Orange and T-Mobile UK to merge

Jay23Sx · 09-09-2009, 14:03

Quote:

If Three comes anywhere near the deal I'm off.... Despise the service and operstion with a passion....

The Register have already mentioned that Three are in the mix. Mainly because they have a 2G roaming agreement with Orange and a 3G network sharing agreement with T-Mobile. That will be three operators, to become two at some point, all sharing a network (and Virgin piggy backing on all of it).

Should mean better coverage for all.

MsCongeniality · 09-09-2009, 14:27

.....

MsCongeniality · 09-09-2009, 14:29

I changed from orange to t-mobile because orange's customer service sucked.
I really like the t-mobile tariffs too. Presently 1400 anybody anytime minutes, unlimited texts, free calls between my daughter and me which don't reduce my monthly allowance either and 1gb internet usage for under £30. I remember orange's internet tariffs being exorbitant too.

Jay23Sx · 09-09-2009, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsCongeniality

I changed from orange to t-mobile because orange's customer service sucked.
I really like the t-mobile tariffs too. Presently 1400 anybody anytime minutes, unlimited texts, free calls between my daughter and me which don't reduce my monthly allowance either and 1gb internet usage for under £30. I remember orange's internet tariffs being exorbitant too.

Don't get to worried just yet, remember if it gets the go ahead they said that they will operate as two seperate companies for at least 18 months so you don't have to worry yet.

clonmult · 09-09-2009, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay23Sx

Don't get to worried just yet, remember if it gets the go ahead they said that they will operate as two seperate companies for at least 18 months so you don't have to worry yet.

Its going to take them that kinda of time to actually figure out ....
- how to get the operations to work "together" (ie. network sharing)
- possibly work out the mvno details with Virgin and 3 (who will both want to re-negotiate better deals)
- figure out a suitable name for the now pink fruity operator

I've worked at Telcos that have undergone merges, and have been involved in some of the application integration - it can be an utter nightmare. And from what I know of the T-mobile systems, they aren't exactly the best designed out there ....

Darobi · 09-09-2009, 16:41

I don't think O2 will be to happy with this as it leaves them bottom of the pile with the 3G frequency split.

Three 3x5meg chunks back to back = 15meg spread
Voda 2x5 meg + 1x5 meg = 15 meg spread
Orange/t-mob 2x5megs each= 20meg spread

O2 2x5meg = 10meg spread

I can see the 3G frequency that orange/t-mobile have being split up and sold again, most likely 5meg possibly 10 meg.

Steven L Hunter · 09-09-2009, 17:02

I think they should keep Orange as the branding as it is well known over the cinemas etc from their adverts but I think that Orange should get rid of that awful voice they have and change it to the T-Mobile one they have it sounds much more professional.

will2348 · 09-09-2009, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven L Hunter

I think they should keep Orange as the branding as it is well known over the cinemas etc from their adverts but I think that Orange should get rid of that awful voice they have and change it to the T-Mobile one they have it sounds much more professional.

I really like the name t-mobile, i don't know why, but if they merge with orange, does that mean all the awful orange branding all over my new phone, i think i will leave.

iRuss · 09-09-2009, 18:10

It's more than likely they'll use neither brand name.

Ricardodaforce · 09-09-2009, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRuss

It's more than likely they'll use neither brand name.

Yes and lose any benefit of pan-european brand identity. Imagine, all those millions Orange plough into the Tour de France wasted on their UK client base. Just an example.

sotek · 09-09-2009, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce

Yes and lose any benefit of pan-european brand identity. Imagine, all those millions Orange plough into the Tour de France wasted on their UK client base. Just an example.

But seeing as there is speculation that the parent companies could well seek to float the new venture in the medium term (say 3 years down the line) a totally separate identity may well be the most appropriate.

In addition, the identity of the Orange/T-Mobile joint venture is only important only the UK. It will have no impact on the European subsidiaries of each which will continue as before.

Ricardodaforce · 09-09-2009, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by sotek

But seeing as there is speculation that the parent companies could well seek to float the new venture in the medium term (say 3 years down the line) a totally separate identity may well be the most appropriate.

In addition, the identity of the Orange/T-Mobile joint venture is only important only the UK. It will have no impact on the European subsidiaries of each which will continue as before.

I understand that, but the reason companies create global brands is so they can create generic marketing that can be tailored to each specific locale. O2 is really an exception to the rule.

09-09-2009, 20:52

What about the merged company having their HQ in Lancashire and rebranding the merged company - T'Orange!

