Mobile and wireless broadband below 5 GHz

On 28 March 2025, Ofcom received an application from Vodafone Limited (Vodafone) to amend its public wireless network licence for the 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum bands (licence number 0249664) to include in that licence a commitment to deliver a joint network plan involving integration and upgrades over the next eight years (the “Network Commitment”). The Network Commitment is part of a package of commitments the Competition and Markets Authority accepted from Vodafone in order for its merger with Hutchison 3G UK Limited (the Merger) to proceed.

We consider that it is unnecessary for Ofcom to undertake an assessment of the likely impact of implementing the proposed licence variation under Section 7 of the Communications Act 2003 based on the analysis and process conducted by the CMA during their review of the Merger. Our assessment is that the CMA’s analysis covers the issues which Ofcom would consider as part of an assessment of how the performance of its general duties (within the meaning of section 3) is secured or furthered by or in relation to the propose licence variation. We also note that the CMA process provided for stakeholders to be consulted on the significant aspects of the Merger, including the Network Commitment.

This serves as a statement for the purposes of Section 7(3)(b) of the Communications Act 2003.