#Lyca UK

[blackmarket-playlists]

Lost shoegaze - forgotten bands, great songs - PART 13:

• Artist: When The Sun Hits (Nottingham, UK)

• Release: Immersed Within Your Eyes (2017)

• Strangely enough, the brilliant title track is not on this anthemic six song EP, released by Saint Marie Records (Texas), apparently only on a Static Waves compilation.

--

• Artist: Drowner (Houston, Texas)

• Release: Drowner (2012), You’re Beautiful, I’## Forgive You

• Also here: Two of their best songs are only on the Stativ Waves compilations, but ’Stay With Me’ (2013) is also a banger. A Saint Marie Records band, too.

--

• Artist: Jetmann Jet Team (Seattle, Washington)

• Releases: Three albums on Spotify (2013/ 2014), ‚We Will Live the Space Age‘ is the debut

• Info: Formed in 2011, pych-gaze, another Saint Marie Records band

--

• Artist: Les autres (Rennes, France)

• They released two 7", a split 7" and an album, compilation ‚Backward‘ on Spotify by Jigsaw Records.

• Info: noisy-pop and shoegaze band from 1991 to 1995.

--

• Artist: Windermere (Copenhagen, Denmark)

• Releases: The World Is Here (2004), No One Wins (2006)

• An epic song

• Artist: Lyca Sleep (South Yorkshire, UK)

• Release: Closer In (ep, 2005)

• Info: Formed in late 2001

• Artist: Foxtail Somersault (San Francisco, California)

• Releases: Fathom (2007) & Reflection (2010)

• Info: Formed in 2004

--

• Artist: The Sorry Shop (Rio Grande, RS, Brazil)

• Releases: Bloody, Fuzzy, Cozy (2012) & Mnemonic Syncretism (2013) & Softspoken (2017)

• Info: Formed in 2011. They are 2 different artist profiles on Spotify, but it is the same band.

--

• Artist: Pink Playground (Houston, Texas)

• Releases: Destination Ecstasy (album, 2011)

• Romantic pop-duo

--

Playlistcover: OLD MAGICK PELLAS from Brasil (just remastered their great album Pull Me Daisy)

--

[archie-gray]

also if anyone is planning a trip to the uk from another country, the lyca mobile esim has been pretty good, got 20gb of data for £5 and it works well 🤝

[itandcommunication]

Top 5 Reasons Students Should Choose SIM Only Deals in the UK!

Owning and using mobile phones among adolescents has played a mediating role in social engagements. Similarly, smartphone use among older adults' noesis of love over video content access and video calling are no longer exceptions, and these fly most of the time when they're having more fun with these electronic gadgets.

It became an uncharted territory for us wandering without a phone. It often puts us under mommy guilt and perceives peer pressure for not using smartphones. However, considering a costly or wrong network and UK SIM plan choice might put us in the same situation.

Similarly, suppose you're among UK international students and UK home students. In that case, the decision to choose student SIM-only deals UK revolves around economic considerations, only if you want to avoid excessive bills incurred from your UK data usage or international calls from the UK. If you wonder, what provider should you choose for student SIM only deals UK while you’re here, and why choose the student SIM only plans in the UK? This article is for you.

For most international students and home students, selecting to purchase a cheap UK SIM card will be the best option to ensure they don’t get hefty monthly bills for using UK data or making UK local numbers and international calls. However, UK international students must consider international calling rates to keep connected with their families and friends in their home country. So, your search for a trustworthy UK network provider, easy switch, and low-cost prepaid UK mobile SIM plans can lead to the idea of choosing the best student SIM-only deals UK.

Amidst your search, many choices are now available in the market – including, Lyca Mobile, Vodaphone, Three Mobile, Zoiko Mobile, O2, GiffGuff, etc. All have dominantly offered student SIM-only deals UK. These plans cover unlimited UK calling minutes, texts, unlimited mobile data plans, and free EU international calling, with EU roaming benefits - no need for credit checks. These features become an ideal deal for students.

Especially if you need to make your home call regularly or want to use your UK SIM for local numbers, for an international student, you must look at international calling rates to keep in touch with family and friends at low-cost monthly mobile bills.

Here I Outline Key Things You’ll Need to See While Choosing the Best International Student SIM Only Deals UK:

Is Your Smartphone Carrier-Locked?

