The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says it could be green-lit if the big mobile phone network companies make price promises for customers, as well as commitment for the UK’s 5G rollout.

Stuart McIntosh, chairman of the CMA’s inquiry group and leader of the panel investigating the merger, said on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme: “We believe this deal has the potential to be pro-competitive for the UK mobile sector if our concerns are addressed.

“We anticipate in the longer term that the significant commitment to upgrade the merged companies network over the next 10 years or so will ultimately create a competitive environment that will maintain the competition we've seen in mobile in recent years.”

According to the BBC, a Vodafone spokesperson said “both companies would need to study the CMA’s proposal more closely, but believed on first impressions it provides a path to final clearance”.

It comes as Vodafone and Three announced their plans for their UK-based operations to join forces in June 2023.

The CMA is asking for responses to its proposed remedies by November 12, where a deadline of December 7 is set for a final decision on the merger.