Orange and T-Mobile UK to merge

spursgalea · 08-09-2009, 17:28

Quote:

I would guess that whatever 'deal' you have now would carry on (for a while at least)
I'd also guess that when the merger is complete, some new 'deals' will be presented in the hope that people will move over to them.

thanks what you are saying is what likely to happen

Martin Phillp · 08-09-2009, 17:33

It didn't do BT Cellnet any harm when they rebranded to O2 after new owners bought that company.

Incidentally I've read a report about the merger in tonight's Evening Standard which says that Virgin Mobile are supportive, so will likely stay as a virtual network using both Orange and T-Mobile's networks.

Incidentally, Virgin has a larger share than 3 which isn't a virtual network!

sotek · 08-09-2009, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974

I would quite happily go down Ladbrokes right now and stick £5,000 on Orange retaining the name.

A fool and his money are easily parted!

I suspect nobody, even those at the top of Orange, have any idea what the joint venture will end up being known as. They will undoubtedly start with a blank sheet of paper and, being a 50/50 project, a totally new name is much more likely than anything else.

Ricardodaforce · 08-09-2009, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by sotek

A fool and his money are easily parted!

I suspect nobody, even those at the top of Orange, have any idea what the joint venture will end up being known as. They will undoubtedly start with a blank sheet of paper and, being a 50/50 project, a totally new name is much more likely than anything else.

I don't think so, companies like to create global brands nowadays. OK, so I know O2 is an exception, but nevertheless.

sotek · 08-09-2009, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce

I don't think so, companies like to create global brands nowadays. OK, so I know O2 is an exception, but nevertheless.

But the point here is surely that both are already global brands. That's why a new name is much more likely IMO. In fact, if anything, T-Mobile could claim bigger world-wide recognition.

Appleseed · 08-09-2009, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

It didn't do BT Cellnet any harm when they rebranded to O2 after new owners bought that company.

Incidentally I've read a report about the merger in tonight's Evening Standard which says that Virgin Mobile are supportive, so will likely stay as a virtual network using both Orange and T-Mobile's networks.

Incidentally, Virgin has a larger share than 3 which isn't a virtual network!

Virgin are hardly likely to leave now that they stand to be able to provide a much better coverage.
Hopefully, very soon all T-Mobile and Orange customers (and all their respective MVNOs) will be able to roam onto the 'other' network as a sort of 'stop gap' until the networks are fully integrated

prking · 08-09-2009, 18:15

There is a very interesting interview with the CEOs of Orange UK and T-Mobile UK on the Guardian website. They more or less confirm the whole issue of branding is up in the air, but do mention a "powered by..." scenario. They confirm that Virgin and 3 are generally supportive of the merger. But there is also talk (by the interviewer) that regulators may require Virgin to change to Voda or O2.
There is also some talk of bringing promotions like Orange Wednesdays to T-Mobile.

tiberian9 · 08-09-2009, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by prking

But there is also talk (by the interviewer) that regulators may require Virgin to change to Voda or O2.

That would be a bit poor if someone is on virgin because of local network issues on Vodafone or 02.

Also if it is truely a 50/50 merger I don't see either side being happy about going with the other sides brand. My guess would be a totally new brand.

edgexedge · 08-09-2009, 18:41

T-Mobile and Orange in UK merger
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8243226.stm

"T-Mobile is currently the fourth-largest mobile operator in the UK, with a 15% share of the market. O2 has a 27% share, followed by Vodafone (25%) and Orange (22%). "

"If completed, a deal between Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile and Orange owner France Telecom would see a firm with sales of 9.4bn euros (£8.2bn; $13.5bn).

