Telefónica in talks with German operators
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Telefónica in talks with German operators

Telefónica is reportedly in talks with German mobile operators Freenet and Drillisch, as well as Liberty Global’s Unitymedia Kabel, as it continues to seek approval from the EU for its takeover of KPN’s E-Plus.

According to Bloomberg, the Spanish incumbent is exploring whether the companies would be interested in access to its mobile network.

Telefónica is also said to be in talks with German ISP United Internet regarding wholesale access to faster internet speeds.

The talks appear are said to be aimed at strengthening the position of MVNOs in the market, and could form part of Telefónica’s plan to lease spectrum and access to its network rivals in order to obtain EU approval.

The operator’s $12 billion bid for E-Plus has prompted concerns that competition would be squeezed in the German market.

In May, the EU extended the deadline for a final decision on the proposed takeover. If the deal does eventually go ahead, it would create a mobile customer base of 44.7 million users.

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