A code-embedded locked phone means your carrier network restricts you from accessing another network. This mostly happens when you purchase contract phones, as they restrict you from switching to another network provider. If your phone is locked, it may block the use of a UK SIM in it - so before switching to another network, please make sure your phone is unlocked from your home country.

Note: If your initial contract term has expired, you can ask your network provider to unlock your phone.

On the other hand, if you can’t do that, you’ll probably need to buy a new phone in the UK, but these could be very pricey deals for you. So, selecting any unlocked GSM certified refurbished smartphone with a trusted network provider UK with monthly rolling contract plans could be your best choice. 

Would you Likely Prefer to Keep your Old Phone Number?

Your wish to keep your old phone number or effortlessly switch other networks without losing the old number - keeps your persistent connection live with loved ones on the go. So, switch your network and keep your old number in the UK - shouldn't be a trouble any more.

Some of the best student SIM only deals UK come with easy switching flexibility and allow you to keep your old number, it gives you a certain value on student SIM-only deals UK. This benefit allows students to enjoy the perks of UK calling, texting, and data usage and EU roaming allowance without any trouble. Some UK providers reward students for their mobile use. These pay monthly SIM deals present an opportunity to reduce monthly mobile bills when you sign up and refer a friend.

Student SIM-only deals UK typically encompass unlimited data, texts, and international calling minutes, and EU roaming features at very affordable rates. This just allows UK students to access their network to make global connectivity at a low cost. So, your UK student journey should be persistent and flexible with existing phone numbers and stay hooked up with friends and family for less. Choosing student SIM only deals UK let you connect your world, and be your go-to solution to leverage your growth mindset.

Are you Using a Dual-SIM Phone?

If you own a dual-SIM phone, then you're on the right track to upgrading your UK network connectivity game. It allows you to use your existing SIM alongside a UK SIM card, so you can access UK and home country calls for better flexibility. No need to incur you to pay for sky-high fees or international calling worries – it lets you easily switch between your home SIM and the UK one for all your needs.

Where to Find a Student UK SIM Card?

Getting a UK SIM card is just a breeze. Whether you opt for an online purchase, hit up your provider's app store, check a local newsagent or go to a nearby supermarket for a prepaid option, the choice is yours. You find student UK SIM cards easily, but they often ask you to show your identity cards or local address proof for an eligibility check. Some providers also accept debit or credit cards.

What Reasons to Choose Student SIM Only Deals UK?

In your student journey, your phone is your sidekick. This indispensable tool lets you connect with friends and family, keep up with school or work, and share your life online. So, instead of getting tied up to any costly long-term contracts, have you considered switching to a more budget-friendly student SIM only deal UK? It could save you more in the long run.

If the cost of the device itself is within your budget (consider selecting a non-flagship phone or mid-to-low range phone instead), it usually results in greater long-term savings. Many providers in the UK offer different student SIM only deals Uk, all are perfectly aligned with your budget, and some providers cover you with special student discounts and perks to improve UK SIM deals even more.

When choosing the best student SIM only deals UK, whether you're a UK home student or an international student in the UK, it's important to consider factors like data allowance, value-worthy SIM deals, perks, international calling rates, and roaming charges.

Let's See Below the Top 5 Reasons;

1. Data Allowance:

The data balance you need per month will be the most significant factor influencing your UK SIM's price. If you're glued to social media or avid gamers, unlimited data plans are decisively the perfect choice for your eternal pursuit of fun. Your unlimited access to social media, streaming music channels and unlimited movie streaming allows you to access unlimited data balance with zero caps, which means never running out of data.

Three and Zoiko Mobile offer some of the most affordable and generous unlimited data plans for data-heavy users with perks like unlimited social media, engaging online games, and music access all the time, starting as low as (Three)£25 per month on a 24-month contract. Whereas, Zoiko Mobile Unlimited Data Bundle - ideal if you know you’re a data-hungry user - is £19.99 a month provided you sign up for a 24-month contract.

Vodafone also trying to cover a limited data balance plan. They give unlimited access to social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), and all chatting tools (WhatsApp, Skype, Snapchat, and Messenger) for £10 per month, which will provide you with 20GB of data with an extra park to unlimited multi-app accessibility.