It would be the UK's largest provider, overtaking Telefonica's O2, with about 37% of the mobile market"

i dont think the Competition Commission, or even the EU, would allow O2 or Vodafone to take over T-Mobile, as they already have 25%+ of the market
from those figures, 3 & Virgin must have 11% between them

Orange & T-Mobile use the same GSM frequencies, so technically it will be easy to merge them.

i can see them having to do what Morrisons did when they bought Safeway:
cell tower sites they dont want would have to be sold, & not just turned off
Virgin, as an MVNO, would have to be given 100% access to the larger network from day 1
the 3Mobile sharing agreement will probably have to be ended

they will lose customers, & will probably have to not chase customers until their market share is ~30%

as for branding, i think 'Orange' is more likely to be kept, especially as they offer broadband under that name, & its easier to expand that generic name into other services.

plymouthbloke1974 · 08-09-2009, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRuss

You're not anywhere near the level of person who makes the decisions. You're welcome to your opinion (the world would be crap if that were not the case) but you're no closer to having an educated guess than me or any other Tmobile or Orange frontline staff.

We'll see......

wavejockglw · 08-09-2009, 19:38

This merger is probably the last nail in 3 UK's coffin.

If the new venture combine their mobile networks (and that has to be a big reason for a merger in terms of costs) and choose to let 3 UK do their own provison - 3 will be fu*ked. Hutchison Whampoa will have to sell up and exit the UK based on cost provison.

This deal is about more than what it seems on the surface and confirms that mobile operation is all about volume. Vodafone and 02 sharing sites etc for 32 million customers is good business, T-Mobile/Orange with 28 million sharing is also good but 3 UK might have to serve just 4-5 million customers and against the competition it's a hiding to nothing.

So after the dust settles on the Orange/T-Mobile deal who will the outflanked Hutchison Whampoa sell their 3 UK customer base to?

08-09-2009, 20:33

Also with this merger happening they are going to try and save at least £450 million. That will mean there will be also job losses in either company. I think it would be more so T-mobile is where the jobs will go as most are based in the UK.

Tonight I have just been talking to my firend who works in a local call centre and he is shit scared as he is worried in case they close his call centre down and he works for T- Mobile.

08-09-2009, 21:27

T-Mobile want the merger completed by November. Both brands will remain separate for 18 months until a strategy to merge them is developed.

Details:
http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/mobile_....aspx?id=60895

kev · 08-09-2009, 21:29

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.....

I left Orange for T-Mobile due to Orange's Abysmal customer services and network (and our contract at work followed a few years later for exactly the same reason - and them basically calling me a liar) and T-Mobile have been nothing but helpful, polite, and more than capable of what's been asked of them (unlike Orange). I really hope that every single person who works in T-Mobile's various customer service departments gets to keep there job, and actively influence the future direction of the merged company - they deserve it.

It it ends up becoming an Orange company then I doubt I'll be hanging round for long

(Looks like the future is bright for Vodafone if that happens).

Darobi · 08-09-2009, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by edgexedge

T-Mobile and Orange in UK merger
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8243226.stm

"T-Mobile is currently the fourth-largest mobile operator in the UK, with a 15% share of the market. O2 has a 27% share, followed by Vodafone (25%) and Orange (22%). "

"If completed, a deal between Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile and Orange owner France Telecom would see a firm with sales of 9.4bn euros (£8.2bn; $13.5bn).

It would be the UK's largest provider, overtaking Telefonica's O2, with about 37% of the mobile market"

i dont think the Competition Commission, or even the EU, would allow O2 or Vodafone to take over T-Mobile, as they already have 25%+ of the market
from those figures, 3 & Virgin must have 11% between them

Orange & T-Mobile use the same GSM frequencies, so technically it will be easy to merge them.

i can see them having to do what Morrisons did when they bought Safeway:
cell tower sites they dont want would have to be sold, & not just turned off
Virgin, as an MVNO, would have to be given 100% access to the larger network from day 1
the 3Mobile sharing agreement will probably have to be ended

they will lose customers, & will probably have to not chase customers until their market share is ~30%

as for branding, i think 'Orange' is more likely to be kept, especially as they offer broadband under that name, & its easier to expand that generic name into other services.

