T-Mobile and Orange outline merger plans

Two of the UK’s largest mobile network operators are in talks to join forces in a move which could see them become the biggest single provider of products in the UK.

With network exclusives like the Toshiba TG01 and the LG Watch Phone, Orange is already a company which supports the handsets of many people in the UK, while also providing mobile and fixed-line broadband services.

T-Mobile was the first company to bring a device which used the Google Android operating system to the UK in the form of the G1 and also provides portable web solutions for its subscribers.

A merger between the two groups has been proposed and both firms have issued a statement today detailing exactly what this might involve and how it would position the joint network in Britain.

Orange’s parent company Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile’s operator France Telecom explained that the amalgamation of the firms would be completed on a 50:50 split and would allow benefits for both the business and its users.

Timotheus Hottges, chief financial officer of the former, drew attention to the fact it would allow the merged venture to provide “the best mobile broadband offer in Britain”. Whereas Gervais Pellissier, his opposite number at France Telecom, said the deal could be good for future innovation.

He explained the move would create “fair competition and will provide strong benefits for our customers through improved coverage, quality of service and an enhanced capacity to develop new services and technologies”.

Last week, Orange announced Razorlight and David Guetta with Kelly Rowland would form part of its next RockCorps concert project.