The joint venture between Orange and T-Mobile could mean the end of Hutchison 3G’s 3 network in the UK. Ovum’s senior mobile analyst Stephen Hartley is quoted in The Independent as saying “I don't think the future is bright for 3. It really faces two options: become a mobile virtual network operator or exit the market.”
Last year Ofcom reported that 3UK had the strongest turnover growth, with estimated revenue increasing by over 9%. It currently accounts for around 6% of the UK’s mobile customers.