1-2-1 sold their towers off years ago. They are now owned by Arqvia (old NTL) and they rent space on the tower for their antenna's. Late 90's this was.

I can see "three" being the loosers if this goes through.

T-mob and Three are doing a full network share, swapping out old equipment for new, which can run both operators frequency for 3G. It can't run 3 sets of frequencies though.

If the deal gets approved I can't see Three surviving, shame really.

08-09-2009, 22:48

I have just read on Sky news and in some newpapers that because of this merger that 19,000 jobs within both companies will be gone. As I said in a pervious post that once this merger is sorted out that they are trying to save £450 million pounds.

Saying that I can see that all the job losses will be within T-mobile and hardly any will be with Orange.

It's like when I use to work for Music Hire Group and they got took over by BellFruit, come to Febuary 1990 and I was made redunded at 18 years old because they want to get rid of staff and they sacked most of those from Music Hire Group. Bellfruits is now JPM which supply your fruit machines in pubs and clubs. They also use to supply your CD and Record jukeboxes.

Hurlley · 08-09-2009, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by micksea241

I have just read on Sky news and in some newpapers that because of this merger that 19,000 jobs within both companies will be gone. As I said in a pervious post that once this merger is sorted out that they are trying to save £450 million pounds.

Saying that I can see that all the job losses will be within T-mobile and hardly any will be with Orange.

It's like when I use to work for Music Hire Group and they got took over by BellFruit, come to Febuary 1990 and I was made redunded at 18 years old because they want to get rid of staff and they sacked most of those from Music Hire Group. Bellfruits is now JPM which supply your fruit machines in pubs and clubs. They also use to supply your CD and Record jukeboxes.

I just don't understand how they can get rid of people though, if there is a bigger customer base they need more people, if two companies come together nothing needs to change only the higher position rankings may change, Call Centres and the like need not change.

scruffpot · 08-09-2009, 22:57

oooh dear.. im not entierly in favour of this, got messed around quite a few times by Orange so I left, ended up on t-mobile solo, however now being charged for calls that should be inside my tarrif mins and it costs 25p everytime to sort their mess out.. may consider leaving t-mobile for virgin or somone else.. ohh well.

I did look at orange a few weeks back as was considering a monthly contract but so expensive especially the 24 month contracts (compared to other networks)and if you want an 18 month contract its 24 month prices + (i think)£5. Gone are the days of 12 months

. im trying to pursade my mum to leave Everyday 50 (remember that tarrif) and go on to a sim only as she gets charged (as the tarrif does not exist any more) around 30p a text as Orange decided to up the price when she went for a new phone on an upgrade! but she wont listen.

edgexedge · 08-09-2009, 23:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by micksea241

I have just read on Sky news and in some newpapers that because of this merger that 19,000 jobs within both companies will be gone. As I said in a pervious post that once this merger is sorted out that they are trying to save £450 million pounds.

Saying that I can see that all the job losses will be within T-mobile and hardly any will be with Orange.

It's like when I use to work for Music Hire Group and they got took over by BellFruit, come to Febuary 1990 and I was made redunded at 18 years old because they want to get rid of staff and they sacked most of those from Music Hire Group. Bellfruits is now JPM which supply your fruit machines in pubs and clubs. They also use to supply your CD and Record jukeboxes.

19000 jobs to go?

er, that cant be correct
even if they got rid of 50% of the combined workforce, that would mean between the 2 they employ 38000 people!

kyussmondo · 09-09-2009, 07:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce

I don't think so, companies like to create global brands nowadays. OK, so I know O2 is an exception, but nevertheless.

This is true, but a bad brand name with a bad reputation can be equally harmful. Most networks get a bad name these days. No one really likes telecoms companies. It could be a chance for a new start of improving their customer service and moving forward to get more important handsets on their networks before O2 and Vodafone snap them up.

Johnny Seven · 09-09-2009, 08:08

I’m afraid I’m a cynic when I hear two merging companies say “it will be good for the consumer” normally means “you’ll be paying more soon”

iRuss · 09-09-2009, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darobi

I can see "three" being the loosers if this goes through.

