In a significant move for Spain’s telecom sector, the Spanish government has officially sanctioned the merger between Orange and MasMovil, following the European Union’s approval last month. This decision paves the way for the creation of Spain’s largest telecom operator, marking the culmination of a deal valued at approximately €18.6 billion.
During a recent press conference shared on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), José Luis Escrivá, Spain’s Minister for Digital Transformation, expressed his optimism about the merger. He highlighted the comprehensive investment plans aimed at enhancing network services, which he believes will ensure superior services for consumers. With the merger, the new entity will boast over 30 million mobile, 7 million broadband, and 2 million TV customers, becoming the foremost operator in the country.
Escrivá underscored the critical role of telecom networks as essential national infrastructure, integral to Spain’s competitiveness and digital connectivity. However, the immediate focus is expected to shift towards the competitive landscape of the Spanish telecom market, which has seen strategic divestitures and agreements to maintain market balance. Notably, Orange and MasMovil have committed to offloading spectrum to MVNO Digi Communications and providing it with national roaming capabilities, ensuring competitive market dynamics remain intact.
This strategic move aims to preserve the current number of mobile network operators (MNOs) in Spain, addressing regulatory concerns. However, Telefónica, a key market player, has voiced its apprehensions, suggesting that the merger and its conditions may hinder the capacity for significant investments in next-generation telecom infrastructure. The company has also questioned the EU’s merger regulations, hinting at a broader debate over market structure and investment in the telecom sector.
As Spain embarks on this new telecom era, the effectiveness of the merger and its impact on connectivity and competition will be closely monitored, potentially influencing future regulatory decisions in the European Union.
