Mobile Network Consolidation in Europe

Mobile Network Consolidation in Europe

Over the years, the mobile network services market in the United States has undergone considerable consolidation and is currently led by 􂀀 major providers: AT&T and Verizon. In comparison, the European market consists of numerous regional operators, creating a fragmented competitor landscape.

European network providers are entering a phase of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to overcome the competitive challenges posed by a highly fragmented market, such as price erosion and limited resources for future investment. M&As are regulated by the European Commission’s telecom authorities to ensure the evolving competitive landscape does not negatively affect consumer interest. Regulators must avoid unacceptable concentrations of market power, and they must ensure operators are strong enough to invest in the infrastructure necessary for Europe’s economic growth. The recent shift to allow some markets to consolidate appears to recognise that mobile operators must be more robust. These operators must ensure customers have access to reliable 4G services, and they must withstand intensifying pressure from over-the-top (OTT) digital natives, primarily Google and Facebook.

About this report

The European mobile network services market is undergoing a wave of consolidation, driven by the need to fend off competitive pressures from other operators and over-the-top (OTT) providers. Mergers and acquisitions provide increased scalability for operators, encouraging next-generation investments. This market insight highlights the mergers and acquisitions in 2014, analyses the role played by regulators, and forecasts market expectations in 2015.