Which? responds to the news that the Competition and Markets Authority has approved a merger between Vodafone and Three

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:

"A good, affordable mobile connection is essential to daily life and the Vodafone and Three merger will have a significant impact on the telecoms market. The two companies are currently close competitors so the merger is likely to reduce competitive pressure in the market which could lead to higher prices and lower quality for consumers, at least in the short term.

"The CMA has taken a gamble with the package of remedies it has settled on. For this merger to work for consumers, the CMA and Ofcom must rigorously monitor whether the merged company sticks to its commitments and be prepared to act decisively if it does not."