Three won't be the losers in this. If necessary they can apply to one of the other networks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Seven

I’m afraid I’m a cynic when I hear two merging companies say “it will be good for the consumer” normally means “you’ll be paying more soon”

But that would be a PR disaster. In an attempt to be as successful as possible as a newly 'launched' company they'd need to be as attractive as possible. Having higher prices won't do that.

Johnny Seven · 09-09-2009, 08:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRuss

Three won't be the losers in this. If necessary they can apply to one of the other networks.

But that would be a PR disaster. In an attempt to be as successful as possible as a newly 'launched' company they'd need to be as attractive as possible. Having higher prices won't do that.

hopefully your right,

Ricardodaforce · 09-09-2009, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurlley

I just don't understand how they can get rid of people though, if there is a bigger customer base they need more people, if two companies come together nothing needs to change only the higher position rankings may change, Call Centres and the like need not change.

Retail will be strongly hit. Where there is an Orange store there is a T-Mobile store (usually). In fact in the newish Eden Centre in High Wycombe they are literally next to each other. They won't need both.

Darobi · 09-09-2009, 13:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRuss

Three won't be the losers in this. If necessary they can apply to one of the other networks.

But that would be a PR disaster. In an attempt to be as successful as possible as a newly 'launched' company they'd need to be as attractive as possible. Having higher prices won't do that.

As they are around a 1/3 of the way in upgrading their network to have T-mob on board I'd say they have a lot to loose.

08-09-2009, 17:28	#51
spursgalea Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,153	Quote: Originally Posted by Appleseed I would guess that whatever 'deal' you have now would carry on (for a while at least) I'd also guess that when the merger is complete, some new 'deals' will be presented in the hope that people will move over to them. thanks what you are saying is what likely to happen

08-09-2009, 17:33	#52
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Posts: 20,282	It didn't do BT Cellnet any harm when they rebranded to O2 after new owners bought that company. Incidentally I've read a report about the merger in tonight's Evening Standard which says that Virgin Mobile are supportive, so will likely stay as a virtual network using both Orange and T-Mobile's networks. Incidentally, Virgin has a larger share than 3 which isn't a virtual network!

08-09-2009, 17:55	#53
sotek Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,200	Quote: Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974 I would quite happily go down Ladbrokes right now and stick £5,000 on Orange retaining the name. A fool and his money are easily parted! I suspect nobody, even those at the top of Orange, have any idea what the joint venture will end up being known as. They will undoubtedly start with a blank sheet of paper and, being a 50/50 project, a totally new name is much more likely than anything else.

08-09-2009, 18:02	#54
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	Quote: Originally Posted by sotek A fool and his money are easily parted! I suspect nobody, even those at the top of Orange, have any idea what the joint venture will end up being known as. They will undoubtedly start with a blank sheet of paper and, being a 50/50 project, a totally new name is much more likely than anything else. I don't think so, companies like to create global brands nowadays. OK, so I know O2 is an exception, but nevertheless.

08-09-2009, 18:06	#55
sotek Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,200	Quote: Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce I don't think so, companies like to create global brands nowadays. OK, so I know O2 is an exception, but nevertheless. But the point here is surely that both are already global brands. That's why a new name is much more likely IMO. In fact, if anything, T-Mobile could claim bigger world-wide recognition.

