United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
CMA raises concerns about Viasat-Inmarsat deal
Viasat’s bid to take over UK based Inmarsat could potentially be bad news for airline passengers
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the $7.3 billion takeover would likely reduce competition in the commercial airline Wi-Fi market.
The CMA wrote to the two companies with itsl concerns and they have until October 13 to address them and outline any revisions.
California-based Viasat agreed a deal last year for Inmarsat.
They also sought approvals in Europe and the US.
The merger was recently green-lighted by the UK government over national security requirements as both operate in the defence and security sectors.
Colin Raftery, senior director at the CMA, said ‘it remains uncertain whether the next generation of satellite operators will be able to compete against them effectively.’
“There is great interest in affordable in-flight connectivity, so the CMA’s decision to proceed to a Phase 2 review is not unexpected, even though IFC represents less than 10% of the revenues of the combined company,” said Viasat chief executive, Mark Dankberg.
Related News Stories:
Ray Monty
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled