How a Merger of Virgin Media and O2 Will Impact Consumers

  • Liberty Global and Telefonica in talks to combine U.K. Units
  • Both companies offer services with minimal existing crossover
Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg
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Combining O2, the U.K.’s largest mobile phone operator, with Virgin Media, the nation’s second-largest broadband provider, could reshape the market for consumers as much as the telecommunications industry.

A tie-up between the U.K. broadband and mobile units of Liberty Global Plc and Telefonica SA, could be announced as soon as this week, and both companies offer a roster of perks and offers to tempt customers, many of which they’re uniquely positioned to offer -- and with minimal existing crossover.