I'll get my coat............

iRuss · 09-09-2009, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce

Yes and lose any benefit of pan-european brand identity. Imagine, all those millions Orange plough into the Tour de France wasted on their UK client base. Just an example.

18 months (at least) will give them plenty of time to make suitable arrangements.

edgexedge · 09-09-2009, 20:57

they will either go with the Orange brand, or a completely new one
T-Mobile is simply not as strong a brand, & dosnt exist/expand into any other areas

T-Mobile broadband anyone?
Orange broadband, already exists

the owners of T-Mobile are looking to exit the UK market, so they have the bottom hand
it must also put a question mark on the rest of the T-Mobile networks in Europe, & maybe even in the US

Ray266 · 09-09-2009, 21:21

I think T-Mobile as a brand will go in time if Orange becomes the brand I will leave them no question about that, ive never liked Orange the good thing about T-Mobile you get more from them on contract than most other networks.

Tadpole · 09-09-2009, 21:41

From reports over the last couple of years

Vodafone and Orange to share mobile phone networks (Feb 2007)

3UK and T-Mobile in 3G network share deal (Dec 2007)

Orange UK and T-Mobile UK to merge (Sep 2009)

How many of these deals will stand with the recent news? My guess is the merger/take-over is likely to be blocked by Europe, even though I'd be quite happy for it to go ahead personally.

Ricardodaforce · 09-09-2009, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRuss

18 months (at least) will give them plenty of time to make suitable arrangements.

Like? So, if the Orange brand is retained. How could France Telecom make "suitable arrangements" for the UK pertaining to their Orange sponsorship of Le Tour?

lamplite1c · 09-09-2009, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Running Water

T'Orange

Lol, I prefer O-Mobile

magikmax · 10-09-2009, 00:07

What about a compromise between the two companies? I vote for

Pink

as the new brand name. It's a colour (in keeping with Orange being a colour), and it also reflects T-Mobile's branding (being largely pink).

In saying that, seeing as I left Orange for T-Mobile because of the service I had with them, I would be quite happy if the new company was to be called 'T-Mobile' and they dispensed with the Orange branding altogether.

lamplite1c · 10-09-2009, 00:24

What about Satsuma?? Or Kumquat (or however you spell it) pmsl, but if were staying with a fruity colour Lemon. . . very zesty "i bought a Lemon Today" Maby not lol

Aye Up · 10-09-2009, 00:26

Given Deutsche Telekon wanted to dispose of the T-Mobile brand in the UK it is more than likely once all investment and cost savings are complete Orange will remain the brand name, in terms of product portfolio, Orange's is considerable more diverse than that of T-Mobile. Furthermore in terms of engagement with the wide UK base Orange has the bigger foothold.

I could be wrong however, but it makes me wonder what this will do to "The Agenda" that was propagating throughout Orange, if the two companies do merge there will be some huge changes. I suspect as well however that offshoring will cease and T-Mobile's manila base will close for pay monthly.

This is all an educated guess, as the stronger of the two brands Orange will survive, France telecom will not want to kill off Orange in the UK nor anywhere else given it nearly killed the brand and has spent an awful amount of resources trying to rebuild it.

However am speculating, what worries me more is the job security. I have been employed by the company (Orange) near 10 months now and for everywhere there is an Orange shop there is a T-Mobile one close by. Which will be the first to go? I do not know.

iRuss · 10-09-2009, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce

Like? So, if the Orange brand is retained. How could France Telecom make "suitable arrangements" for the UK pertaining to their Orange sponsorship of Le Tour?

Different branding in different countries - seriously it's not rocket science. No need to make an issue out of something that isn't there.

Ricardodaforce · 10-09-2009, 07:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRuss

Different branding in different countries - seriously it's not rocket science. No need to make an issue out of something that isn't there.

No are totally not understanding my point. Waaaay wide of the mark. And demonstrating a zero understand of marketing.

iRuss · 10-09-2009, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce

No are totally not understanding my point. Waaaay wide of the mark. And demonstrating a zero understand of marketing.

I (and others) have found offering a different viewpoint to you to be a total waste of time in the past, you only see things your own way so I'll leave it there. But feel free to bookmark this page and come back to it in 18 months' time and see who turned out to be right.

09-09-2009, 14:03	#76
Jay23Sx Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,948	Quote: Originally Posted by pinkfoot2 If Three comes anywhere near the deal I'm off.... Despise the service and operstion with a passion.... The Register have already mentioned that Three are in the mix. Mainly because they have a 2G roaming agreement with Orange and a 3G network sharing agreement with T-Mobile. That will be three operators, to become two at some point, all sharing a network (and Virgin piggy backing on all of it). Should mean better coverage for all.