08-09-2009, 18:14	#56
Appleseed Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3,673	Quote: Originally Posted by Martin Phillp It didn't do BT Cellnet any harm when they rebranded to O2 after new owners bought that company. Incidentally I've read a report about the merger in tonight's Evening Standard which says that Virgin Mobile are supportive, so will likely stay as a virtual network using both Orange and T-Mobile's networks. Incidentally, Virgin has a larger share than 3 which isn't a virtual network! Virgin are hardly likely to leave now that they stand to be able to provide a much better coverage. Hopefully, very soon all T-Mobile and Orange customers (and all their respective MVNOs) will be able to roam onto the 'other' network as a sort of 'stop gap' until the networks are fully integrated

08-09-2009, 18:15	#57
prking Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 9,167	There is a very interesting interview with the CEOs of Orange UK and T-Mobile UK on the Guardian website. They more or less confirm the whole issue of branding is up in the air, but do mention a "powered by..." scenario. They confirm that Virgin and 3 are generally supportive of the merger. But there is also talk (by the interviewer) that regulators may require Virgin to change to Voda or O2. There is also some talk of bringing promotions like Orange Wednesdays to T-Mobile.

08-09-2009, 18:36	#58
tiberian9 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 232	Quote: Originally Posted by prking But there is also talk (by the interviewer) that regulators may require Virgin to change to Voda or O2. That would be a bit poor if someone is on virgin because of local network issues on Vodafone or 02. Also if it is truely a 50/50 merger I don't see either side being happy about going with the other sides brand. My guess would be a totally new brand.

08-09-2009, 18:41	#59
edgexedge Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,881	T-Mobile and Orange in UK merger http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8243226.stm "T-Mobile is currently the fourth-largest mobile operator in the UK, with a 15% share of the market. O2 has a 27% share, followed by Vodafone (25%) and Orange (22%). " "If completed, a deal between Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile and Orange owner France Telecom would see a firm with sales of 9.4bn euros (£8.2bn; $13.5bn). It would be the UK's largest provider, overtaking Telefonica's O2, with about 37% of the mobile market" i dont think the Competition Commission, or even the EU, would allow O2 or Vodafone to take over T-Mobile, as they already have 25%+ of the market from those figures, 3 & Virgin must have 11% between them Orange & T-Mobile use the same GSM frequencies, so technically it will be easy to merge them. i can see them having to do what Morrisons did when they bought Safeway: cell tower sites they dont want would have to be sold, & not just turned off Virgin, as an MVNO, would have to be given 100% access to the larger network from day 1 the 3Mobile sharing agreement will probably have to be ended they will lose customers, & will probably have to not chase customers until their market share is ~30% as for branding, i think 'Orange' is more likely to be kept, especially as they offer broadband under that name, & its easier to expand that generic name into other services.

08-09-2009, 19:16	#60
plymouthbloke1974 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Destination: Hard Brexit Posts: 6,368	Quote: Originally Posted by iRuss You're not anywhere near the level of person who makes the decisions. You're welcome to your opinion (the world would be crap if that were not the case) but you're no closer to having an educated guess than me or any other Tmobile or Orange frontline staff. We'll see......

08-09-2009, 19:38	#61
wavejockglw Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Glasgow Posts: 10,276	This merger is probably the last nail in 3 UK's coffin. If the new venture combine their mobile networks (and that has to be a big reason for a merger in terms of costs) and choose to let 3 UK do their own provison - 3 will be fu*ked. Hutchison Whampoa will have to sell up and exit the UK based on cost provison. This deal is about more than what it seems on the surface and confirms that mobile operation is all about volume. Vodafone and 02 sharing sites etc for 32 million customers is good business, T-Mobile/Orange with 28 million sharing is also good but 3 UK might have to serve just 4-5 million customers and against the competition it's a hiding to nothing. So after the dust settles on the Orange/T-Mobile deal who will the outflanked Hutchison Whampoa sell their 3 UK customer base to?

08-09-2009, 20:33	#62
micksea241 Posts: n/a	Also with this merger happening they are going to try and save at least £450 million. That will mean there will be also job losses in either company. I think it would be more so T-mobile is where the jobs will go as most are based in the UK. Tonight I have just been talking to my firend who works in a local call centre and he is shit scared as he is worried in case they close his call centre down and he works for T- Mobile.