Whereas, other UK's top provider covers: Get 30GB data (means, here you get 10 GB more data) and unlimited access to the above-mentioned apps for as low as £9.99 per month with Zoiko Mobile’s Roam & Study plan; additionally, you will enjoy Unlimited UK minutes, Unlimited UK Texts, Roaming Data: 15 GB (EU), 1000 EU roaming minutes and 1000 EU roaming text allowance.

2. Value-Worthy SIM Deals:

Talking about Value-Worthy student SIM only deals UK - consider UK MVNOs for more affordable options. Some major UK MVNO providers PSUG, Zoiko Mobile, O2, and Lebara offer flexible plans with unlimited calls and texts, all are charged as low as £3.70 per month for those who don't need hefty data plans. These no-frills Prepaid SIM packages are the perfect choice for students.

3. Spend Less Per Month Plans:

You are not at all a data-hungry user, prefer to use a wi-fi connection. If you don't care about large data plans and want to spend less on mobile bills, think about low-budget UK SIM plans. In fact, a few GB per month could be enough when away from home. If that fits you, here are some affordable SIM plans to consider:

Tesco Mobile (O2) has something attractive, low-cost UK SIM deals, price as low as £7.50/month for 2GB of data. Similarly, Zoiko Mobile's Thrifty Connect lets you get 1GB of Data, plus 150 UK calling minutes, 150 UK Texts), 500 MB EU Roaming Data, 100 Minutes EU roaming minutes, and 100 EU roaming Texts for £3.70 per month.

Lebara be your next choice for its budget-friendly SIM plans. They offer 30-day plans at just £5 per month for 5GB of data, or you can opt for a 12-month contract at £4.50 per month. The best part? You also get a minimum of 100 international minutes to countries outside the EU, it makes a perfect choice for international students in the UK. Not to mention, you enjoy free roaming in India and Europe, with up to 30GB per month.

Similarly, here is another player off to the races, Zoiko Mobile's Silver Surfer plan is as low as just £6.49 per month over 24 months, you get 10GB of data, 500 UK calling minutes and texts, 5GB of EU roaming data, plus 500 EU calling minutes and texts. So, what do you choose now?

4. Added Perks:

Perks are always a bonus, and various network providers offer enticing rewards. For instance, O2's Priority treats let you get a free weekly snack and early access to concert tickets, with some plans even including free Disney+ for 6 months.

If you're a social media fan, Voxi provides unlimited social media use and select plans with unlimited music streaming—ideal for binge-scrolling TikTok without worrying over data limits.

5. International Calls:

For international students, keeping in touch with loved ones back home is important. Lebara offers numerous privileges in this aspect, including international calls to 42 destinations in all their student SIM only deals UK. You can get 100 international minutes with the 5GB plan for £5 per month, or 500 international minutes with the 30GB plan for £30 per month.

Here is another possibility that lies in your choice, Zoiko Mobile's all plans have covered free international calls up to 80+ destinations. Does that make you happy?

Hefty Roaming Charges Outside EU:

Another factor such as considerable hefty roaming charges is budgetary effects on mobile bills for students on their vocational Europe tours. While many UK mobile networks charge for data usage abroad, some providers offer free EU roaming, limiting your expenses. Since August 2023, network providers like O2, Zoiko Mobile, and Lebara have had free roaming in the EU. However, outside the EU calling, extra charges may incur for using your student SIM only deals UK in your home country.

Solution

So, finding the right student SIM only deals UK can make your student life much easier and more cost-control living. Take your time to compare options, understand the principles of this article, evaluate your needs, and choose a student SIM only plan UK that lets you cut down your monthly rolling mobile bills and access your best-value UK SIM deals, access added perks, and let you make low-cost international calls. Still do not have your clear decisions? Write down here.

Make your comment below, we'll cover it up for you to make the smart choice today and reap the benefits of the best student SIM-only deals UK to fit your unique student lifestyle.

