Competitive pressure from so-called mobile virtual network operators “is less than we see” from telecom network operators who control infrastructure, EU’s chief merger official Carles Esteva Mosso says.
- “We do not have a magic number” of network operators to ensure competition and deals that reduce number from four to three aren’t necessarily problematic
- Says EU opposed Danish mobile merger because officials didn’t see “a commitment to a fourth network operator, which we thought necessary”
- EU relies on questionnaires and internal company documents as evidence
- When companies mention “market repair” it can mean a deal is “probably going to lead to higher prices”
- Regulators rely on number portability data that shows where customers switch to and which co.s are closer rivals or more aggressive.
- EU worked with U.K. regulator CMA on customer survey in Hutchison/O2 deal
- EU will have “much more guidance on how commission interprets these markets” after U.K. and Italy deal reviews
- EU’s deputy director general for mergers speaks at Brussels conference)