08-09-2009, 21:27	#63
Tom Joad Posts: n/a	T-Mobile want the merger completed by November. Both brands will remain separate for 18 months until a strategy to merge them is developed. Details: http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/mobile_....aspx?id=60895

08-09-2009, 21:29	#64
kev Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: South Notts (Waltham TV TX) Posts: 20,200	Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo..... I left Orange for T-Mobile due to Orange's Abysmal customer services and network (and our contract at work followed a few years later for exactly the same reason - and them basically calling me a liar) and T-Mobile have been nothing but helpful, polite, and more than capable of what's been asked of them (unlike Orange). I really hope that every single person who works in T-Mobile's various customer service departments gets to keep there job, and actively influence the future direction of the merged company - they deserve it. It it ends up becoming an Orange company then I doubt I'll be hanging round for long (Looks like the future is bright for Vodafone if that happens).

08-09-2009, 22:38	#65
Darobi Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: North Notts Posts: 4,090	Quote: Originally Posted by edgexedge T-Mobile and Orange in UK merger http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8243226.stm "T-Mobile is currently the fourth-largest mobile operator in the UK, with a 15% share of the market. O2 has a 27% share, followed by Vodafone (25%) and Orange (22%). " "If completed, a deal between Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile and Orange owner France Telecom would see a firm with sales of 9.4bn euros (£8.2bn; $13.5bn). It would be the UK's largest provider, overtaking Telefonica's O2, with about 37% of the mobile market" i dont think the Competition Commission, or even the EU, would allow O2 or Vodafone to take over T-Mobile, as they already have 25%+ of the market from those figures, 3 & Virgin must have 11% between them Orange & T-Mobile use the same GSM frequencies, so technically it will be easy to merge them. i can see them having to do what Morrisons did when they bought Safeway: cell tower sites they dont want would have to be sold, & not just turned off Virgin, as an MVNO, would have to be given 100% access to the larger network from day 1 the 3Mobile sharing agreement will probably have to be ended they will lose customers, & will probably have to not chase customers until their market share is ~30% as for branding, i think 'Orange' is more likely to be kept, especially as they offer broadband under that name, & its easier to expand that generic name into other services. 1-2-1 sold their towers off years ago. They are now owned by Arqvia (old NTL) and they rent space on the tower for their antenna's. Late 90's this was. I can see "three" being the loosers if this goes through. T-mob and Three are doing a full network share, swapping out old equipment for new, which can run both operators frequency for 3G. It can't run 3 sets of frequencies though. If the deal gets approved I can't see Three surviving, shame really.

08-09-2009, 22:48	#66
micksea241 Posts: n/a	I have just read on Sky news and in some newpapers that because of this merger that 19,000 jobs within both companies will be gone. As I said in a pervious post that once this merger is sorted out that they are trying to save £450 million pounds. Saying that I can see that all the job losses will be within T-mobile and hardly any will be with Orange. It's like when I use to work for Music Hire Group and they got took over by BellFruit, come to Febuary 1990 and I was made redunded at 18 years old because they want to get rid of staff and they sacked most of those from Music Hire Group. Bellfruits is now JPM which supply your fruit machines in pubs and clubs. They also use to supply your CD and Record jukeboxes.

08-09-2009, 22:55	#67
Hurlley Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,993	Quote: Originally Posted by micksea241 I have just read on Sky news and in some newpapers that because of this merger that 19,000 jobs within both companies will be gone. As I said in a pervious post that once this merger is sorted out that they are trying to save £450 million pounds. Saying that I can see that all the job losses will be within T-mobile and hardly any will be with Orange. It's like when I use to work for Music Hire Group and they got took over by BellFruit, come to Febuary 1990 and I was made redunded at 18 years old because they want to get rid of staff and they sacked most of those from Music Hire Group. Bellfruits is now JPM which supply your fruit machines in pubs and clubs. They also use to supply your CD and Record jukeboxes. I just don't understand how they can get rid of people though, if there is a bigger customer base they need more people, if two companies come together nothing needs to change only the higher position rankings may change, Call Centres and the like need not change.