[systemtek]

CMA says Vodafone and Three merger could lead to millions of customers having to pay more

An in-depth investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found competition concerns over Vodafone’s planned merger with Three in the UK. The investigation, led by an independent inquiry group, has provisionally concluded that the merger would lead to price increases for tens of millions of mobile customers, or see customers get a reduced service such as smaller data packages in their contracts. The CMA has particular concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well as those who might have to pay more for improvements in network quality they do not value. The CMA has also provisionally found that the merger would negatively impact ‘wholesale’ telecoms customers – Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara – which rely on the existing network operators to provide their own mobile services. The merger would reduce the number of network operators from 4 to 3 making it more difficult for MVNOs to secure competitive terms, restricting their ability to offer the best deals to retail customers. While identifying these concerns, the CMA has also found that the merger, by integrating the Vodafone and Three networks, could improve the quality of mobile networks and bring forward the deployment of next generation 5G networks and services, as claimed by Vodafone and Three. But the CMA currently considers that these claims are overstated, and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to follow through on its proposed investment programme after the merger. As a result, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK – in both retail and wholesale mobile markets. The CMA will now consult on its provisional findings. It will also consult on potential solutions to its competition concerns, including the options set out in its remedies notice (also published today). These include legally binding investment commitments overseen by the sector regulator, and measures to protect both retail customers and customers in the wholesale market. The CMA will retain the option to prohibit the merger should it conclude that other remedy options will not address its competition concerns effectively. Stuart McIntosh, chair of the inquiry group leading the investigation, said: We’ve taken a thorough, considered approach to investigating this merger, weighing up the investment the companies say they will make in enhancing network quality and boosting 5G connectivity against the significant costs to customers and rival virtual networks. We will now consider how Vodafone and Three might address our concerns about the likely impact of the merger on retail and wholesale customers while securing the potential longer-term benefits of the merger, including by guaranteeing future network investments. The CMA welcomes responses to its provisional findings by 04 October 2024 and its notice of possible remedies by 27 September 2024. These will be considered ahead of the CMA issuing its final report, which is due by 7 December 2024.  More information can be found on the Vodafone / CK Hutchison JV case page and on the detailed guidance page. Read the full article

[ict-reports]

Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market Size 2023, Latest Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Global Competition

The global “Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market Size” is expected to rise with an impressive CAGR and generate the highest revenue by 2030. Fortune Business Insights™ in its latest report published this information. The report is titled "Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market Size, Share & Revenue Forecast, 2023-2030". The report discusses research objectives, research scope, methodology, timeline and challenges during the entire forecast period.

Report Highlights:

A comprehensive overview of Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market Size

Significant factors boosting, restricting, challenging and providing an opportunity to the market

Key insights and major industry developments

Significant players functioning in Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market Size

Major strategies adopted by players such as the launch of new products for better revenue generation, company collaborations, and others

Other market trends

An Overview of the Impact of COVID-19 on this Market:

The emergence of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. We understand that this health crisis has brought an unprecedented impact on businesses across industries. However, this too shall pass. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly contagious disease. There are some industries that are struggling and some are thriving. Overall, almost every sector is anticipated to be impacted by the pandemic.

We are making continuous efforts to help your business sustain and grow during COVID-19 pandemics. Based on our experience and expertise, we will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreaks across industries to help you prepare for the future.

For More Information, Visit- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/mobile-virtual-network-operators-market-100076

List of Top Key Players in Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market:

Verizon Communications Inc. (U.S.)

Comcast Corporation (U.S.)

FreeNet AG (Germany)

AT&T Inc. (U.S.)

T-Mobile USA Inc. (U.S.)

Charter Communications Inc. (U.S.)

Lyca Mobile (U.K.)

Cricket Wireless LLC (U.S.)

Alphabet Inc. (Google Fi) (U.S.)

Republic Wireless (U.S.)

 Regional Analysis for Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market:

North America (the USA and Canada)

Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia and Rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Rest of Latin America)

Mobile Virtual Network Operators Market Size research report offers a complete assessment of the industry. The projections included in the report have been determined utilizing demonstrated research philosophies and presumptions.

[fatuunit06]

Fabric printing research

Print Fab is a printing company that focuses on printing in fabric, these sample were in the HND class witch came to good use because it helped me figure out what fabric I want to print out my fabric in, I knew I wanted to print it in a fabric that was meaningful to me so I decided Cotton lyca jersey, that's the material of hijab I usually use.

