with Hutchison about setting up an Irish MVNO in the past.
Hutchison declined to comment on the details of its remedies package, while UPC could not be reached before the press deadline.
TelecomFinance reported yesterday that the EC had called on the Irish market to give their views on Hutchison’s latest remedies package. Participants in the ‘market test’ are thought to have about a week to reply to the request for comments.
Hutchison said: “Three can confirm that it has submitted remedies and that these have been sent to interested parties for market testing. We hope to reach final agreement with the commission and gain clearance for the acquisition as soon as possible.”