08-09-2009, 22:57	#68
scruffpot Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,342	oooh dear.. im not entierly in favour of this, got messed around quite a few times by Orange so I left, ended up on t-mobile solo, however now being charged for calls that should be inside my tarrif mins and it costs 25p everytime to sort their mess out.. may consider leaving t-mobile for virgin or somone else.. ohh well. I did look at orange a few weeks back as was considering a monthly contract but so expensive especially the 24 month contracts (compared to other networks)and if you want an 18 month contract its 24 month prices + (i think)£5. Gone are the days of 12 months . im trying to pursade my mum to leave Everyday 50 (remember that tarrif) and go on to a sim only as she gets charged (as the tarrif does not exist any more) around 30p a text as Orange decided to up the price when she went for a new phone on an upgrade! but she wont listen.

08-09-2009, 23:20	#69
edgexedge Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,881	Quote: Originally Posted by micksea241 I have just read on Sky news and in some newpapers that because of this merger that 19,000 jobs within both companies will be gone. As I said in a pervious post that once this merger is sorted out that they are trying to save £450 million pounds. Saying that I can see that all the job losses will be within T-mobile and hardly any will be with Orange. It's like when I use to work for Music Hire Group and they got took over by BellFruit, come to Febuary 1990 and I was made redunded at 18 years old because they want to get rid of staff and they sacked most of those from Music Hire Group. Bellfruits is now JPM which supply your fruit machines in pubs and clubs. They also use to supply your CD and Record jukeboxes. 19000 jobs to go? er, that cant be correct even if they got rid of 50% of the combined workforce, that would mean between the 2 they employ 38000 people!

09-09-2009, 07:46	#70
kyussmondo Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk Posts: 1,731	Quote: Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce I don't think so, companies like to create global brands nowadays. OK, so I know O2 is an exception, but nevertheless. This is true, but a bad brand name with a bad reputation can be equally harmful. Most networks get a bad name these days. No one really likes telecoms companies. It could be a chance for a new start of improving their customer service and moving forward to get more important handsets on their networks before O2 and Vodafone snap them up.

09-09-2009, 08:08	#71
Johnny Seven Guest Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 589	I’m afraid I’m a cynic when I hear two merging companies say “it will be good for the consumer” normally means “you’ll be paying more soon”

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Orange and T-Mobile UK to merge

09-09-2009, 08:13	#72
iRuss Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 470	Quote: Originally Posted by Darobi I can see "three" being the loosers if this goes through. Three won't be the losers in this. If necessary they can apply to one of the other networks. Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny Seven I’m afraid I’m a cynic when I hear two merging companies say “it will be good for the consumer” normally means “you’ll be paying more soon” But that would be a PR disaster. In an attempt to be as successful as possible as a newly 'launched' company they'd need to be as attractive as possible. Having higher prices won't do that.

09-09-2009, 08:29	#73
Johnny Seven Guest Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 589	Quote: Originally Posted by iRuss Three won't be the losers in this. If necessary they can apply to one of the other networks. But that would be a PR disaster. In an attempt to be as successful as possible as a newly 'launched' company they'd need to be as attractive as possible. Having higher prices won't do that. hopefully your right,

09-09-2009, 08:36	#74
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	Quote: Originally Posted by Hurlley I just don't understand how they can get rid of people though, if there is a bigger customer base they need more people, if two companies come together nothing needs to change only the higher position rankings may change, Call Centres and the like need not change. Retail will be strongly hit. Where there is an Orange store there is a T-Mobile store (usually). In fact in the newish Eden Centre in High Wycombe they are literally next to each other. They won't need both.

09-09-2009, 13:41	#75
Darobi Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: North Notts Posts: 4,090	Quote: Originally Posted by iRuss Three won't be the losers in this. If necessary they can apply to one of the other networks. But that would be a PR disaster. In an attempt to be as successful as possible as a newly 'launched' company they'd need to be as attractive as possible. Having higher prices won't do that. As they are around a 1/3 of the way in upgrading their network to have T-mob on board I'd say they have a lot to loose.