[tokutaiseichan]

No, we still have no details regarding Romeo's admission (cmiiw) but considering that Lyca and Luca used to be in the Romania and UK branch respectively, I just assume Romeo might be in a similar situation.

gonna say whatever i want before Mortkranken drops and debunk (heh) the theories i pulled out of my ass.

tldr: i think the ultimate goal of the institute/Darkwick is to get rid of all the anomalies in the world一that includes the ghouls. my theory is that they're trying to put all ghouls in one place so that they can wipe them out in one go. Romeo, Ed, and Lyca were all sent to Darckwick two years ago (though Lyca got locked up) and Luca transferred this year.

them interpreting the prophecy to be about ghouls being "heroes who save the world" might also be so that it'll be easier for them to collect ghouls. though i don't think any of the ghouls we know bought that bs narrative (maybe Luca or Ritsu……)

[lycamobile-australia]

National Plus is an all-inclusive phone contract for 5 pounds a month. Get unlimited national minutes and texts, 100 International minutes and EU roaming with Lyca Mobile National Plus bundle.

[lycauk]

Best Prepaid SIM Card and SIM Only Deals | Lycamobile United kingdom

Lycamobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) operating in 24 countries, including United Kingdom. Lycamobile UK SIM only deals includes free unlimited nationwide calls and text. Also, it offers competitively priced mobile plans if you are looking to connect with your friends and families around the world.

[livesets-dj-mixes-edm-podcasts]

Download Above & Beyond - Group Therapy 438 for free now!

Artist: Above & Beyond Show: Above & Beyond – Group Therapy 438 Quality: 320 Kbps 44100 Khz Genre: Trance Source:Source: RSS

Discover more Above & Beyond live sets & radioshows HERE | Listen or download more Group Therapy episodes HERE

Above & Beyond – Group Therapy 438 Tracklist

“Group Therapy” is the weekly radio show from Above & Beyond – the London based trio described by DJ Magazine as “the biggest DJ/production collective the UK has ever produced”. Showcasing the finest in trance and progressive, Above & Beyond’s “Group Therapy” radio show is two-hour show, which includes a 30-minute guest mix from the trio’s favourite artists. The “Group Therapy” radio show also includes regular guest interviews, classic “Flashback” tracks and upfront exclusives from electronic music’s biggest labels, including Above & Beyond’s own Anjunabeats. Each week, thousands of fans join in the global Group Therapy conversation using the hashtag ABGT on Twitter, and via the online hun at aboveandbeyond.nu/radio. Tune in to Above & Beyond – Group Therapy 438 now!

[0:31] Genix & Lyca – Numb [ANJUNABEATS] [5:01] TILT – Invisible (Jaytech Remix) [HOOJ CHOONS] [10:34] Ilan Bluestone ft. El Waves – Tonight [ANJUNABEATS] Record Of The Week: [14:14] Maor Levi – Save The Last Trance [ANJUNABEATS] [19:27] Armin van Buuren & Sander van Doorn – Jonson’s Play [ASOT] [25:23] Josep – Flux [DEEP STATE] [29:34] Activa – Polestar [BLACK HOLE] [33:17] Lane 8 ft. Davey Havok – Riptide [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [37:40] Simon Doty – Belikewater [ANJUNADEEP] [43:21] Sultan + Shepard & Le Youth – Skipping Stones [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [47:13] STANDERWICK – Summer Nights [ARMADA] [51:03] Jordin Post – Blossom [ANJUNABEATS] [55:55] Pretty Pink ft. Emina Sonnard – Let You Go (Jon Gurd Remix) [ANJUNABEATS] Push The Button: [59:43] Alex Sonata & TheRio – Are We Dreaming [ANJUNABEATS] [1:04:32] Mat Zo – Problems (Hausman Remix) [ANJUNABEATS] [1:09:47] Pete K – Velvet [ZEROTHREE] [1:14:23] ARTY – Hope (Eugenio Tokarev Remix) [FLASHOVER] [1:19:22] Le Youth – Miraje [ANJUNABEATS] Flashback: [1:23:58] Mat Zo ft. Rachel K Collier – Only For You (Estiva Remix) [ANJUNABEATS] Guest Mix: [1:28:39] Massane ft. Colouring – Wild [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:32:23] Massane ft. Kinnship – Another Dawn [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:35:00] Massane – Leave Me [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:38:09] Massane – Boreal [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:41:28] Massane ft. Benjamin Roustaing – Closure [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:44:50] Massane – Leaf [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:48:56] Massane – Cove [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:52:21] Massane – Crossroads [THIS NEVER HAPPENED] [1:56:17] Jerro – Demons (Massane Remix) [THIS NEVER HAPPENED]

The podcast Above & Beyond – Group Therapy Radio is embedded on this page from an open RSS feed. All files, descriptions, artwork and other metadata from the RSS-feed is the property of the podcast owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by EDMliveset.com.