09-09-2009, 14:27	#77
MsCongeniality Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 381	..... Last edited by MsCongeniality : 09-09-2009 at 14:30. Reason: duplicate post

09-09-2009, 20:52	#88
Tom Joad Posts: n/a	Re-branding name What about the merged company having their HQ in Lancashire and rebranding the merged company - T'Orange! I'll get my coat............

09-09-2009, 14:29	#78
MsCongeniality Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 381	I changed from orange to t-mobile because orange's customer service sucked. I really like the t-mobile tariffs too. Presently 1400 anybody anytime minutes, unlimited texts, free calls between my daughter and me which don't reduce my monthly allowance either and 1gb internet usage for under £30. I remember orange's internet tariffs being exorbitant too.

09-09-2009, 14:38	#79
Jay23Sx Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,948	Quote: Originally Posted by MsCongeniality I changed from orange to t-mobile because orange's customer service sucked. I really like the t-mobile tariffs too. Presently 1400 anybody anytime minutes, unlimited texts, free calls between my daughter and me which don't reduce my monthly allowance either and 1gb internet usage for under £30. I remember orange's internet tariffs being exorbitant too. Don't get to worried just yet, remember if it gets the go ahead they said that they will operate as two seperate companies for at least 18 months so you don't have to worry yet.

09-09-2009, 14:57	#80
clonmult Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,291	Quote: Originally Posted by Jay23Sx Don't get to worried just yet, remember if it gets the go ahead they said that they will operate as two seperate companies for at least 18 months so you don't have to worry yet. Its going to take them that kinda of time to actually figure out .... - how to get the operations to work "together" (ie. network sharing) - possibly work out the mvno details with Virgin and 3 (who will both want to re-negotiate better deals) - figure out a suitable name for the now pink fruity operator I've worked at Telcos that have undergone merges, and have been involved in some of the application integration - it can be an utter nightmare. And from what I know of the T-mobile systems, they aren't exactly the best designed out there ....

09-09-2009, 16:41	#81
Darobi Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: North Notts Posts: 4,090	I don't think O2 will be to happy with this as it leaves them bottom of the pile with the 3G frequency split. Three 3x5meg chunks back to back = 15meg spread Voda 2x5 meg + 1x5 meg = 15 meg spread Orange/t-mob 2x5megs each= 20meg spread O2 2x5meg = 10meg spread I can see the 3G frequency that orange/t-mobile have being split up and sold again, most likely 5meg possibly 10 meg.

09-09-2009, 17:02	#82
Steven L Hunter Guest Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 10,517	I think they should keep Orange as the branding as it is well known over the cinemas etc from their adverts but I think that Orange should get rid of that awful voice they have and change it to the T-Mobile one they have it sounds much more professional.

09-09-2009, 17:53	#83
will2348 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: London Posts: 1,418	Quote: Originally Posted by Steven L Hunter I think they should keep Orange as the branding as it is well known over the cinemas etc from their adverts but I think that Orange should get rid of that awful voice they have and change it to the T-Mobile one they have it sounds much more professional. I really like the name t-mobile, i don't know why, but if they merge with orange, does that mean all the awful orange branding all over my new phone, i think i will leave.

09-09-2009, 18:10	#84
iRuss Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 470	It's more than likely they'll use neither brand name.

09-09-2009, 18:15	#85
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	Quote: Originally Posted by iRuss It's more than likely they'll use neither brand name. Yes and lose any benefit of pan-european brand identity. Imagine, all those millions Orange plough into the Tour de France wasted on their UK client base. Just an example.

09-09-2009, 18:56	#86
sotek Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,200	Quote: Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce Yes and lose any benefit of pan-european brand identity. Imagine, all those millions Orange plough into the Tour de France wasted on their UK client base. Just an example. But seeing as there is speculation that the parent companies could well seek to float the new venture in the medium term (say 3 years down the line) a totally separate identity may well be the most appropriate. In addition, the identity of the Orange/T-Mobile joint venture is only important only the UK. It will have no impact on the European subsidiaries of each which will continue as before.

09-09-2009, 20:48	#87
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	Quote: Originally Posted by sotek But seeing as there is speculation that the parent companies could well seek to float the new venture in the medium term (say 3 years down the line) a totally separate identity may well be the most appropriate. In addition, the identity of the Orange/T-Mobile joint venture is only important only the UK. It will have no impact on the European subsidiaries of each which will continue as before. I understand that, but the reason companies create global brands is so they can create generic marketing that can be tailored to each specific locale. O2 is really an exception to the rule.

