Virgin and O2’s merger is granted provisional approval

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has granted provisional regulatory approval of Virgin’s proposed merger with O2.

In November last year, the European Commission – which, pre-Brexit, had regulatory oversight over the deal – referred the proposed merger to the UK’s competition regulator.

Andrea Coscelli, Chief Executive at the CMA, said at the time:

“These are incredibly important UK markets, that continue to evolve, and the deal needs to be...

14 April 2021 | Legislation & Government

Virgin Media trials Infinera’s XR Optics to deliver multi-gigabit speeds

Virgin Media is trialling Infinera’s XR Optics technology with the possibility of using it to deliver multi-gigabit speeds to customers.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Virgin Media, said:

“Our next-generation network already offers gigabit connectivity to more than seven million homes, but with data use and demand for hyperfast speeds surging, we’re continually investing in our network to prepare for whatever the future...

3 March 2021 | Networks

European Commission refers Virgin Media–O2 merger to the CMA

The European Commission has referred a proposed merger between Virgin Media and O2 to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Virgin Media and O2 confirmed their intention to merge back in May. Naturally, the £31 billion deal is being scrutinised by regulators.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-PZkudXsWo

The CMA formally requested the case be transferred on October 8th, shortly after the European Commission launched its investigation. Today, the European...

19 November 2020 | Networks

Virgin Media trial delivers 2.2Gbps broadband over existing network

A real-world trial by Virgin Media has reached multi-gigabit broadband speeds using the company’s existing network.

Virgin Media conducted the innovation trial in Thatcham, Berkshire using DOCSIS 3.1 broadband technology.

The speeds reached 2.2Gbps, which is 34 times faster than the UK’s average.

Phil Thompson, a trialist from Thatcham, commented:

“The multi-gigabit speeds were a step forward and it was a big help in bringing the office into the...

22 September 2020 | Networks

O2 and Virgin Media confirm historic £31 billion merger

The rumours proved to be true: O2 and Virgin Media have confirmed their intention to merge in a £31 billion deal.

Telefonica and Liberty Global, owners of O2 and Virgin Media respectively, have put out a joint statement today confirming the 50-50 joint venture which “brings together Virgin Media, the UK’s fastest broadband network, and O2, the country’s largest mobile platform.”

Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, CEO of Telefonica, said: “Combining O2’s number one...

7 May 2020 | Networks

O2 and Virgin Media consider merging to fight BT and Sky

Two of the UK's biggest names in telecoms are considering a merger to combat the industry behemoths of BT and Sky.

O2 and Virgin Media are reportedly in talks to combine each company's strengths across TV, broadband, and mobile.

Liberty Global, which owns Virgin Media, is said to be in talks with Spanish O2-owner Telefonica. Virgin Media brings a vast TV and broadband presence to the table, while O2 has a much larger base of mobile subscribers. 

Virgin...

4 May 2020 | Networks