Orange and T–Mobile aren’t just concerning themselves with wresting control of the iPhone from the cash–ridden mitts of O2. No sirree. The two mobile giants have today announced plans to merge here in Blighty, creating the biggest mobile network in the UK. So what does that mean for us gadgets lovers?
Well, for a kick off, the deal between T–Mobile and Orange needs to be rubber-stamped. That isn’t due to happen until November, but both players promise that it will lead to better 2G and 3G coverage. No bad thing if you’re clamped to your blower 24 hours a day.
If the tie–up does get the go–ahead by government suits, Orange and T–Mobile will be known by their regular names for at least 18 months, before merging into one giant brand. Whatever it’s name it’ll rock a massive 37 per cent of UK mobile lovers.
T–Mobile iPhone 3G on sale in UK
That should mean Orange and T–Mobile will make things nice and cheap for you too. Ernest Doku from price comparison site Omio.com says it will place them, “in a strong position to drive contract prices down for consumers and offer unrivalled handset choice.”
So what does this mean for mooted plans to bring the iPhone to both networks? Word is that any hook up with Apple wouldn’t happen until November, dovetailing somewhat nicely with today’s announcement.
Either way it means a truly massive mobile maven to give O2 some serious thought over the next few months.