09-09-2009, 20:55	#89
iRuss Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 470	Quote: Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce Yes and lose any benefit of pan-european brand identity. Imagine, all those millions Orange plough into the Tour de France wasted on their UK client base. Just an example. 18 months (at least) will give them plenty of time to make suitable arrangements.

09-09-2009, 20:57	#90
edgexedge Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,881	they will either go with the Orange brand, or a completely new one T-Mobile is simply not as strong a brand, & dosnt exist/expand into any other areas T-Mobile broadband anyone? Orange broadband, already exists the owners of T-Mobile are looking to exit the UK market, so they have the bottom hand it must also put a question mark on the rest of the T-Mobile networks in Europe, & maybe even in the US

09-09-2009, 21:21	#91
Ray266 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leeds Posts: 2,477	I think T-Mobile as a brand will go in time if Orange becomes the brand I will leave them no question about that, ive never liked Orange the good thing about T-Mobile you get more from them on contract than most other networks.

09-09-2009, 21:41	#92
Tadpole Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Solihull, West Mids Posts: 1,609	From reports over the last couple of years Vodafone and Orange to share mobile phone networks (Feb 2007) 3UK and T-Mobile in 3G network share deal (Dec 2007) Orange UK and T-Mobile UK to merge (Sep 2009) How many of these deals will stand with the recent news? My guess is the merger/take-over is likely to be blocked by Europe, even though I'd be quite happy for it to go ahead personally.

09-09-2009, 22:01	#93
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	Quote: Originally Posted by iRuss 18 months (at least) will give them plenty of time to make suitable arrangements. Like? So, if the Orange brand is retained. How could France Telecom make "suitable arrangements" for the UK pertaining to their Orange sponsorship of Le Tour?

09-09-2009, 23:58	#94
lamplite1c Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Southampton Posts: 358	Quote: Originally Posted by Running Water T'Orange Lol, I prefer O-Mobile

10-09-2009, 00:07	#95
magikmax Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scotlandshire Posts: 786	What about a compromise between the two companies? I vote for Pink as the new brand name. It's a colour (in keeping with Orange being a colour), and it also reflects T-Mobile's branding (being largely pink). In saying that, seeing as I left Orange for T-Mobile because of the service I had with them, I would be quite happy if the new company was to be called 'T-Mobile' and they dispensed with the Orange branding altogether.

10-09-2009, 00:24	#96
lamplite1c Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Southampton Posts: 358	What about Satsuma?? Or Kumquat (or however you spell it) pmsl, but if were staying with a fruity colour Lemon. . . very zesty "i bought a Lemon Today" Maby not lol

10-09-2009, 00:26	#97
Aye Up Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West Posts: 4,885	Given Deutsche Telekon wanted to dispose of the T-Mobile brand in the UK it is more than likely once all investment and cost savings are complete Orange will remain the brand name, in terms of product portfolio, Orange's is considerable more diverse than that of T-Mobile. Furthermore in terms of engagement with the wide UK base Orange has the bigger foothold. I could be wrong however, but it makes me wonder what this will do to "The Agenda" that was propagating throughout Orange, if the two companies do merge there will be some huge changes. I suspect as well however that offshoring will cease and T-Mobile's manila base will close for pay monthly. This is all an educated guess, as the stronger of the two brands Orange will survive, France telecom will not want to kill off Orange in the UK nor anywhere else given it nearly killed the brand and has spent an awful amount of resources trying to rebuild it. However am speculating, what worries me more is the job security. I have been employed by the company (Orange) near 10 months now and for everywhere there is an Orange shop there is a T-Mobile one close by. Which will be the first to go? I do not know.

10-09-2009, 00:48	#98
iRuss Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 470	Quote: Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce Like? So, if the Orange brand is retained. How could France Telecom make "suitable arrangements" for the UK pertaining to their Orange sponsorship of Le Tour? Different branding in different countries - seriously it's not rocket science. No need to make an issue out of something that isn't there.

DS Forums

Orange and T-Mobile UK to merge

10-09-2009, 07:16	#99
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	Quote: Originally Posted by iRuss Different branding in different countries - seriously it's not rocket science. No need to make an issue out of something that isn't there. No are totally not understanding my point. Waaaay wide of the mark. And demonstrating a zero understand of marketing.

10-09-2009, 09:39	#100
iRuss Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 470	Quote: Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce No are totally not understanding my point. Waaaay wide of the mark. And demonstrating a zero understand of marketing. I (and others) have found offering a different viewpoint to you to be a total waste of time in the past, you only see things your own way so I'll leave it there. But feel free to bookmark this page and come back to it in 18 months' time and see who turned out to be right.