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit & VK

[lycanetheland]

The Pay As You Go International SIM with over 16 million customers enjoying the Lyca Mobile brand and a new customer joining every 2 seconds.

Lyca Mobile’s mission is to connect friends and family around the world. As the world’s biggest international mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Lyca Mobile provides low-cost, high-quality data and voice services to over 16 million customers across 22 countries. It is now expanding to offer a broad range of financial and travel services, including Lycamoney and Lycafly, that help people stay in touch across borders. Founded in 2006 and with a turnover of €1.5 billion in 2014, Lyca Mobile continues to grow rapidly and now welcomes a new customer to its family every two seconds.

Lyca Mobile is available in: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, the UK, USA, and the Uganda.

[lycamobileuk]

Get the best SIM-only mobile plans for you in UK

Discover the best pay as you go sim plans and mobile phones online with Lyca Mobile UK. Make international calls and buy data online at affordable prices.

[creation-plus]

UK cost-of-living crisis creates surge in mobile provider switching

UK cost-of-living crisis creates surge in mobile provider switching

With inflation raging and the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite throughout the UK, the telecommunications industry is beginning to get buffeted by the same economic headwinds as other sectors, resulting in a growing trend for companies and consumers to consider switching mobile providers to help ease the pressure, according to research by Lyca Mobile. The study, undertaken by Censuswide on…

[systemtek]

Vodafone / Three deal could leave consumers and businesses worse off

Vodafone UK (which is owned by Vodafone Group Plc) and Three UK (which is owned by CK Hutchison Holdings Limited) are two major providers of mobile telecommunication services in the UK. Last year both businesses announced a new joint venture agreement which would bring their 27 million customers under a new, single network provider. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched its initial Phase 1 investigation in January after it was notified by Vodafone UK and Three UK. This 40 working day review is designed to identify whether the deal may lead to a ‘substantial lessening of competition’ – focusing on the potential impact on consumers and businesses in the UK – and therefore requires an in-depth, phase 2 investigation. Phase 2 investigations allow an independent panel of experts to probe in more depth initial concerns identified at Phase 1. The CMA is concerned the deal, which combines 2 of the 4 mobile network operators in the UK, could lead to mobile customers facing higher prices and reduced quality. The CMA’s Phase 1 investigation found that Vodafone UK and Three UK provide important alternatives for mobile customers. Both have made significant investments in their networks in recent years – which includes the rollout of 5G. Three UK is also generally the cheapest of the four mobile network operators. The CMA is concerned that combining these two businesses will reduce rivalry between mobile operators to win new customers. Competitive pressure can help to keep prices low, as well as provide an important incentive for network operators to improve their services, including by investing in network quality. The CMA is also concerned that the deal may make it difficult for smaller mobile ‘virtual’ network operators such as Sky Mobile, Lebara and Lyca Mobile to negotiate good deals for their own customers, by reducing the number of mobile network operators capable of hosting these ‘virtual networks’. When announcing their deal last year, both Vodafone UK and Three UK claimed that combining both businesses would result in significant benefits to customers as well as speed up the deployment of new technologies. These types of claims can sometimes justify clearing a deal that would otherwise raise competition concerns. Vodafone UK and Three UK’s claims are based on a number of assumptions about how they will combine and invest in their networks post-merger. The CMA considers these assumptions need more detailed assessment, particularly given the CMA’s concerns that the merger may reduce mobile operators’ overall incentives to invest in their networks. Julie Bon, Phase 1 decisionmaker for this case at the CMA, said: Millions of people in the UK depend on effective competition in the mobile market in order to access the best deals for them. Whilst Vodafone and Three have made a number of claims about how their deal is good for competition and investment, the CMA has not seen sufficient evidence to date to back these claims. Our initial assessment of this deal has identified concerns which could lead to higher prices for customers and lower investment in UK mobile networks. These warrant an in-depth investigation unless Vodafone and Three can come forward with solutions. Both Vodafone UK and Three UK have five working days to respond with meaningful solutions to the CMA, otherwise the deal will be referred to a more in-depth Phase 2 investigation. More information can be found on the Vodafone / CK Hutchison JV case page. Read the full article