Vodafone, the world’s largest cellular operator, is thinking about buying T-Mobile UK, making the giant even bigger. The plan is under scrutiny right now as it would essentially create a massive Euro-monopoly on the cellular front.
Vodafone declined to comment. But people familiar with the situation said the company was examining the case for making an offer for T-Mobile UK, or setting up a joint venture. In February, Vodafone and Hutchison Whampoa, the Hong Kong conglomerate, announced plans to combine their Australian mobile businesses.
Shares in Vodafone rose 1.3 per cent on Monday to 117.9p, while Deutsche Telekom was 0.8 per cent higher at €8.30.If Vodafone were to buy T-Mobile UK, the company would be catapulted to clear market leadership, with a 40 per cent share of revenue paid by British mobile phone users.
It seems this consolidation is taking advantage of reduce company prices during the downturn, placing Vodafone in the cat bird seat once things clear up. What would you UKites think if you had to switch to Vodafone?